What software do I need, how can I get access to it?

[grouchotron]

.

[ASWC]

I started Flash about 7 years ago by buying an outdated version and as new Flash version came out I was always buying outdated version (from $150 to $300) then when I started to make money I started to buy the newest version + since I belong to an Adobe user group I get deals or even free software like the Flash Builder Premium I got! So bottom line buy the version you can afford and work your way up.

[Eralmidia]

I actually bought my first version of flash (flash 4). Today however I get access through my work, but like ASWC searching for an older version might be the way to go for many. If you are just tarting out, a CS3 version for instance will work just fine, as it gives you a good ide for as3 development.

[grouchotron]

.

[Eralmidia]

Hehe, yeah, even two versons back flash isn't cheap. Of cource, I'm not saying you can't buy an even older version, but rememmber that further back will force you to use as2 instead of as3, and VM1 instead of VM2, which is a heavy downgrade when it comes to performance. At least if your game if going to be complex and fast paced.

Looking for alternatives, it depends a bit on your experience. You can use the free Flex SDK, and use a program like FlashDevelop as IDE, but that makes it pure code, and the lack of visual representation of objects, timelines and such may be confusing to some. I still like using the Flash IDE, but I do all my conding in FD tho.

Now, since you mention flash game, I'm just going to throw out another alternative, tho it might not be for you:
http://www.ambiera.com/coppercube/index.html
In CopperCube you can import 3d models, build a world, throw actionscript into the mix, and create 3d flash swf files. At least the light version is quite a bit cheaper than flash. But I havent really testet this application myself, I'm meerly monitoring it as an interesting project :p

[ogaac]

I shelled out the cash because I saw it as an investment. Using the skills I have with those programs has already paid for itself in commissioned work and misc. gigs.

Now anything I make off of the software goes into my pocket, and I get to use it whenever I want.

Not gonna lie though, it pretty much cleaned out my savings (just got out of college) but I'd say it was worth it so far.

[tadster]

Well, you don't have to spend any money at all, just grab the free Flex SDK from Adobe, that Eralmidia already mentioned. Imo, you should learn that way first, then get into the Flash IDE, I did not start using Flash until last year, till then everything I did was compiled from the SDK. In fact, today, for games especially, I'll make things in the IDE, but then still bring everything together so I can compile it with the SDK, simply because it treats sounds better, and I can apply my complex security on top, which can only be done with Flex.

But, Adobe has thought about the poor man, you can completely program in AS3 for free.

[rrh]

It's 1.8k for the Web Premium CS5 package, which also includes Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Fireworks and some other stuff.

It's 700 for just Flash CS5.

How much was your computer?

[CyanBlue]

Student and Teacher Edition for Flash CS5 Profession: US$249

How much do we normally pay for the cell phone service??? $30 ~ 100 depending on the use, I believe... That alone can reach up to $1k per year and there is room to save from there, and if you do the same thing on everything you do, you can save $249 easily... :)