Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
systemInvalidDomain();
}
private function systemInvalidDomain():void {
navigateToURL(new URLRequest("http://www.8bitrocket.com"), 'newwindow');
}
The basic idea is that we search for the valid domain (
“8bitrocket.com”
), using
this.loaderInfo.url.toLowerCase
. If we don't find it, we call the
systemInvalidDomain
function,
which then redirects to a web site. If a portal or web site tries to embed this game, it will redirect
to your site as soon as someone visits the page it sits on.
Encrypting your game
While both Mochi Distribution and FlashGameLicense.com offer limited encryption for your Flash
games, to be very safe, you should use your own SWF encryption as well. Why encryption? Well,
there are some people out there that steal code and games or take out ads, sponsorships,
preloaders, and credit screens and try to pass the games off as their own work.
We have found that best solution for SWF encryption is Amayeta SWF Encrypt
(
http://www.amayeta.com/
). This application will take a SWF file and render it unreadable with
obfuscation
. As well, it adds hooks to kill common SWF decompilers. The drawback is that that it
will increase the size of the SWF, sometimes as much as twofold or more, depending on the
strength of the encryption you choose in the utility. While SWF Encrypt is not free, the price
(roughly $150) is worth every penny, especially after you discover some script kiddies have stolen
your game and put their names on it. One more note. If you use Mochi Media Distribution
services, you get a medium amount of encryption out of the box, just by loading your game into
their system. However, even Mochi suggests you use an obfuscator along with their service.
Marketing viral Flash games
Your marketing strategy with a viral Flash game will depend on what goals you set for yourself.
The two most common goals are to make the most money and get the most exposure. Let's
discuss those goals and sample strategies for how to achieve them.
If you want to make the most money possible from your viral game, you might want to follow
these steps:
1.
Site lock your game in a hidden directory on your web site. Do not put in any
in-game ads.
2.
Submit games personally to premium portals (Addicting Games, Big Fish, etc.) that
sponsor games. For sites that do not allow uploads, send them a personal e-mail with
a link to the site-locked version.
3.
Wait.
4.
If you do not get any acceptable offers, submit your game to FlashGameLicense.com.
Make it known that the game has not been in distribution and has only been offered up
for potential sponsors.
5.
Wait. Wait at least 3 weeks, unless you get an offer you can't refuse.
