Question

I am developing a web-based game (similar to the ESP game), I am done with the server side SOAP web service (built on ASP.NET), and now I am wondering if I should use Flash (swf) or AJAX for the client side layer of the game. Basically, the client side is a web service client making requests to the web server and receiving back instructions on how to render/update the user interface. Any suggestions or considerations?

Answer 1

My 2 cents:

Html/Css/Javascript (aka AJAX)

• Plus: No client plugin required – “instant on”, so you are open to a wider audience (No need to worry about flash versions etc.)
• Plus: Depending on your skillset, you should be able to get something up and running much faster (assuming you are a web developer not a flash guru)
• Plus: should be easier to maintain as wider number of people available to employ to help out.
• Minus: You are going to be more restricted over the visual design
• Minus: You are going to have to spend more time over cross-browser issues, specifically the design more than anything else

Flash / Flex

• Plus: Gives you a much richer design environment in which to work
• Plus: No real need to worry about cross-browser issues.
• Minus: Might not be in your skillset, so will take you longer pickup
• Minus: Requires a plugin (not really a big an issue as it used to be)
• Minus: Bringing someone in to help / maintain could be more costly.