How to make a Game?

[lady DarkDeath]

I need some help, I have an assignement at school (i go on a media and communication line in Norway) and I am supposed to make a room ascape game in flash, but i need help. I have never done something like this before.
I use Macromedia Flash 5.
In order to make a game, I need to learn how to do certain things that none of my teachers know how to do.
If anyone could answer some questions about flash i would be very pleased.

Q1: How do I make things fall together?
Q2: How can I script an object to move with the arrow?
Q3: How do i make the game remember what have been done?
Q4: How do I make a "bar" with items?

I do not remember more questions at the moment but i hope somebody can help me. (there will come more questions)

If anyone at all can help me by answering my questions it would be really really nice (my teachers know nothing)

Sincearly
Margit Eng (aka: lady_DarkDeath)

[GamersHood]

How much you know your Flash. Do you know some actionscript?
If you don't know, then i suggest You to learn some actionscript.

Actionscript tutorials (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&q=flash+actionscript+tutorials&btnG=Search)

Anyway here's some answers to your quetions:

A1: Sry, but dont know what you are exactly meaning.
A2: Here's a tutorial how to make an arrow(aka cursor) Tutorial here (http://www.absolutecross.com/tutorials/flash/cursor/)
A3: Here's a little tutorial, it's too small however Link (http://www.actionscript.org/tutorials/beginner/paths/index.shtml)
And i suggest you to read more basic tutorials from actionscript.org (http://www.actionscript.org)

And if you you now learn something. Then i just say, that i use "_level0."'s and "enterFrame"'s with my movieclips.

A4: To make a bar with items, you again have to learn "enterFrame" and "_level0" stuff. Also you need to know "dragging".

Here's the code, i use to drag items:


on (release) {
thisX = getProperty(this, _x);
thisY = getProperty(this, _y);
startDrag(this, true);
}
on (press, releaseOutside) {

if (_root.tv.hitTest(this))
{
//do something
setProperty(this, _x, thisX);
setProperty(this, _y, thisY);
stopDrag();
}
else
{
setProperty(this, _x, thisX);
setProperty(this, _y, thisY);
stopDrag();
}
}

P.S after "//" are comments.


Oh, and sry about the typos. And it's hard to explain if i don't know what you already know. I hope this at least gives you a some kind of view :D

[lady DarkDeath]

Thank you very much, this have been more helpful than my teachers...
We acctually have one teacher that is supposed to learn us flash, but he only know the basics, (like how to make something move or how to make a button) he does not even know how to use a guide...

but thank you very much...

if anyone have more tips, please send them....

[Unregistered]

How much you know your Flash. Do you know some actionscript?
If you don't know, then i suggest You to learn some actionscript.

Actionscript tutorials (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&q=flash+actionscript+tutorials&btnG=Search)

Anyway here's some answers to your quetions:

A1: Sry, but dont know what you are exactly meaning.
A2: Here's a tutorial how to make an arrow(aka cursor) Tutorial here (http://www.absolutecross.com/tutorials/flash/cursor/)
A3: Here's a little tutorial, it's too small however Link (http://www.actionscript.org/tutorials/beginner/paths/index.shtml)
And i suggest you to read more basic tutorials from actionscript.org (http://www.actionscript.org)

And if you you now learn something. Then i just say, that i use "_level0."'s and "enterFrame"'s with my movieclips.

A4: To make a bar with items, you again have to learn "enterFrame" and "_level0" stuff. Also you need to know "dragging".

Here's the code, i use to drag items:


on (release) {
thisX = getProperty(this, _x);
thisY = getProperty(this, _y);
startDrag(this, true);
}
on (press, releaseOutside) {

if (_root.tv.hitTest(this))
{
//do something
setProperty(this, _x, thisX);
setProperty(this, _y, thisY);
stopDrag();
}
else
{
setProperty(this, _x, thisX);
setProperty(this, _y, thisY);
stopDrag();
}
}

P.S after "//" are comments.


Oh, and sry about the typos. And it's hard to explain if i don't know what you already know. I hope this at least gives you a some kind of view :D
do you know like a site or soming cause i really want to make one

[Unregistered]

do you know like a site or soming cause i really want to make one

I know how to make one, but i have not did it yet and i think there's no site with particular tutorial, couse it's just too general/basic to make a tutorial about.

[smackdown]

I want to know how to make a game but I have no idea how to do it. Could someone tell me what kind of software I need.

[Mistery]

If you want to make on online game, you need Flash.

For downloadable games there are a couple of different game engines to work with.

[Acelightning]

is there a way i can make a game without downloading anything????????

[Mistery]

You mean without the need for YOU to download a software for that or for your players?

You need to have a software for making games, unless it is a html riddle game.

[Acelightning]

i mean so I don't have 2 download anything onto my computer

[Mistery]

Well, you need a kind of game engine, how else do you want to make your game? You need either Flash for online games or another game engine for creating downloadable games.

[Acelightning]

well i want to make an online game....

but what is a game engine???? im only 10 i dont know much

.....html riddle game????

[Mistery]

Then you will need Flash. Although you can download a free trial version, I think that it the full version is rather expensive.

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

At the Developer tools you find Flash Professional 8 as trial version.

But as I said, I'm not experience with it as I am working with other software and make downloadable games.

A game engine is just the software you make your game with. And if you would like to take a look at riddle games, go to the Riddle Games Category here on GamersHood.

[Acelightning]

so can u create html riddle games without downloading??? because im not allowed 2 download anything my mum wont let me :mad:

[Mistery]

Yes, you don't need to download anything. But you need a host (homepage) where you can put it. And you need to get to know a bit of HTML language.

Best if you get to know such riddle games before you can create one of your own. We have members at your age who have already created their own riddle games, so this could be possible.

[Acelightning]

well i have a webpage so can u tell me how 2 make one?????

[Mistery]

Well you need to figure out puzzle questions (or even pictures if you can), hidden text (written in the same color as the background is also often used).
Then the solution for that page must lead to the next page. E.g. if "mouse.htm" is the solution, the riddle must continue on the page with the address mouse.htm.

Have you already played such riddle games? If not, you have to play them in order to know how they are made.

[Acelightning]

what are good riddle games then? i normaly play room escape games

what do i create the game on? can do i create the pictures on any program that can create pictures

i ment can u just create the pictures on a program like paint????

[Mistery]

Yes, you can use paint :)

[Acelightning]

so what other programs are needed???

[Mistery]

None, I replied to your PM.

[Acelightning]

so the hidden text how do i do that?

[Mistery]

Same color for the background and the text.

[Acelightning]

is the hidden text like a link?

[Mistery]

No, it is just invisible on the page and the players have to find out first that they have to hightlight the page to see it, like my following text (highlight the following text):

This is my hidden question

[Acelightning]

so how do i create one?

u r verry good at these things

[Mistery]

Well, think about riddles that you can add on each level. Here is an exemple of a game that a member of your age has made as first game:
http://www.freewebs.com/my1striddle/lvl1.htm

Look at the riddles, look at the source code etc. But it is also good to play more complex riddle games and then look in the source how they are done.

[Acelightning]

how did u create the invisible text???

[Mistery]

I used the same color for my text as the background of the page is (in this case white).

[Acelightning]

k thanks im going 2 make my game now

u were a lot of help
i will probably ask more questions later

[Mistery]

No problem.
Just try things out, look at other riddle games, you need a bit of patience to gather some experience and try things out :)

[Acelightning]

on matmice thats what im using u cant make invisible text

[Mistery]

If you can access the source of your pages, you can set the color code manually. I don't know matmice.

And please, don't post in other game threads, this is the thread for your questions.

EDIT: I just looked in the FAQ of matmice, you can use HTML there:

Yes, you can use HTML in your homepage. When you are making your homepage, just click on the "text" button to get a box for writing. You can type your HTML code in here.

[Acelightning]

ok but will freewebs work

[Mistery]

The game of our member that I posted for you is on Freewebs.

[Acelightning]

k thx

i have another question how does the person who plays the game type the answer in???

[Mistery]

In the address bar of the browser. E.g. The player exchanges the last part of the URL like:
www.riddle.com/levelone.htm
to
www.riddle.com/leveltwo.htm

You don't need to PM me with the same questions, it's enough if you post here in the thread.

[Acelightning]

thx

but if u do www.riddle.com/levelone.htm (http://www.riddle.com/levelone.htm)
and
www.riddle.com/leveltwo.htm (http://www.riddle.com/leveltwo.htm)
does that mean i have 2 create another homepage 4 each level???

[Mistery]

Not another homepage but separate pages, yes.

[Acelightning]

ok thx but on some riddle there is a box 4 u 2 type the answers in. how do i create 1 of those???

