> *Originally posted by **[Senekis93](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=1#posts-3504467):*** > > # How do I make games for Kongregate? > > While there are lots of tools and languages that allow you to make games, the ones uploaded to Kongregate are either Flash or Unity3d games. This guide is about Flash, which offers comparable 3D performance and quality to Unity. > > To upload a Flash game to Kongregate, you need to be able to compile .swf files. > > * * * > > # What is a .swf file? > > SWF is a file format for multimedia, vector graphics and ActionScript. > > Files using the SWF extension are media files that require the Adobe Flash plug-in to render. SWF files are used for a variety of applications — from video embedding to entire websites — and can create dynamic, visually rich media to create an interactive environment. According to Adobe, approximately 99 percent of Internet users have Flash installed and enabled on their browser, making it one of the most widely adopted Internet technologies.[1](http://www.ehow.com/about_5068617_swf-file-extension.html) > > * * * > > # Where can I get these SWF files? > > You make them. You do not get them from other sites, as that is stealing. See the Uploading section in the [FAQ](http://www.kongregate.com/pages/help#how) for more info. > > * * * > > # What software do I need? > > You need a text editor and a compiler in order to make a SWF file; there are different IDEs which allow you to do this. > > Most flash developers use one of the following: > > - **FlashDevelop** ( [Official Site](http://flashdevelop.org/) | [Download](http://www.flashdevelop.org/community/viewforum.php?f=11)) > > - FlashDevelop is free to download an use. > - FlashDevelop is focused on the coding aspect. Its text editor includes many features that make the developer’s life easier by showing you hints, bracket-pairs and even allowing you to customize the font color of the different parts of your script. > - When using FlashDevelop, you’ll have to import your graphics and other media via code (it takes a single line to do so). > - It’s also worth mentioning that FlashDevelop compiles faster, but it’s Windows-only (can be run in Linux or OSX via a virtual machine). > - **Adobe Flash Professional CS** ( [30-day Trial](www.adobe.com/go/tryflash/) | [Students Edition](http://store2.adobe.com/cfusion/store/html/index.cfm?store=OLS-EDU-UK&event=displayProduct&categoryPath=%2FApplications%2FFlashPSTE) | [Purchase Flash CS 6.0](http://www.adobe.com/products/flash.html) ) > > - The current version of Adobe Flash (CS 6.0) costs around $700 USD. > - The Student Edition can save up to 80% of the price, but with limitations included on the purchase page > - Adobe Flash, being animation software, includes a graphic editor, allowing you to draw and edit your pics and add them to your project with a couple of clicks. > - It also allows you to easily create, edit and export animations without requiring external software. > > Both options are good and will give you the necessary tools to make Flash games. The choice is yours. > > * * * > > # Related Files: .fla, .as3proj and .as > > - **.fla** > > - This is the file format of the Flash projects created with the Adobe Flash software. These files will open your project, which includes graphics, sounds, animation instructions, frames (if you’re using them), etc. FLA files are opened and edited with Adobe Flash. > - **.as3proj** > > - This file is the FlashDevelop version of the FLA file. It saves the location of your library, the current files of your project and includes autogenerated JavaScript and HTML files to test or embed your game in web browsers. AS3PROJ files are opened and edited with FlashDevelop. > - **.as** > > - These are files that store the script code of your ActionScript classes, which are used to keep your code organized, among other things.These files can be opened and edited with any text editor (Notepad++, etc), including the FlashDevelop and Adobe Flash ones. > > Remember that these files are used to edit your game, but you can’t upload them to Kongregate. To submit a game, you must compile your project and upload the resulting SWF file. > > * * * > > # What code do I need to learn to make a Flash game? > > You need to learn a coding language called [ActionScript](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActionScript). The latest, currently supported and most powerful version is ActionScript 3.0 or AS3. Another option is [Haxe](http://haxe.org), an open source language that can target multiple platforms and devices, including Flash.. > > An alternative to learning to code would be to use software similar to [Stencyl](http://www.kongregate.com/pages/stencyl). This thread is intended to cover the programming aspects of making a game. You should visit the [Stencyl Forum](http://www.kongregate.com/forums/80-stencyl) or [Stencyl Website](http://www.stencyl.com/) to learn more. > > * * * > > # Tutorials And Reference: Where do I learn ActionScript 3? > > [Michael James Williams’ Avoider tutorial](http://gamedev.michaeljameswilliams.com/2008/09/17/avoider-game-tutorial-1/) is a good place to start. It covers all the basic elements of ActionScript 3 and explains the code, so you know what you’re doing instead of simply copy-pasting someone else’s game. > > The [FlashDevelop tutorial](http://flashdeveloptutorial.blogspot.com/) will help you if you are using FlashDevelop, as it’s focused to it. Note that it’s not finished (and may never be), but it covers the basic aspects of FlashDevelop (installing and configuring the IDE, using the embed metatag). > > The [AS3 Language and Components Reference](http://livedocs.adobe.com/flash/9.0/ActionScriptLangRefV3/) should be immediately bookmarked, as you’ll be checking it every 5 minutes while you start learning. > > More programming related tutorials can be found in the [Flash Game Tutorials Thread \>\>](http://www.kongregate.com/forums/4-game-programming/topics/307460) > > * * * > > > # Debugging: My code isn’t working ): > > Once you start making games, there will be times when you find yourself struggling to make some code to work properly. If you have any questions, feel free to make a new thread on the forums and other developers will gladly help you. Just make sure to give a [proper formatting](http://www.kongregate.com/forums/4-programming/topics/39889) to your posts if they include code. > > You can also visit the [Game Development Room](http://www.kongregate.com/games/UnknownGuardian/game-development-room-gdr)where you’ll be able to chat with other developers and try to find a solution to any problems you may have. > > * * * > > # Is there a “Flash Game Maker” to easily create Flash games? > > If you think programming is challenging, visit the [Stencyl forums](http://www.kongregate.com/forums/80-stencyl) and read the stickies. Stencyl allows you to make Flash games without having to write code. Note that Stencyl games can have bad performance and not using code will greatly reduce what you can do with your game. > > * * * > > # Additional Tools & Frameworks (free/open source): > > [**Flixel:**](http://flixel.org/) A free collection of AS3 files to help you organize, improve and optimize your games. > > [**FlashPunk:**](http://flashpunk.net) An AS3 library focused on 2D bitmap graphics: animation, collision detection, motion tweens, etc. > > [**Citrus Engine:**](http://code.google.com/p/citrus-engine/) Another library. Includes a sound manager, particles system and premade objects, among others. > > **[Pixelizer:](http://johanpeitz.com/?page_id=322)** Pixelizer is a component based framework for writing games in AS3. It is easily extendable and reusable, plus it uses blitting to render the graphics. > > **[GiTD Template:](http://www.kongregate.com/forums/4-game-programming/topics/287037-gitd-template)** An AS3 template for the GiTD contest.

