How to save user data with flash?

[VinceA]

I’m in the final stage of flash game development. How can I load and save files with user data. I have looked at mdm Zinc, but its not yet compatible with the new Flash 9 (Flash CS3). On another thread here I picked up on a FlashNova™ project, is that finished and works with as3? Hope some can hand me some help!!
Cheers
Vincent Agerbech

[LilGames]

"shared object"

[soniCron]

Shared objects are risky because of their adherence to user-defined settings out of the application's control. That is to say, if the user has turned down or off their maximum share storage (either intentionally or not,) the game simply won't be able to save data. Unfortunately, this setting isn't done per application, but rather, globally, so setting it in the browser to block cookies, for example, will disable -- and delete -- save games for the Flash game.

That said, I've been working hard on FlashNova and I'm about to roll out a pre-release version for folks desperate for the tool. FlashNova will eliminate the storage limit of shared objects. So, if you want, you can begin programming your game with that method of storage, and the transition will be transparent. The FlashNova API hasn't been ported to AS 3.0, yet, but it should be a trivial matter. (And unless you need real-time fullscreen/windowed switching, you don't need to worry yourself with the API anyway.) Please contact me if you want me to let you know when the pre-release of FlashNova is available. Should be very soon! :)

[VinceA]

Wow! I had completely overlooked that Class. Thanks a lot; you just ended my 3 day headache!!
Now I just have to find the best fullscreen solution. I really need to find a solution that wraps the flash projector! The game is already a bit heavy. And as the game is based on physics-sim a high frame is really preferable/necessity.

But thanks again!! :)

[VinceA]

I had posted my reply to LilGames before I had seen the post by soniCron. It seems I have found my solution. I can’t wait to work with FlashNova. I really think that a flash downloadable-game wrapper is just what a lot of eager flash game developers have been waiting for! I hope you get around to the AS3 part. I have really found a significant increase in speed compared to AS2.
Where do I sign up? ;)

[Spore Man]

Sonicron? It's time.....

[raigan]

Is there any reason why AIR isn't good enough? It supports file I/O, so you can save stuff properly rather than using shared objects: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/air/

[Spore Man]

Because AIR requires that the user has downloaded and installed the run-time application. If you're into making and selling games, it's best to have it all one no-hassle download. Average Joe gets all weird when they read that they need "extra stuff" just to run a game.

[raigan]

Oh -- I thought you could bundle your game with the runtime, sorry!