Wanted to throw this one out there for anyone not using Flash.
Yes, games can be written in just about any language. In addition to ActionScript, I’ve created games in Java and Python. And C# / XNA, C++, or pretty much any other language capable of displaying graphics could be used.
Then why Flash?
This is a website. I wanted to be able to embed samples, and Flash is currently the easiest way to do that. I suppose I could have embedded Java applets, but with Flash’s market share it seemed the logical choice.
Sorry iPad users :)
What if I like Java, C#, Python, C++, or whatever language better?
Use it!
I’m using ActionScript for some of the examples, but also switching between other languages I know. Code will likely be mostly ActionScript; but Java, Python, PHP, and JavaScript may make a few appearances as well. It should be relatively easy to port the sample code to your favorite language.