Hey, Is it possible to upload games made using JavaScript to kongregate?

> *Originally posted by **[arthiSuresh](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=7#posts-9277033):*** > > which other online tutorial/guide do u people recommend for learning flash? Have you ever tried the Programmer RPG or the Shootorials Series? they’re really great tutorials.

What happens if your game DOESN’T have a game file?

There are tools which allow you to create and publish games with no programming knowledge like Scratch, Gamesalad, Sploder, etc. All you have to do is get the iframe url and copy the bit from http…. to the end of the url and then copy that into Kongregates upload section. If you have already uploaded the game and want to fix it all you have to do is click “Upload new Version” and you can fix the iframe. IF YOU PUBLISH THE WHOLE IFRAME IT WILL NOT WORK! I hope this helps Guys!

> *Originally posted by **[Slickstarr](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=7#posts-9307542):*** > > What happens if your game DOESN’T have a game file? embed code, or contact kongregate

What About Scratch, well you probably Have To Convert it .swf

> *Originally posted by **[xXZombieMasterXx](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=7#posts-9792640):*** > > What About Scratch, well you probably Have To Convert it .swf I believe you would, but I also think they’ve made that conversion to a .swf much easier than it used to be a number of years ago. If you have worked with Scratch, you would probably find Stencyl very familiar.

What size whould i use for my game?

This spreadsheet was posted to my local game developers group. It may have some links that people could find useful: [Resources for Jammers](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qQf5zjvJHEB40xYhTiFo9GzNYUBt8iAw8vzPu2Oy354/edit)

How do to get/ make images to use in your game?

> *Originally posted by **[thdarkblue](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=7#posts-10165152):*** > > How do to get/ make images to use in your game? Most people use a graphics program, or graphics programs. You can use anything from professional apps like Photoshop, Illustrator ($$$) through cheaper apps like Acorn, Pixelmator (my choice, $) to free apps like Inkscape.

“Flash only” zone*? No love for HTML5?* ^^

> *Originally posted by **[thdarkblue](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=7#posts-10165152):*** > > How do to get/ make images to use in your game? Gimp is ok for PC… So I’ve heard.

[AS3 101 Tutorials](http://code.tutsplus.com/series/as3-101--active-7395) Just wanted to share this with you guys, maybe this can be added to the tutorial thread. This is the tutorial series that got me into AS3. Before this, I had no clue on how to write a single line of code. These tutorials are really good and explain everything so well and clearly. It starts with the very basics like variables and loops. I highly recommend this series to anyone who starts out with AS3 or programming in general.

what if i want to allow players to spend creds on my game?

> *Originally posted by **[MLGHot](/forums/4/topics/160453?page=7#11234493)**:* > what if i want to allow players to spend creds on my game? Then you need to work with Kongregate themselves to implement them. They have to approve your game to have Kreds in.

i have stencyl that works

I'm working on an as3 version of Shootorial (5 years too late I guess, but no one else did it..) Ch1 is out so far, and with any luck the rest will be finished within the month. Kong shall have a good Flash tutorial again!