how to create web-based games

From looking on the internet I gather that web-based games can be
created with Flash, Director (Shockwave), Java, and Javascript, but I
haven't seen an explanation of the pros and cons of each. I looked on
Amazon.com for Macromedia Flash and Director, and they seem expensive
for a casual/hobbyist programmer. Thanks in advance for any advice.

placer9 wrote:

From looking on the internet I gather that web-based games can be
created with Flash, Director (Shockwave), Java, and Javascript, but I
haven't seen an explanation of the pros and cons of each. I looked on
Amazon.com for Macromedia Flash and Director, and they seem expensive
for a casual/hobbyist programmer. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I suggest Flash, Java, DHTML (JavaScript) in this order.
Flash -> probably easiest to get fast results -- need for Flash, e.g. 6
or 7.
Java -> for the advanced programmer and a bigger game, e.g. 3d. Java
support varies especially these days.
DHTML -> also nice for some simple puzzle games, even a Tetris or so -
no need for plug-in.

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"placer9" <placer9 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

From looking on the internet I gather that web-based games can be
created with Flash, Director (Shockwave), Java, and Javascript, but I
haven't seen an explanation of the pros and cons of each. I looked on
Amazon.com for Macromedia Flash and Director, and they seem expensive
for a casual/hobbyist programmer. Thanks in advance for any advice.
It totally depends on the type of game you like to make. Common is DHTML,

because it can be used in every browser.
With Java & Flash it goes in the direction of a realtime online-game