[Mistery]

I think you need to create an input box by using HTML code and let the answer check. Sorry, I can't answer your question spontaneously.

But here is a website about passwords:
http://www.echoecho.com/htmlforms06.htm

[Acelightning]

ok where can i get a html code 4 that

[Mistery]

Well, on that page:
http://www.echoecho.com/htmlforms05.htm
or here
http://www.echoecho.com/htmlforms06.htm

I'm not sure which one you need

[Acelightning]

how do u put them on freewebs

[Mistery]

And here is an example of a real riddle game, look at the source:
http://www.shygypsy.com/az/p.pl

Well, there is an online tool on Freewebs with which you can make the basic webpage. Then you need to click on "edit" and change the source code manually I guess.

[Acelightning]

thx

c u l8r

can u tell me some good riddle sites??

or pm me them

[tarumi]

im trying to make my own "escape the room game" but im not sure how to work the hyperlink do i need to creat my own web site first ???

help

[Mistery]

Hi tarumi,

I have answered this question already here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showpost.php?p=171097&postcount=13

Hope it helps :)

[tarumi]

thank you.. i think i have accidently made more than one of these posts sorry

[Mistery]

No problem, I deleted the other one :)
Right now all the new threads from General Chat (where you posted this first) go to moderation and must be first approved by the moderators to be visible. So I moved this thread to this Game Development area of the forums and deleted the other :)
If you have further questions, you can post here :)

[BeanMan3]

I made a room escape game (two actually) and both were made with adventure maker...

[tarumi]

kl im guessing you have to download it yeah?

also what are the names of ur games .. im gonna try them out :P

[Acelightning]

yep.... 158 mb!

[bread]

*** are you talking about acelightning

[tarumi]

i know what he's talkin about lol

he is sayin 158megabites :P (to download)

[BeanMan3]

Yep,I knew that

[tarumi]

beanman can i try out ur games plz?

[BeanMan3]

Umm..Well..Uhhhhhhhhh...?

[tarumi]

nvrmind lol

[Acelightning]

Yep,I knew that

so did i lol

[Mistery]

This thread is for asking for help and technical advice if you are about to create a game, so let's keep it this way. Thanks :)

[Acelightning]

k but i need a program that makes game 4 less than 16 mb besides gamemaker©

[Mistery]

Here is a list of software.
You can take a look at their homepages, many of them contain also game examples.

http://www.adventuredevelopers.com/engines.php

[Acelightning]

but adventure is like 156 mbs!

[Mistery]

It is a list of some software, a part of it is free. Did you check them?

[tarumi]

i went on to this website and i wouldnt let me download anything http://www.adventuredevelopers.com/engines.php

[Mistery]

You have to follow the links from the list to the webpages of each game software. You can download them from their own websites each.

[Acelightning]

but all there is indianna java

[Mistery]

No, there is such a list of game engines, and some of them are freeware as you see. Click on the links to follow to the devolopers website, inform yourself and download it to try it out.

e n g i n e s

3D Adventure Studio
Developer: M. van der Honing
License: freeware


ADePT
Developer: Ralf Sesseler
License: freeware


Adventure Game Interpreter Studio
Developer: Peter Kelly
License: open source


Adventure Game Studio
Developer: Chris Jones
License: freeware


Adventure Maker
Developer: Giovanni Albani (Gifted Minds)
License: commercial


AGAST
Developer: Todd Zankich, Russell Bailey
License: freeware


Coconut
Developer: S?bastien Josset
License: freeware


Indiana Java
Developer: Chir
License: freeware


InterAx Game Engine
Developer: Cognitial Software
License: commercial


LASSIE
Developer: Greg MacWilliam
License: freeware


MAD
Developer: Nunzio Hayslip, Javier Gonzalez
License: open source


Point & Click Development Kit
Developer: Zimond
License: freeware


SAGE
Developer: Prowler Productions
License: shareware


SCI Studio
Developer: Brian Provinciano
License: freeware


SLUDGE
Developer: Tim Furnish (Hungry Software)
License: shareware


Visionaire
Developer: Thomas Dibke
License: shareware


Wintermute Engine
Developer: Jan Nedoma
License: freeware

[Gabriella]

I want to make my own escape the room game too :/

[bubbie92]

I want to know how to make a game but I have no idea how to do it. Could someone tell me what kind of software I need.

one game engine you can use is game maker it's free I use it and it's pretty easy.

heres the link http://gamemaker.nl

[rayZa]

If you wanna make better games, you need to learn programming.

[mysteryprincess]

I want to make a point & click game and a escape game too.But how can i do one???Do i have to download softwares or i can do it using the internet???I need answers,if possible...What do i have to do to make these games...???

[BeanMan3]

I'd recommend a damn good computer,not like mine

[Eternal Becky]

Take a look at the link below and see if you find anything useful :)
http://gamershood.com/forum/showpost.php?p=171097&postcount=13

[mister mr]

if so i really have got a good diea for a funny game

[Mistery]

If you want to make online games, you need to use Flash, which is not cheap. But you can download a demo version.

To make downloadable games, there are several game development programs, which can be free, cheap, or expensive. It depends.
You can look at this list of game engines and visit the homepages to find out what kind of program would suit your possibilities and needs:
http://www.adventuredevelopers.com/engines.php

[bread]

um...becky...wrong post...thats hosters not makers...

[Mistery]

I merged another thread with this one, and you find a link to game engines in my previous post :)

[BeanMan3]

beanman can i try out ur games plz?

No,you can't.It's not commercial use.

[Mistery]

BeanMan, "commercial use" is connected to selling/offering your games for money. If you just allow players to play them for free, it's no problem :)

[BeanMan3]

Well,how do I show it to other people?Oh and I didn't know what commercial use was...

[Mistery]

You need to upload it to your homepage or to a host, examples here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showpost.php?p=171097&postcount=13

And then you can post the link in a thread in New Games.
However if players have to download a software to be able to play it, you must give a link to that software aswell, and the game won't be added to the game site of GamersHood.

[mister mr]

If you want to make online games, you need to use Flash, which is not cheap. But you can download a demo version.

To make downloadable games, there are several game development programs, which can be free, cheap, or expensive. It depends.
You can look at this list of game engines and visit the homepages to find out what kind of program would suit your possibilities and needs:
http://www.adventuredevelopers.com/engines.php


no i fond a way to create a game for free, but its gonna take me a couple of months to get it right...

[Mistery]

Yes, creating a game needs patience and perseverance, I know :)
Good luck on your game :)

[Michael Jackson]

Are you able to make a game using note pad?

HEH-HEH! RESPECT MICHAEL JACKSON!

[Mistery]

To my knowledge you can use note pad to write the script, but you still need a game engine :)

[BeanMan3]

To my knowledge you can use note pad to write the script, but you still need a game engine :)

My question is like Michal's,but how do you MAKE script?

[Mistery]

Well, it depends on which game engine you use. It can be Action Script or Visual Basic that you have to use. But there are game engines that don't require (much) knowledge of scripting.
Otherwise you have to learn them. There is a lot of help and tutorials available on the web. But it's not that easy, it takes time and patience :)

[BeanMan3]

So I have to learn script?

[Mistery]

Not necessarily. As I said, it depends on the program that you use. Some of the game engines from above have already a lot of functions that are ready (scripted), so that you can just choose from the options.
You can make point-and-click games without knowledge of scripting, for example with Adventure Game Studio ("You need no programming experience to make a game using AGS - setting most game options is just a matter of point-and-click, though scripting is of course available if you prefer"), or Adventure Maker. I don't know all the game engines from above, so you'll have to visit their homepages and find out if/how much of programming knowledge is necessary.
http://www.adventuredevelopers.com/engines.php

But of course, if you want to realise some of your own ideas, it is not bad to learn a bit of scripting.

I started without any knowledge about it, made my first games without it, and then figured out some scripting that I needed for later games to realise what I had in mind.

Hope that helps a bit.

[BeanMan3]

You know what,I think I'll be able to make a great game.Thanks!

[Mistery]

I am sure that you will be able to do so :)
Just take your time, be patient, and follow your dreams, it will work :D
Good luck :)

[mister mr]

would a game that is shooting but you click to shoot count as a point of a game? ive got a good idea for a shooting point and clikc game .

also, roughly how long does it take to create a basic game like stickman sam or any other low detailed game

im not sure what scripting is, i dont even know what flash is. the only thing i can do on a computer is search the net, download pics/music and create word documents. any1 can do those tho.

[bread]

NEVER! if you have no knowledge in actionscript or any scripting ^_^

[Johnny]

I don't know all the game engines from above, so you'll have to visit their homepages and find out if/how much of programming knowledge is necessary.

