as3 preloading for distribution

Question

So the easiest way to preload in as3 would be to use an external .swf to load the main .swf. Since I will be distributing my game around the internet I can only use one .swf. What would be the best way to do this? Can I still use the external method but somehow combine the finished product into one .swf?

Answer 1

How are you going to be distributing the game around the 'net? The easiest way would be to distribute the loader SWF and then keep the game SWF central to a single location somewhere on a server you control.

You get two benefits:

1. Less to distribute (the loader SWF is a cinch to hand out...and there's no real configuration needed).

2. One central location to update your game. That will ensure that everybody playing will be playing the latest version.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, if you want eveything to be contained in one SWF file, there is no way to also preload your game.

However, if you have server space somewhere, then you can create a preloader to load the actual meaty part of your game.