R – Using multiple SWF Object – Flash doesn’t focus on rollover

You can use the ExternalInterface class within Flash to call JavaScript. For example you could set up a function on an interval (Event.ENTER_FRAME for example) to call the JavaScript function that @Diodeus mentioned:

document.body.focus();

Or, an even better solution would be to add an event listener to the flash root (stage) to listen for when the mouse leaves Flash. You can set up this event to move focus to the document.body.

AS3

package {
   import flash.display.*;
   import flash.events.*;
   import flash.external.ExternalInterface;

    public class TestMouseLeave extends Sprite
    {
        public function TestMouseLeave()
        {
            // Add event listener for when the mouse LEAVES FLASH
            addEventListener(MouseEvent.MOUSE_OUT, onMouseLeave);
        }

        private function onMouseLeave(ev:Event):void
        {
            var jslink = new ExternalInterface();
            jslink.call("changeFocus");
        }
    }

}

Javascript on your page:

<script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
    function changeFocus(){
        document.body.focus();
    }
</script>

Let me know if you want an AS2 example, and I'll post it up.

Wanted to make a note about this solution: Once you push focus back to the browser, you will require that the user click on the Flash plug-in again to activate user input inside the flash plug-in. This could be a jarring user experience, and is something to consider when using this solution.

The code you are looking for is:

gameWorldObject.stage.focus = this;

Since Flash has obtained focus, your keyboard event handler is simply not focused within the flash application itself. You can switch where the current focus is within the application using the above code.

Alternatively, instead of destroying the PlayNow button, making it invisible will do the trick. Then make it visible again later when you need it to. Very easy if it's a MovieClip or a Sprite object:

PlayNowButton.visible = false; // or true obviously, as the case may be

(It's hard writing to myself this way)