Hey, Mistery, I understand the need of a engine to make a game run. I'm interested in online games, so I must assume the only engines a user have already installed in his/her browser are:

Flash
Shockwave (sometimes...)
HTML itself

Am I right? So, If I want to write something that don't need downloading neither plugins (do you remember plugins? Where are they now?), I must choose one of these three, don't I? Or are there any other options I'm overlooking?
Regards,
Johnny

[mister mr]

NEVER! if you have no knowledge in actionscript or any scripting ^_^


ive got no chance. great. just downloaded from 5 sites for nothing. well ill get back to my website.

[Mistery]

Hey, Mistery, I understand the need of a engine to make a game run. I'm interested in online games, so I must assume the only engines a user have already installed in his/her browser are:

Flash
Shockwave (sometimes...)
HTML itselfAm I right? So, If I want to write something that don't need downloading neither plugins (do you remember plugins? Where are they now?), I must choose one of these three, don't I? Or are there any other options I'm overlooking?
Regards,
Johnny

Yes, Flash is most often used for online games (followed by Shockwave and HTML); the other engines allow you to create download games, which install the game player aswell if you use a full version of the engine. So players don't need to install anything else but just the game.
I know that the creator of Adventure Maker is working on a new engine that will allow to create online games, but it will take time until it will be released.

[Johnny]

Yes, Flash is most often used for online games (followed by Shockwave and HTML); the other engines allow you to create download games, which install the game player aswell if you use a full version of the engine. So players don't need to install anything else but just the game.
I know that the creator of Adventure Maker is working on a new engine that will allow to create online games, but it will take time until it will be released.

Thank you! Hey, I'd love to see this adventure maker thing. I think downloading the whole game and installing it is today unnaceptable, unless it's a FULL production, of 100 MB or more. Few people do it, downloading and installing. Or you think I'm wrong? :unknw:

I just remembered there's also Java as a engine. Is there any good adventure games in Java? And, because Mistery knows ALL, is there any good games in HTML? I saw Castle Arkana (or something like it) once, and it was, mmm, satisfying.

[BeanMan3]

Hey Mistery!I got the FULL EDITION of AM!I can only use it at Christmas though,it is a present.

[bread]

dude...
did you get a disk or something?
or is the full version only downloaded...

[BeanMan3]

I had to register the free version.It was only £35.;)

[bread]

but you were given a code right?

[BeanMan3]

Yes.Four codes.

[bread]

good

[sweet_kitty22]

I have a question...
would it be possible to make a game???:hmm:
and then put it here?

Because if so, I would like to try

[gscaleta]

why not. Umpthis and I did

[Eternal Becky]

Sweet Kitty please use the edit button and do not multiple post. I have moved your thread to the "Game development in general" sub-forum.

[sweet_kitty22]

If anyone knows how to make a game genre point and click...plz pm me

[mister mr]

id like to make a game too i can do stuff like voice casting as i have the odd ability to change my voice but i dont know what scripting is.... can any1 help

[Mistery]

I have merged the 2 threads about game creation. Please read posts in this thread, there is already a lot of information on how to create games :)

[Mistery]

I would like to add here another link where you can find some rescource if you plan to create a game:
http://www.ambrosine.com/resource.html

[Zachattk88]

I know this is a stupid question, but I really want to know because I want to make my own. and I don't own flash...I own nothing. Is there any program I can use? maybe free?

[bread]

hmm there are Free Trials or not the full version but i don't think theres one completely free...

[Zachattk88]

I would do free trials if it would let me make a game. Do you know any?

[bread]

Flash? If you want it to be internets friendly.
Buuuuuuut for flash you need to know ACTIONSCRIPT ^_^
Good luck on you journey to learn actionscript and then have flash make your computer slower for more annoyance :D

Like me!

[nigec]

if you want to create flash games have you looked at Lassie (http://www.gmacwill.com/lassie/lower.php?section=news&page=index)?
you only need to know the basics of action script and Flash animation, but you do need Macromedia Flash as you need to be able to open and publish FLA files

its not just tied to the limits of point and click adventures it can be expanded upon, you could built games like the mystery case files for instance

i've started doing a tutorial (http://paranoiagames.uk.to/wiki/index.php?title=Lassie_Tutorial) for Lassie AS its still in the proccess of being written but theres enough to make a basic game

[cant touch this]

This could help people who are making a game and want to add a preloader or some cool effects
http://www.kabomb.net/tuts.htm

[XDark-lovesX]

okay does anyone know how to do this?i really want to!

[EscapeGirl]

@Dark-Loves....I have moved your post to this thread. :) Feel free to read through all the suggestions, and see if they might help. :)

[Mistery]

Additionally, there is a thread that contains the most important general info about game creation: http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[antihelper]

1Q: i dont no what program i need
2Q: i think i need a video program in how to make so i have everything that i need in 1 spot
3Q: testers
4Q: what kind of knolage do i need to have to do this???

[Mistery]

I have move your post here.
Please read this thread and also this one:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

The posts contain a lot of general information about game creation.

[Da Walkthrough]

How can I make a game? Need help.

[6-gunz]

can sombody pleas give full tutorial how to make a escape the room game

[Mistery]

No, it's not possible to give a full tutorial.
Read this please:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[sum1]

why does it ask for your job?? do you have to be an adult to download this daft adobe thing??lol

edit: im only making a simple game, like paint or stickman games... :D anyone know any software for that?

[XroomescaperX]

i need info about power point games!!!!!!!!!:scared-couch:

How can u make a game on powerpoint?
(i mean good games)
iv trid 1 but it dosnt hav animation.
or a sen10ce on the botom of the screen?
or an item bar???

[jack]

Are you talking about the Microsoft Office program? I am not sure that is possible. Are you sure you don't mean Adobe Flash or Shockwave?

[Mistery]

PowerPoint is designed for presentations, it is not really suitable for making games.

[jack]

I stand corrected :) It looks like you figured out a way to do it. Good job, and way to think outside the box. ;)

http://www.gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?p=428921#post428921

[Mistery]

Yep, I agree with Jack, I'm very surprised what you have achieved by using PowerPoint. Good job :)

[jack]

Just as a quick side note you could also put a password lock in a PowerPoint game quite easily using the simple script I wrote below:



Sub GetInput()
Dim MyInput
MyInput = InputBox("Enter password")
If MyInput = **** Then
ActivePresentation.SlideShowWindow.View.GotoSlide #
End If
End Sub



Where **** equals the password you want to use and # equals the slide you want to transition to.

[Fatycho]

Does anyone know how to make games? I want to make some riddles, point and click games, and escape the room games, but I don't know how. If you know how to do this, please PM me and let me know exactly what I need to do and how I need to do it. Thank you.

[jack]

A basic riddle game would not be that hard if you have some experience designing web pages. To make a point and click game or a room escape game you would have to learn to write scripts and design flash games which is really something that you would have to teach yourself to do or go to school for. There isn't a way somebody can really teach you to do that in a forum. There are books and websites that can give you a head start if you are truly interested. Just look around Google.

[mojotolo]

hello girls and guys :D,
i was wondering if any one could help me with making my own riddle game. i would like to use freewebs as i know it well, but i tried before and you start of with a hompage but i dont know how you make it so they type the answer like: "blabla.htm"

also wouldn't the pages have the links from the homepage like down the side, do you know what i mean?

i apoligise if someone has already posted about this i've had a short flick through but not a proper look!! :P

thanks, hope someone can help
~MOJO

[Mistery]

You need to make a page for each level, and name them according to the solution of the levels like "answerlevel1.htm", "answerlevel2.htm" etc.

I'm not familiar with Freewebs, but I think that a lot of things are done automatically if you create pages there. So I'm not sure if a link list to your pages is added automatically or not. If so, you'll need to remove them manually by editing the pages.
Just try it, and see how it looks.

If you created a page and something is not looking right, you can PM me the link, and I can take a look at it and try to help.

[mojotolo]

thanks, i'll give it go

[A9N3W]

can any one help me im looking to make a game but got no clue but i know how to script in notpad and can remod games but would like some one to help me in my education of games making plz wright back . kk

[Mistery]

Well, it depends very much on what kind of game you want to make: Flash, Java, Javascript etc. or a downloadable game? There are hundreds of ways to create games.

You might want to take a look at the general info here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[derek44]

i can help people on simple flash games, point n click, dress up and shooting. (fps shooting)

[Nox]

And the gold medal goes to Mistery for patience.

