Adobe Flash technology has gotten a bad rap in recent years. While Flash was instrumental in the development of rich and interactive websites, it has slowly been replaced by more modern technologies. With the lack of support for Flash on many mobile devices, and Adobe’s announcement last year that they would retire the technology for mobile devices, many were ready to sign the death warrant for Flash. However, even with the evolution of new technologies like HTML5, Flash is still a fundamental part of the World Wide Web.
Flash technology was released in 1996, and the proliferation of online Flash games began almost immediately. Unlike traditional video games, these required no download or installation. As long as the Flash player was already installed, users could launch a game and start playing right away. These are usually casual games that can be played in a single session, rather than long and complicated games that require hours of gameplay. Even today, Internet users love to play Flash games when they have a few spare minutes.
Of course, Flash is not limited to games. Its ability to stream high-quality animated content over the Internet has also made it a top choice for advertisers. Many web developers use it to add interactivity and animation to their sites. However, gaming may be the most popular use. There are probably thousands of free online Flash games available today.
Does Flash still have a future? Despite limited mobile support, it’s still a staple of desktop web browsing. Men and women alike, of all ages and walks of life, play Flash games regularly. They do not require lengthy downloads or complicated installations. They’re usually free, so there’s no need to worry about piracy, copy protection, or expensive software purchases. Being games that can be played in a short time, they are perfect for free time and do not require the level of commitment that more complicated games demand.
Although HTML5 can do many of the same things, the world is full of developers, designers, artists, and programmers who have been using Flash for over a decade. It is unlikely that all of them will abandon their chosen platform for a new one. The Flash may not be around forever, but it’s not going away anytime soon. Online Flash games are a huge market and websites featuring this type of entertainment continue to proliferate. While there are still those who want to play Flash games, it is likely that others will fill the need by developing new and better games.
