If you’re in the mood for an online RPG in the vein of Worlds of Warcraft, then we suggest giving Fiesta a try. Fiesta features a fully rendered landscape and true three-dimensional movement. It also features an engaging story, with new twists and turns being added every month. This month, for example, players can square off against the evil monster Helga for the first time. Users can also meet the “top player for the month of July,” AngelicKitten. While the added “3D punch” might put this game out of the reach of those with older hardware, it definitely isn’t out of our price range. Yes, that right. Fiesta is completely free.

As many of you know, video games are not just, pardon the pun, fun and games. A game can also be a good promotional tool. Many corporate websites have small, online video games to keep people coming back. The fine folks at the Multimedia Blog have a free tutorial on how to quickly and easily make your own game, using the powerful Games Factory 2 software. There is a slight learning curve, but it dissipates quickly. While Games Factory 2 is only a thirty day free trial, the knowledge gained will be indispensable.

By now, we’re all seen YouTube videos embedded into everything from message boards to news articles. But did you know that the same thing can be done with games? MetaPlace is a new software system that allows users to make the game that they want. MetaPlace is currently in a “closed alpha” state right now, meaning that it isn’t accepting any new users at the moment. However, MetaPlace developer Areae Incorporated is promising a new release with even more features soon.

One company that uses the gaming-marketing connection to its fullest is the William Wrigley Jr. Company, known worldwide for its gum and gum-like products. Candystand.com is a gaming site that Wrigley uses to not only entertain, but pitch their products to children. While not all “advertising games” and game sites are as elaborate as Candystand, few have been as successful. There is no way you can argue with over ten years of success.

And finally:

Believe it or not, but making simple games can be something that the whole family can enjoy. Squeak is a development system that is simple enough for children to use, but robust enough for adults. Unlike the others listed, Squeak requires you to learn an actual programming language - Smalltalk. Don’t worry, it’s not very hard. Many colleges actually use the language to help “break in” computer-science students that are new to programming. Before you know it, everyone will be making games like that pros do.