I've created games in the past - a very long time ago when adventure games were text-based - which I doubt many will remember. I used a 'basic' program specifically for that purpose, the current variant seeming to be Adventure Maker. I like the simplicity and logic of Escape the Room games, although many are neither simple or logical. Ideally I would like to be able to create one myself as frequently frustrated by seemingly random jumps in logic An earlier poster said they had made an escape the room type game from Adventure Maker, and reading about what the software can do now, I can believe it's perfectly possible.

However, as I understand it, it does require the user to also have Adventure Maker which is a big ask if you want to make something accessible to anyone. That only leaves Flash - ouch. I think I can cope with the graphics and I can easily manage the gameplay. I should really learn how to use Flash as it would come in handy for work (that's a good excuse for getting it) and has countless uses.

So my question is - is there anyone here who has made an Escape type game using Flash that is currently available on the net, available on Gamershood would be a good example. And if so, were they able to create it on their own, what programming and graphics design experience did they have, and how long did it take to complete the project?

[Mistery]

Hi Nox,

Lol, thanks :)

It's not quite true that the players require Adventure Maker on their pc. It is only true for the case that you create a game with the free version of the software.
If you purchase the full version (which is much cheaper than Flash Professional), you can create a standalone executable (.exe) file which can be installed on newer Windows pc's. And also have much additional features at your disposal. The disadvantage may be that the games must be downloaded and don't run on Mac or Linux. Otherwise I'm very content with it, and using it for my games :)

GamersHood has made a lot of flash games already, and as far as I know also some forum members have worked with flash.
Since I'm working with Adventure Maker, I cannot answer your questions about flash projects.

[poop0210]

How do you make escape games

[Mistery]

Moved your post here ;)

Read through this current thread, and also consider this one: http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[Nox]

Thank you Mistery - that's very interesting as I hadn't realised that. Looking at the Features Comparison table for Adventure Maker, the full edition comercial use version is twice the cost of the none commercial use. What does the 'commercial use' bit actually mean in reality? Does that mean you cannot charge for your creation unless you have the commercial use version? If that's all it is, I don't need it. Either way, I'll start with the free version and see how many hours of my life I will lose!

Can you point me to an example of a game made with Adventure Maker that one of the Gamershood members has made?

Thank you for your help.

[Mistery]

Hi Nox,

Yes, the only difference between the non-commercial and commercial version is, that you are not allowed to sell your games with the non-commercial version, just create freeware games. Otherwise, all the features are absolutely the same. :)

There are a couple of games made by GamersHood members that have been created with Adventure Maker, e.g.

Hidden Jewels (by bmatt): http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8965

Escape the Pizza Monster (by Lilliputt and Sandbox): http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8961

My games, for example:
Insane Escape: http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8742
GFARDTO's Revenge: http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8540
Save the Earth extended version: http://www.mysterys-games.ch/Save_the_Earth.exe


Additionally, you can find some games for Windows of different quality, created with Adventure Maker here:
http://www.adventuremaker.com/free_games_for_windows_downloads.php

Hope that helps :)

Have a lot of fun creating your own games! :)

[~*Mercedes*~]

I'm not sure if im posting this in the right thread..but I would like to make a game, but haven't the slightest clue where to start.

I have looked at Adventure Maker and am wondering if this is all you need to make a game.

I've looked at a few forums and have search alot on this..but i'm overwelmed with the amount of info involved when I just have a few questions.. .:?:


If there is someone that can answer these questions..that would be great.:) These questions are going to sound very naive..but I really don't have a clue where to start. I've read many tutorials and have tried to watch video ones..but that is painful with dial up..

1. Is there a program that has it all..pictures.. graphics.. that you can add hotspots..Add the graphics that are all ready there in the program, then put it all together easily enough so you can play it..and Hopefully user freindly enough that it will show you what to do when your done..like how to make it a game..?

2.I'm assuming for someone to play it with flash you need to add the plug in, in the actual software..or already have it? I'm not sure how flash is incorporated into it.
Or does it happen automatically? do you simply just have to have it on your computer.?

3.From all the ones i've looked at it looks as though you have to do it with your own pictures. I would love one that you didn't have to have your own I've noticed that games online that are done with pictures..real ones they take a lonnng..time to load. which is why i would like simple graphics.

Examples of the games that are user friendly and fun to play; these look like graphics..to me not real pictures.

doodoo dog games..cartoonish graphics..but fun

Mystery games.

Gotmail.

Basically if someone can recommend a software that does it all..and is also user friendly, so this way i can just play and come up with whatever..make a game online..If it takes months years whatever..I would love to make one. ..:)

T.I.A to anyone who answers this..:D

Moderator if this is posted in the wrong thread, could you please provide link to where you move it..manythanks:D

[Mistery]

1. & 3.
No, I'm afraid there is no such solution. Creating a game always demands some effort.
Some game making tools contain some demo templates images, but I don't know of any software that comes with a big amount of images - and images that you would like to use.


In addition, a big part of the game creation tools requires knowledge of a certain programming or scripting language.
And most software is not free, and some of them are pretty expensive.
New software often has high requirements to your system, so that you need to have a pretty new pc.


2.
No, making an online game is not only using a plugin. And having the Flash Player on your pc is not enough - that one is just for playing the online games. There are not too many tools with which you can create online games.
- Adobe Flash CS3 is what is used by most of game creators - at least I think so.
But it costs 699$ and requires knowledge of Action Script (scripting language).
http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/flashpro/
- I know of game creators who have made some simple online games with SwishMax2. It is rather a tool made for creating web animations.
Cost: 150$
http://www.swishzone.com/index.php?area=products&product=max
- You can create some simple online games with Adventure Maker, too. However, currently the features are limited, might be extended at a later time.
- You can also create Flash based online games with LASSIE, but you need to have the Adobe Flash creator aswell, so it's again an expensive solution.
- I remember of having seen a tool that had an additional webplayer, so that you can package your game in order to run online - unfortunately currently I can't remember which one it was. And there might be other solutions aswell, which I'm not aware of - there are some tools for the creation of webanimations that could be used to make small games.

To create downloadable games, I would say that the most easy to use are Adventure Maker, Adventure Game Studio, and you can even create games with a newer version of PowerPoint.

So all in all, unfortunately there is NO such tool. And it is not easy to recommend someone a tool, it's the best if you inform yourself, and maybe download trial versions to see if you get along with any of them.
You can look around here to see a list of engines, and take a look at the homepages to see what they can do, and what you need (skills, knowledge, money etc.) to use them:
http://www.ambrosine.com/resource.html

You can gather some information also from this thread:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[~*Mercedes*~]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize I had said that it required no effort. That's not what I meant, :scared-couch: Like I said I'm willing to learn and take however long it takes to make one.:)

Ok, so im satisfied with making a downloadable one..because flash ones are out of the question..so my question is at this time.

I like your games ALOT...I see that you use Adventure Maker..is this the only software you need to play with and from what u said..some pictures of course to play with..Just out of curiosity...the pictures in your games..are they real ones that you modified.? dowloaded from the internet..just curious.

Is this the only software you use to make it..the games you make.?

Is the free trial version ok to start with to try at one..like play with it and see what i can do with it i guess..lol

Also how does flash play into your games..?..like from reading this whole thread now i see that there is a difference between the two..one is online and one is downloadable..java based, flash, powerpoint,....etc

I hope I'm not bombarding you with questions..I just thought that maybe I could do this..I'm really good with software..learning it, and I'll put effort in it.. ..but I don't know alot of script:(

Also can you make a game in paint or gimp?? This interests me also, but I dont find gimp really user friendly..eek..

Anyhow thank you very much for responding..:)


And these postings from Acelightning;

so how do i create one?

u r verry good at these things

k thanks im going 2 make my game now

u were a lot of help
i will probably ask more questions later


And the Gold for patience goes to Mystery for sure..That was the cutest thing EVER..:lol: I wonder if he ever made his riddle..

[Mistery]

No, I haven't used real images or photos (well just the first time when I was playing around with it).
At the beginning I have just used Paint to create my images. So you can use Paint or GIMP of course to start out.
Later I have switched over to 3D images. Google Sketchup is the most easy to use from the group of the 3D software, and you can do a lot with the free version :) There are also a lot of models for Google SketchUp that you can download and directly insert into your project.
You can also use Terragen (free version) for creating landscapes, it's also rather easy ot use.
And I'm also using 3D modeler software - most of such software is not free (many of them are even really expensive), and is not easy to use (you need many weeks or even months to learn them). But you can also find free ones if you look around on the internet (e.g. Anim8tor, Wings 3D, Art of Illusion, or Maplet).

