Depends on what type of game you want to make. For something more complex, you might look at Unity3D:
http://unity3d.com

It's capable of making virtually anything, even with the free developer version. And it exports for Mac, PC, web plugin (both Unity and I believe Flash now), iPhone, iPad, Android, even consoles, so with minor tweaks you can use the same game across all platforms. My brother has been programming in it for a few years now, makes $40+ an hour doing consulting work, programs games on the side, and has made $20-$25K in tutorial sales. If you're dedicated to game design and creation, Unity3D is a MUCH better way to go, imho.

Not that you're probably interested, but if you have a small game idea and a little money, he can probably bang it out for you for a few thousand dollars. He's developed stuff ranging from training simulations to corporate apps to computer games, even tutored college students and done a seminar for a game design team switching to Unity3D.
http://www.unityprogrammer.com

(I know the site doesn't look like much, I whacked it together one afternoon with some random screenshots, and most of the good stuff is under NDA still)

His profile on the Unity forums - 1400+ posts:
http://forum.unity3d.com/members/2880-GargerathSunman