To create my games, I prepare my images with other software, and then import them into my project in Adventure Maker. You can also import sounds, add videos and flash movies.
With the free version of Adventure Maker, you can already create quite nice games. For example Hidden Jewels by bmatt was made with the free version (although compiled later to an .exe file with the full version): http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8965
The limitation of the free version is that you cannot use additional scripting; the 3rd person plugin; the Panoramic plugin; and that you can only compile your game to an .am1 file (to play it, your players have to install the free version of Adventure Maker, too). With the full version you can use all the features, and also create an .exe file that will run on all pc's that meet the system requirements without the need of installing Adventure Maker itself.

To create small Flash videos, I either use Moho or ToonBoom Studio, but again, these are not free.
However, you can create videos also with Movie Maker, that usually comes with your Windows. Also the free version of Google SketchUp is able to create videos.
Maybe there is some free software to create small flash movies, but I don't know of any.
Just note that video files get pretty big (some MB for just a short video), whereas flash files are small.

You can take a look at this thread, too (with links to the mentioned free software and more):
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1589

[~*Mercedes*~]

Oh okay....so..You use 3D images and you use Google sketch up..Might make it a bit easier if you don't know how to draw ..in paint.,,or otherwise..

The picture of tables and chairs lets say in Insane Escape..which is what I'm downloading now..and can't wait to play...yayy... Google sketch up..it has images like that that you can import.?

As for importing sound or videos.. or flash movies.. in the games..I'm confused as to how to do that..Do you have to use flash? Or are you speaking of it just if you want to put a movie file or clip? Sorry if this is a dumb question..

From the games I've played that we're yours..which is Gfardto, Nieghbors House Triliogy and Save the Earth and Water quest. Where in any one of these games....did flash movie come in or video or movie file come in .. play a part.? I thought flash was just for online gaming::?: Perhaps if you could show me a part where you used it..I would understand it better..if this is possible of course..:)

Oh and i watched one of the tutorial you have on Adventure player does it also tell you what to do once u are done with images.....You have made hotspots..now what..how does it come together..? I'll watch the whole thing, if I knew it was a step by step to make one..or at least finish one after you have imported images..Does such a tutorial exist on this. Basically how to import images, play with images..then put it together and hit finish or play..? Or at this time would you say that now that i know where images come from i should watch it.? I have dial up so i ask before hand..thx again.:D

Also zooming in on objects and arrows at the side of the screen to go from frame to frame..are these options in the free Adventureplayer..? What would you call this. I'm hoping that this isn't the panoramic plug in.lol

I will put in order from what I have learned so far today; To make a downloadable game.

1. Download Adventure player.

2. Google sketch up. If you want nicer graphics... if you want object to appear 3 dimentional ..Also for creating movie video clips.

3.Terregan for creating landscapes if you want to make a game with landscapes.

So at this time would you say that with these software i can make a game.? Or attempt at one..lol Start here more or less.:)

Also,Mystery, I'm going to play Hidden jewels game tomorrow and maybe then most of these will be answered. From what you said, Hidden Jewel was created with the freeware version of Adventure player. So I'll post back here and no doubt have more questions.lol..probably wishing you hadn't answered this post..:haha:...again, ...many thanks for all of your patience and help..:)



P.S.

Funny you should mention Hidden Jewels..i have Bmatt's page loaded ..got it from your website about three hours ago..and is the next one i'm playing..what a coincidence..lol.

Also, if you want...you can answer the questions right in my post under questions in another colour...if I made a mistake ..or add to it..:) If you want that is..:)

I apologize if any of these questions are redundant in anyway..:)

[Mistery]

Yes, indeed. I can't draw, and therefore I rely on software that makes the images for me (well, in fact I'm making them, but not with my hands).

The screens of Insane Escape have been entirely made with Google SketchUp.
Yes, there is a model library from where you can download images into your project.
Look around in the library here: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/

For the videos and flash files:
You need to prepare them with another software.
Then you just check a box in your Adventure Maker project to play a video / play a flash file (on a certain frame, or in a certain hotspot), and then just need to select that file on your pc and it imports it automatically.

Flash files are for example used in GFARDTO's Revenge:
- the scene when the ship crosses the sea, and travels to Renegade's Island.
- the end scene animation.

Also flash for the puzzle in Insane Escape:
- the "TV" that shows the correct sequence of the dots in the second room.

Video was used in Save The Earth - that part where you got an error message for some reason.

The Help Document contains everything you need to know to start with Adventure Maker, it has also step-by-step tutorials for beginners. This Help Document is part of the software, so that you won't need to go online to look at it.
http://www.adventuremaker.com/help/contents.htm


Additionally, I have also made an illustrated online tutorial for beginners:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showpost.php?p=564738&postcount=6

I would say, download Adventure Maker, look at the Help Document, and play around with the available demo images and icons. Some of your questions might be answered by that. :)

Sure, you can move around on the screens by using arrows to click on - this is of course part of the free version.
But of course, if you want to have the effect of zooming in, you need to create 2 different images: the distant one, and the near one.

Well, to start out, you can also use Paint for example if you're good with drawing.

Although Google Sketchup is rather easy to use, you still need a few hours to learn it. The interactive tutorials that are included are good, and I would recommend you to go through them to get a basic idea. But you can create good image with it.
Well, I don't know if you need Terragen at this moment. It depends what kind of game you want to make.

I would rather recommend you to first download Adventure Maker, and get to know it a bit. Then think about a storyline, this will give you an idea what kind of background images you will need. If you plan to create not only interiors, but also need landscapes, you can still download Terragen.

Generally, don't overstrain yourself with your first game - otherwise you will get frustrated. Make first a simple game, maybe you will post it, or maybe it will just stay on your computer as your first test project. From this first project you will learn a lot, and then you can try to make it better in every game.

[~*Mercedes*~]

Thank you so much for you responses..they were was both helpful and very encouraging.:)

I have to do some reading and inform myself some more..then i'll post back if thats ok later on..:)


I'm off to escape now..~~:D

[~*Mercedes*~]

I have another question...surprise surprise..:haha:

Ok, so to create any movement in a game..do i have to have flash to do that..?..I've read all of the faq's on adventure maker...but failed to see this..here are some examples..

When you press a button..so it goes up and down..<<Is this a "flash" action? Are the following flash actions.?


Couch cushions lifting? when u click it

To use an item say a knife on the couch..to see it tear..?

Click a picture and have it fall to the ground.

Turn a page in a book...say by dragging it..or by clicking it..

Have a window open..and close and open and close..

Buttons on a box so that when u press them they go in..and back out when u click another bar.. say on the side of the same box.

To be able to slide a panel..like say in Renegade games..


I'm just wondering if all of these can only be done with Flash..or can you use Adventure maker or if there is anything other than flash for these actions to happen.many thanks Mystery..! It's not a huge issue...just wondering how it worked and if you knew.

Thanks again..!:)

Also for pictures ..graphics..ive tried to use gimp and I'm horrible with it..:'( there are so many functions..i have no clue where to start..can't even make a ball..:(..i know i'm sad..lol.

Would love a software that i can work with graphics..make my own stuff. Does the google sketch up, I see its similar to other software where you make your own images, does it have a good step by step tutorial..I've use picture editing software but they were with my own pictures..never drew anything in my life..well not on here..I'm only asking of this for future reference..only cause I didn't see a gallery of pictures for Adventure Maker..

I will take you advice and work with AdventureMaker first and get used to it..just thought I'd ask of this while I thought of it. Does Adventure maker have an art gallery of Rooms..Like in your tutorial, as an example, the hallway with door, is that something in the gallery.? I gather you make your images..then import them..which is where I'm kinda lost.:( but willing to learn.:) I've looked at the gallery from googlesketch up..but can i download an image without having the actual software..like clip art..I work with office applications and I use clip art alot.When i download the clipart it imbeds itself into the document automatically ..wondering if this is the same thing.?


I've went through the whole online tutorial, all pages on Adventure Maker..Mostly every link provided to make a game Links that showed you how to work with it..I've read sooo much I've almost given myself a migraine..lol but these were questions i have in addition.

[ottyk]

animations like that can be made with a lot of stuff.
i dont know any for sure but im sure someone else will know ;)
i've had a play around with AM and im not sure it actually does animations.
(the free version anyway)
oh well, good luck :D

[~*Mercedes*~]

Thank you..! very much..:)

I've asked many questions..I've even edited my post to add more...poor Mistery..I'm an information junkie I can't help it..I can always refer back to these later too for future reference..as well as others i guess..


Thanks Mistery!! OMG.. I've been spelling your name with a Y..sorry about that.:$

[Mistery]

You can't do real animations with Adventure Maker itself. But you can import and play animations on frames or within hotspots.

But for the simulation of movements, there are much easier solutions: either by using two hotspots, or two frames.
E.g. picture is on the wall, when player clicks it, it "disappears" from the wall, and "appears" on the floor. So there is no shown movement of falling down, but you simulate in an easy manner that the picture falls down. Same for lifting of cushions, moving stools out of the way, opening windows, drawers etc.
You can do such things easily, and it's not necessary to add any videos or flash files. And they are enough for a room escape or point and click game.
Don't think about videos and flash right now, they are not necessary to make a game, they are additional possibilities, I haven't used them for my first games at all. You can come back to this topic at a later time ;)

In Adventure Maker you can't slide panels by dragging them. The only thing you can drag, are items.

No, there is no image gallery of Adventure Maker. However, you can find on the internet free images that are not copyrighted (pay attention to only use material that is really free to use). There are even small libraries of photos that users upload for free use. It needs some googling to find them however.
Additionally you can find some links in the Adventure Maker forums:
http://www.adventuremaker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1262

You cannot download Google SketchUp models without having the software itself. These are not images, but 3D models with the specific file extension for Google SketchUp, and can only be used with it.
As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, Google SketchUp comes with interactive tutorials that are good, and that you should follow. It is shown step-by-step what you can do, and you can try out these steps within the tutorial.

I would still recommend you not to read too much theory, but to download Adventure Maker, and start to play around with it. Take a look at the simple demo game (included in Adventure Maker) that is made without programming, follow the tutorials from the Help Document to make 2-3 demo games for yourself. After that you'll have a basic idea how to do things :)

[Lilliputt]

Well, I have made something... uh... that if you are REALLY nice you can call it animations (:P) using Adventure Maker. It requires a LOT of patience and a LOT of pictures. You make a pic of a rat for example it the left side of the game screen, then you make a new picture with the rat a little bit more to the right and so on. Then you set the frames to change from one to the other using the timer. Voila you have a little (slightly clumsy perhaps) animation :)

[~*Mercedes*~]

Which game did you make...I'd like to play it..! is it here..?

[~*Mercedes*~]

Mistery...it won't let me install the program...when i go to double click it on my desktop...it says..

"Set up files are corrupted..please obtain a new copy of the program"..

Should i have chose run instead of save?..man this sucks..:( really wanted to play around with that today..sigh

[Mistery]

When you get a message about corrupted files, it usually means that the download was not successful (sth might be missing) :(

[~*Mercedes*~]

Thank you so much for responding so quickly..

Here's a question...when i go to the site there are five places to download from..mirrors...which one would you recomment...i wish they had their own download ..like not a mirror ..:(

And would u recommend run instead of save..?

[Lilliputt]

Which game did you make...I'd like to play it..! is it here..?

I made 2 games: Tilly in Trouble and Escape the Pizza Monster ;) Both are here, yes.

I am sorry you are having trouble installing AM :S I hope you will get it working soon Mercedes :)

[~*Mercedes*~]

Oh your so sweet...I found you game last night..I went through all of your 3900 posts..lol..no just kidding..but i found it..Escape from the pizza monster and i played...left a comment as well..I just loved it..I would add it to my signature but im at my limit for characters..:(

And thank you..ive asked a question at thier forum too...I'm really anxious to play with this..I'm now downloading it from another mirror site..but in firefox..might make a difference, cause I.E. is safe and i have it set up to not accept downloads fomr non publishers..so its possible that while it stopped it last night..and i resumed it..by clicking the bar up top...it may not have downloaded properly...

Really hope this idea works..shame they only have mirror sites..as opposed to their own and having mirror sites in addition.:(..

WEll all i can do is wait on the edge of my seat here for the next 35 min or so..:haha:

[Mistery]

Yes, indeed, certain protection on your pc might also cause issues - like a firewall for example.
Also the break that you have mentioned might have caused this problem.

Hmmm, I think all download links should work, but the second mirror is one of an admin on Adventure Makers Forums, maybe you can try that one.

Good luck :)

[~*Mercedes*~]

Hi there..i just wanted to post back and say that i was successfull in downloading it the second time..woohoo..and I"ve been playing with it all night..lol..funny thing..I opened up the "paint" that comes with it..and just started..experimenting..and OMG..I've already drawn 7 rooms..and with closeups..I can draw!..not bad..not terrific but pretty good :D..like considering I"ve never done it. I have some questions though..of course.haha.

1. The icon editor..i opened it up and started drawing in there..kinda like paint i think..anyways..it seems to want to save on top of the one item i have which is a key..like on top of it ..as opposed to a separte icon ..i drew something..buttons, anyhow i didn't want it to replace the key..but it wouldnt let me save as a separate thing..:?:..What is the Icon editor?

2. Sounds...how do i get sounds..like a door thats locked ..stuff like that..clicking sounds.for buttons....

3. And finally, i want to make a puzzle like thing..nothing big but i was thinking of ..something like the stop light thing you have but not the same, but something with colours.

Perhaps..all three being red or whatever..how can i do that where when someone presses it it changes colours..one at a time..

Is this the right place to ask these questions.? I don't want to ask you everything, for I might drive you to drink..lol

When i'm done is there someone i can show this too..? before submitting it..would like to show you all i've done..:(

Ok well that's it for now..I have to apoligize..im really hyper and i've tried to edit my post a few times so I didn't sound like a wingnut..lol..but I can't help it ..I'm really enjoying this..:D

Many thanks once again!!!

[Lilliputt]

Congrats on finally getting AM to work! :D
Here are my suggestions for your questions Mercedes. I am sure Mistery will have a lot to add. Personally, I don't use the icon program that comes with the AM, but as far as I can tell it works as paint, yes :)
1. I dunno if I understand what you mean. It is possible to go to "File"/"Save as" and then choose what you want to call your file and where to save it :?

2. Why don't you try the hotspot properties and add a sound? :) When someone then clicks a hotspot, like a door, the sound will play ;)

3. I would suggest to read the AM FAQ at the AM home page. Very useful tips are given how to create small puzzles ;)

If you mean if there is any one who would volunteer to beta test your game then sure, I might be able to help :) You could also create a thread about your game in progress and ask gamers for help beta testing ;)
Good luck with your game, Mercedes! :)

[Mistery]

Great to hear that the download and installation was successful the second time :)

Now to your questions:

1) I don't understand what you mean with saving "on top of the item that you have" :S
With the icon editor you can make small icons (save them as .ico files) that you can use as items in your games. If you open the Icon Editor, you can "draw" an icon (e.g. a hammer), and then save it as .ico file.
Another possibility for getting items to use is either to download free icons from the internet, or to resize other images and convert them to .ico files with transparent backgrounds (with GIMP or Irfan View for example - these are free software).
You find a list of links for images, icons, and sounds for example here:
http://www.adventuremaker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1262

2. Again, there are a lot of free sound effects on the internet, check the thread on the Adventure Maker forums:
http://www.adventuremaker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1262
Import them for example for the Hotspot Properties on the Audio tab (if the sound should start when the player clicks that hotspot).

3. Simpler puzzles can be created with the free version of Adventure Maker. For more complex puzzles, the full version is better, since you can use scripting.
To create changing colors, you need to work with variables. My tutorial that I've mentioned in one of my previous posts, contains such examples.
A simple example: change colors from red to yellow, and then to green when the hotspot is clicked, you need to create 3 similar hotspot images with the different colors, and also variables.
Create for example the variables red_clicked and yellow_clicked.
Then create a hotspot, and load in the hotspot properties the green image in it.
Create a second hotspot on the top of the first hotspot, and load the image of the yellow image in it on the Action Tab of the Hotspot Properties. On the Variables Tab of the Hotspot Properties, set "Change the value of one or more variables..." to yellow_clicked=1; and also set "The hotspot must only be enabled if..." yellow_clicked=0 (so when the player will click this hotspot, it will disappear, and thus the green image underneath it will be visible).
Create a 3rd hotspot, and load the red image in it. On the Variables Tab of the Hotspot Properties, set "Change the value of one or more variables..." to red_clicked=1; and also set "The hotspot must only be enabled if..." red_clicked=0 (so when the player will click this hotspot, it will disappear, and thus the yellow image underneath it will be visible).

However, for a more complex puzzle like mine, where you need to set different colors, or set code numbers on a number pad, in order to get an item, you will possibly need the full version of AM, or find some creative workaround, which is possible, but requires lots of thinking to find a good solution.
Bmatt has found very good solutions for rather complex puzzles with the free version, such solutions take some thinking and planning.
Again, I wouldn't start out by trying to create such a complex puzzle, but rather learn to work with variables first by creating simple puzzles. Once you have some experience with them, you can start to think about solutions for more complex puzzles.
Here are examples of puzzles that you can create without scripting - they might be helpful to understand how to use variables:
http://www.adventuremaker.com/help/puzzles.htm

And just as additional information: You can test the features of the full version (scripting, 3rd person plugin, 360° panorama etc.) for projects with less than 20 frames by clicking the according buttons and confirm the message about evaluating features of the full version.

Before you submit a game, make sure that you do a lot of beta-testing to fix all bugs if possible. If you still need beta-testers before you post the game as new game, you can post it in the "Game In Progress" section of the forums, and ask for testing:
http://gamershood.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21
However, it is not easy to get beta-testers ;)

[~*Mercedes*~]

..hey I never saw this here..here i am asking this same question over and over again on the other forum to no avail...and the answer is right here...[about coloured boxes.]..:haha: cool...thanks Mystery..!

Although I understand variables..i sometimes need a nudge on where to start...


I would delet other posts but there are questions there in addition to this one....so I'll leave it there for now..never know...


I was wondering...I am looking for boxes, text boxes or other wise that move when u press them....is that an animation ...or is that scripting that does that...if variables will work with that...and it just requires some innovative thinking...I'd like to try it...only for the life of me...I can't find any..lol...i would like to upload a few..if thats possible..
Again thank you..!:D

[Mistery]

I wouldn't delete posts, because they might be also helpful to other people ;)

You can simulate movement by using variables.
You need to create different boxes and let them disappear/appear according to the variable status.

For example you create hotspots next to each other with the same colored box image. To make the impression that this box moves (I hope I don't make a logical mistake):
You create variables: box1_clicked, box2_clicked.
The first hotspot should be only be visible if box1_clicked = 0 and box2_clicked = 0. If you click this first hotspot, it should change box_1clicked = 1
The second hotspot should only visible if box1_clicked = 1 and box2_clicked = 0. If you click this hotspot, set box2_clicked = 1.
The 3rd hotspot should be only visible if box2_clicked = 1.

Such simulation of moving boxes (or other objects) can be done without scripting, although with scripting, you might be able to create more complex things - for example a slider puzzle.

[~*Mercedes*~]

Hey Mystery...thanks for responding..!

I have another dumb question..I thought maybe you could help me...:?:

I'm almost done building my website..and i'm on the games page now..seems kinda silly with just the one..lol..but i'll add..:D

My question is, when announcing my new game...i have to announce that free version of AM has to be downloaded..to play...is this a separate download?..basically first download it, "AM" and then come back and download or however they choose to do it... or does the download of my game "come with free version"..? as one file..that would be awesome..lol..

I guess I'm wondering how to word it...so i can either include link to AM right below my game link... wondering on how to announce it to submit it..:?:

Could You please help me with this pretty please:D..I have searched on how it was done..but not finding it....:?:

I"ve yet to compile it cause Ive added a few changes..

Also, included link to Mystergames..as well as Bmatt..on my site..I hope that this is ok..? I'ts not yet published so If it is a problem no biggie..:D

[Mistery]

Sure, no problem to add a link to my site, thanks :)

Yes, downloading the free version of Adventure Maker is a separate thing. They don't have to leave your homepage and come back. They just need to download and install first AM, and then download your game (it works also the other way around ;)). Then they just have to double-click on the .am1 file of your game, and it should start :)


To announce your game, I would add title and a small description, the system requirements (Windows XP, Vista, or compatible) and add the download link. Then say, that in order to be able to play this game, they need to download the free version of Adventure Maker from here: http://www.adventuremaker.com/downloads.htm

[ottyk]

Does anyone here use AGS?
Can someone tell me how to use an inventory item with a hotspot?
Ive looked in the manual and the forums but i cant find an answer.
help? :?

[~*Mercedes*~]

What is AGS..I don't know it..but if its anything like the program I'm using ...is there no link or anything that says "Manage Inventory Items"..or "Create Events" Right click it ..Is that the name of program you use exactly..I could search a bit for you..

*EDIT* Adventure Game Studio


Found something..~not sure if this will help or not.

if (player.ActiveInventory!=iKey) // used item isn't the key
player.Say("I'm not sure how to use that on the door.");
else { // key was used
player.Say("It fits!");
// open door, etc.

This is code for if you are using a key..you would replace key with other inventory item ..also change "text" And add additional text so any other item couldnt be used to get the same effect.ex: loaf of bread..lol

does this help?

Also a link that might be useful to you..is a demo for beginners..i believe.

http://www.bigbluecup.com/yabb/index.php?topic=23083.0

Not sure if I'm allowed to post links or not..I may be allowed in this thread..either way grab it whilst you can i suppose..:)

[ottyk]

thaanks mercedes that helt helped LOT :D;)

[~*Mercedes*~]

Good I"m glad..:D

That was the cleanest one I thought.. It's been a while since I've used statements..but it's all coming back to me now.~.I've seen enough of them lately..:haha:~

[Merlina]

Ok, after reading the thread I have a few questions, I didn't see them answered, but if I missed them I apologize. I have tried AM before and it is cool, but my question is do a lot of people actually download games to play them? I know I don't I use the ones online which means I need flash...I actually have Flash and have taken courses on it, but more for the animations/website design so not so much for the game development. Is there a program somewhere maybe that you use with flash to add different things or maybe has actionscripts to use or something? I can make the pictures, that's no problem. It's more about the advanced programming. The main things I want to learn is

1. How do you make an inventory
2. How do you make a code lock (like where you have to either rotate something to the right number or type the right number in)
3. How do you make it remember what was done (I once made a sort of click through game in Director with a partner, but we ended up making frames for each decision of each path so the order didn't matter and it was a pain and didn't work out so well. We did this to develop a "fake" inventory as well.
4. Also if you use animations in a flash game (like I want to take 3d art that I have and animate it) would you just have the for example arrow you click to turn start the animation and then anything clickable or whatever would be on the last frame that it would remain on? I'm just wondering if I'm understanding that part right. I haven't used Flash in so long.

My last separate question about game making is has anyone ever used Dark Basic/The 3D Gamemaker/or any of their products before? I actually saw one in Compusa once and never saw it again. It looks like it might be nice (even if it is downloadable games) and you obviously can do a lot with programming as well (I get the impression that even with the full version of AM it has some limitations with that?) but I don't want to go into buying a program unless I know what it is like.

Also, is there a thread, or someone interested, to look for people to help with products? I have game ideas, along with the ability to render 3d pictures that I wanted to use for a game, but still need the programming knowledge. I was thinking though that maybe there are programmers who are looking for artists, lol.

[Jones]

Sorry this is not helpful but: Welcome to the forum Merlina! :D ;)

[Mistery]

Hi Merlina, welcome to the forums :)

I'll try to answer to those questions of you that I'm able to answer:

I would say that if you are working with the free version of Adventure Maker, and players need to download it, too, in order to be able to play the game, there are players who do that, but probably not too many.
If you have the full version, and therefore are able to create a standalone executable (.exe file) of your game, there are indeed a lot of players who download it - if it looks nice and matches their taste. I think it's also up to you to post or to submit your games to the "right" places ;)
Of course you should not expect that your very first game will be downloaded by thousands of players - but if you create a couple of games that people like, and also do a little advertisement, you can get hundreds and even thousands (over a couple of months of course) of players from my own experience.

There are a lot of game creation tools out there - free, rather cheap up to very expensive. You can find a list of some here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

I've played around with a few of them (trial versions or free full versions) to see how I get along with them, but until today I'm still working with Adventure Maker. Because it fits my needs most so far, and because I'm not able to program a game from the scratch. I've found also other very good tools, but they had other limitations, upon which I've returned to Adventure Maker.

Of course it depends what kind of game you would like to create. There is no software available that has no limitations - they just fit different needs. That's why there is not an optimal game creation software for all.
Therefore your choice depends on different criteria: what kind of game, what kind of features you need, what scripting/programming knowledge you have, what are your system requirements, how much money do you want or can spend on a software etc.

I can't help you with Flash, but there are a lot of online tutorials, e.g. here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10130
http://www.actionscript.org/resources/categories/Tutorials/Flash/
http://www.newgrounds.com/collection/flashtutorials.html


Feel free to post some of your artwork examples here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=47
But you can also check out forums that are specifically about game development, and see if there is someone interested in collaboration.
(e.g. here http://forums.indiegamer.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20, or one of the forums of game creation tools/software)

[missbambibee]

Hi am new here, and love the escape room games, i see u can make ur own so i wanna try too.. How do u get other graphics for games than just the tutorial ones???
Thanks heaps

[~*Mercedes*~]

Hi am new here, and love the escape room games, i see u can make ur own so i wanna try too.. How do u get other graphics for games than just the tutorial ones???
Thanks heaps


Depending on how you want to make your games..I make mine in paint and use alot of textures..from planit3d. It can be found here (http://www.planit3d.com/source/index.htm)

Also googlesketch up is good too..you can use their library of several graphics...it can be found here (http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/)

If you go to planit3d..and hit the links software it will give you more to pick from as well..I guess it depends on your needs..and whether or not you want to do anything in 3d or 2d..

Gimp is another good one for some..here (http://www.gimp.org/)

My personal fav is Paint..cause its easy to manouver..:) lol..


I hope that this helps..

[missbambibee]

Thanks heaps for that i'll give them a try and see how i end up.
Thanks again.

[DarkVicE]

How can I make a point and click / Escape the room style game easy without flash?

[EscapeGirl]

Hi DarkVice. I've moved your post here. ;)

There are several ways to create a point 'n' click / Room Escape type game. I recommend reading through this thread, and checking out this thread as well:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=577

One program that many have been using to make games is Adventure Maker. There is a free version of it. It can be found HERE. (http://www.adventuremaker.com/)

Good luck! :D

[Mistery]

You can also check this thread here:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[New1000]

Im having a huge troubling problem guys:

Since i dont have Broudband yet i use GetRight to download stuff. i want to download Adobe Flash maker but without GetRight it takes a day to finish! so i try to download it with GetRight but then it says its not found. whats going on?

[DarkVicE]

EscapeGirl thanks for your response and I have used Adventure Maker once before, It was quite decent but I did not know how to upload the game =/
And with this program I find it hard to make them stickmen type point and click games where they move about which I like so If you could help me with that to it would be appreciated :D

Edit:
I was just wondering.. How can I make mobile games or applications?

[~*Mercedes*~]

Im having a huge troubling problem guys:

Since i dont have Broudband yet i use GetRight to download stuff. i want to download Adobe Flash maker but without GetRight it takes a day to finish! so i try to download it with GetRight but then it says its not found. whats going on?

It won't matter what you use to download Flash..from my understanding..Flash takes alongg time to download with or without broadband..so i've heard.

do you have another download utility you can use other than Getright..? you may have too, if it won't find it.:(
Seems strange that it won't..the only thing I can think of is , did you try to use it before..and are now trying to resume the download?..not sure..


EscapeGirl thanks for your response and I have used Adventure Maker once before, It was quite decent but I did not know how to upload the game =/
And with this program I find it hard to make them stickmen type point and click games where they move about which I like so If you could help me with that to it would be appreciated

Edit:
I was just wondering.. How can I make mobile games or applications?

For stickman games, the only one I can think of is Flash..
There are many other Game engines you can try..A few of them support mobile games and applications.

I hope this helps a bit..:)

you can try this link which Mistery has posted a few times throughout the thread..:)
http://www.adventuredevelopers.com/engines.php

[New1000]

Well last time it took 30 hours. as you can see my bro says GetRight can let you resume your download tommorrow without losing it. so i downloaded the lastest: GetRight 3D. I tried downloading it with it now to see if i can get it. but then a error said the link was not found. so i dont think any other downloading appliance can resume without losing the download. i think its only GetRight.

[DarkVicE]

Helps helps
Im using adventure maker but where is my inventory =X

[Mistery]

I would suggest you to check the Help Documents - especially the first tutorials to start out with AM:
http://www.adventuremaker.com/help/getting_started.htm

Also you can take a look at my step-by-step tutorial for beginners:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showpost.php?p=564738&postcount=6

[DarkVicE]

Help, on my new game i have made it so when I use Item_x on hotspot_1 which is in a screen which is in a room change the wall in that screen when i use it so a door appears, but every time you leave that screen and go back in the door will be gone.. is there anyway to make the screen change for good after I have used item_x on the hotspot there????
Also when I pick up an item I cannot see it in my inventory, and is there also a way to make the inventory at the bottom of the screen?

[Mistery]

Yes, you need to work with variables.

I would do it like this:
Create a hotspot for the door, add the picture of the door to it (General Tab -> Hotspot Appearance)
Go to the variables tab, and set it so that the hotspot is only enabled if the variable door=1 (you need to create a new integer variable called door).
Create a second hotspot on top of the first hotspot, and leave it blank. Click the "Manage inventory" link on the Frame Editor. Drag the item onto that hotspot. Select the "remove the dragged item..." on the Action tab.
Go to the Variables tab, and set it so that the variable door becomes the value 1.
Then the door should show when you come back to the screen, and not disappear.

Hmmmm, why don't you see the item in the inventory? :hmm:
Create a hotspot for the item, and add its picture to it.
Then go to the items tab, and check the box "When the hotspot is clicked, add an item to the inventory"
Then click "new item", give the icon a name, and select an icon for it.
To prevent that this item can be picked up many times, go to the action tab, and check the box "Hide and disable this hotspot"

No, currently the inventory at the top of the screen is the standard.
With the full version of AM, and a lot of scripting, it would be possible to create a custom inventory, but would be a lot of work.

Hope this helps :)

[SteelersFreak]

right now im making a game using Adobe Flash CS3 and i was wondering 2 things

1. I can get a door to open but how do i keep it open so that when i click it, it stays open and when i click it again it closes

2. How do i make an inventory with draggable items?

[DarkVicE]

I saw a post like this in your tutorial, But I thought they may be a way exactly like this but for use of rooms, but thank you I will update my game now it seems to be coming on pretty decent

For the inventory part it was mainly because it has So much black left going >> That way and VV That way.
Is there anyway to change the size of the screen in-game?

Posted this in adventure maker one to, also is there any way so I dont have to drag the items but so I can click them and then click where I want it to go?

[Mistery]

Replied to the same post of yours on the AM Forums (http://www.adventuremaker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3897).

[Keesto]

Anyone know of a good program for Mac?

[Mistery]

Hi Keesto,
I haven't looked specifically for programs for Mac yet since I have Windows, but here you find some info:

http://developer.apple.com/games/gameenginesonmac.html

http://members.aol.com/AlStaff/macgamecreator.html

And in this list, you find game maker software for different platforms:
http://www.ambrosine.com/resource.html

[Keesto]

Thanks M. I'll look into these and let all know what I find out.

[Mistery]

Okay, good luck :)

[SteelersFreak]

@ Keesto

Try using Adobe Flash CS3. Make sure you use mac version
If you are trying to make a really good quality game with 3D effects, special effects, motion features, and stuff like that then get Adobe Premium Suite 3 for Mac. It comes with photoshop, flash, acrobat 8, dreamwaver, illustrator, and inDesign.

<<Removed content.
Excerpt from our rules:
Pornography or any other illegal content or actions (stolen contents, viruses etc.) will not be tolerated, and dealt with strictly.
Promoting illegal downloads is therefore strictly forbidden>>

[Keesto]

Steelers- Thanks. I actually already have all that stuff from work! I just need to devote some time to teaching myself flash I guess. I've never needed it before, but I'd like to learn it. Luckily, Adobe has some pretty good video tutorials online. Can't wait.......

--
Mistery,
Thanks for the info. I looked through those lists pretty thoroughly. Man, for a bunch of software developers, there's a lot of really crappy websites out there. Unfortunately, of the links that worked, and were for MAC, most were either solely for platform, RPG/adventure, or text adventure games...

The selection on Windows is much larger. Makes me wish I had 2 computers!

that Torque Game builder looks interesting, though $250. (30 day free trial for windows only!...)

Thanks Again!

[Mistery]

Yes, I think that the selection for Windows is bigger. But if you take some time, maybe you can find more software for point-and-click games for MAC. Sometimes such software is not listed at many places, and you have to find it somehow, lol.

If I see something I'll add it to the first post of this thread, which I'm updating from time to time anyway when I find something: http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

[LMAOTANK777]

You take on the role of a cop who must end the city riots. I don't want to go into too much detail about the game, but do I have to draw out the background and characters? How can I put all the buttons? What is this actionscript thing? Can you give me a link to download it? What else is there I need to know, I don't have much flash knowledge.

[Mistery]

Well, it's not easy to answer your question.
Please read this thread for general information about game creation:
http://gamershood.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3575

You need to pick a software/game engine that you are going to use for your game.
Note that there are many different game creation tools: for different game genres (point and click, arcade, FSP, flash etc.), for different budgets (free to very expensive), for different programming knowledge etc. These are of course also important criteria how you choose the program that you will use.

And depending on the program that you're going to use, you will need to create your game differently.
But yes, of course, you will need to create the backgrounds and characters, and probably learn some scripting depending on the software that you use :)

[twizl]

I think y should give a lot of stress to the brain.Just use short methods. Click on the browser and just explore whatever you wn on gaming....:ura: