Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

RPG Maker

RPG Maker, known in Japan as RPG Tsukūru, is a series of proprietary video game development software tools that enable users, including those without programming expertise, to create role-playing games (RPGs) through intuitive interfaces featuring tile-based mapping, event scripting, character generation, and database customization for elements like items, skills, and battles.^[1] Initiated in 1992 by ASCII Corporation with RPG Tkool DANTE98 for the PC-9801 platform, which introduced an accessible event system for RPG prototyping, the series progressed through iterations like RPG Tkool 2000 (2000) with advanced variables and RPG Maker XP (2004) incorporating Ruby-based scripting, before transitioning to multi-platform support in RPG Maker MV (2015) and enhancements in RPG Maker MZ (2020) under Gotcha Gotcha Games.^[2] This evolution has fostered a prolific indie ecosystem, with the engine powering commercially viable titles such as To the Moon (2009), a narrative-driven adventure that achieved significant sales and acclaim for its emotional storytelling, alongside genre-subverting works like Ib (2012) and Yume Nikki (2004), which popularized exploratory horror within the RPG Maker community and demonstrated the tool's versatility for non-traditional RPG experiences.^[3]

History

Origins and Early Development

RPG Tsukūru Dante 98, developed and published by ASCII Corporation, was released on December 17, 1992, for the NEC PC-9801 platform, marking the inception of the RPG Maker series as a tool for amateur game creation.^[4] ^[2] This software emerged amid the surge in popularity of Japanese console RPGs like Dragon Quest, which had demonstrated strong commercial viability through structured narratives, turn-based combat, and explorable worlds, prompting ASCII to distill these elements into an accessible creation system for non-programmers.^[4] The tool's foundational design emphasized tile-based map construction, where users could assemble levels from predefined graphical tiles, alongside event-driven scripting to handle character movements, dialogues, and triggers without requiring manual code writing.^[4] Battle systems and character progression were similarly modularized via simple databases for stats, skills, and items, enabling rapid prototyping of core RPG mechanics such as random encounters and leveling. This approach abstracted complex programming tasks into intuitive interfaces, drawing on the empirical effectiveness of formulaic JRPG designs to prioritize usability over flexibility.^[2] Initial implementations were constrained by PC-98 hardware, enforcing a fixed 320x240 resolution and limited asset libraries, which necessitated efficient resource management and discouraged expansive open-world designs in favor of linear, event-focused gameplay.^[4] These limitations reflected the era's Japanese PC gaming ecosystem, where platforms like the PC-9801 had evolved from predecessors such as the PC-88 and MSX to support hobbyist development through accessible BASIC-like environments and graphical tools.^[5]

Expansion to PC and Console Platforms

In 1995, ASCII expanded the RPG Tsukūru series to consoles with RPG Tsukūru: Super Dante for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, adapting the PC-98-based RPG Tsukūru: Dante 98 tool to console hardware by incorporating enhanced graphics capabilities and pre-built scenario templates to accommodate cartridge storage limitations.^[2]^[6] This release reflected growing demand for accessible game creation amid Japan's post-SNES market saturation, where hobbyist developers sought tools to produce original content without full programming expertise.^[7] The series further broadened to PC platforms with RPG Tsukūru 95 on March 28, 1997, the first version compatible with Windows 95, featuring a graphical user interface upgrade to 256-color palettes and support for multimedia elements like sound and images, which simplified asset integration compared to prior DOS-based iterations.^[2]^[8] This transition from niche PC-98 systems to mainstream Windows PCs lowered barriers for amateur creators, aligning with the era's rise in doujin (self-published) game production in Japan, driven by accessible software that enabled rapid prototyping of RPGs.^[7] Console expansion continued that year with RPG Tsukūru 3 (known internationally as RPG Maker) for the PlayStation on November 27, 1997, which employed simplified event-based editing and template libraries to fit within optical disc constraints while retaining core RPG mechanics like battle systems and mapping.^[2]^[9] These adaptations prioritized usability for non-professionals, capitalizing on the PlayStation's popularity to extend the tool's reach beyond PCs and foster a burgeoning indie scene experimenting with custom narratives and mechanics.^[7]

Localization and Global Adoption

The transition toward English localization in the early 2000s relied heavily on unofficial community efforts, as Enterbrain did not initially pursue Western markets for RPG Maker 2000 and 2003, which remained Japan-exclusive upon their 2000 and 2001 releases, respectively. Fan translations, including a notable unofficial English patch for RPG Maker 2000 disseminated by a Russian developer known as Don Miguel around 2000, enabled early adoption among Western hobbyists despite legal risks and lack of official support.^[10] These bootleg versions proliferated via early internet sharing, appealing to a niche of independent creators experimenting with JRPG-style mechanics without formal accessibility.^[11] Enterbrain's first official English release, RPG Maker XP, arrived in the United States on September 16, 2005, following its Japanese debut in July 2004, introducing the Ruby Game Scripting System (RGSS1) for custom code integration.^[12] This scripting capability, based on Ruby 1.8, lowered barriers for programmers seeking to extend default features like battle systems and events, broadening appeal beyond basic event-driven design.^[13] Community translations of prior titles complemented this, sustaining momentum from 2000/2003 users while XP's official availability legitimized the tool for English markets. Global adoption metrics during this era reflect organic growth through online communities rather than broad commercial sales, with forums like the RPG Maker Database (RMDB) emerging as key hubs by the mid-2000s for resource sharing and project collaboration.^[14] These platforms documented hundreds of user posts daily on development queries, indicating a burgeoning international user base of hobbyists and aspiring developers, though confined to dedicated enthusiasts due to the software's specialized focus on 2D RPG prototyping.^[15] Such grassroots expansion laid groundwork for later formalized distribution, without which the Western scene would have remained marginal.

Recent Innovations and Company Changes

In 2020, Kadokawa Corporation established Gotcha Gotcha Games as a subsidiary to develop and publish RPG Maker products, marking a shift from prior administrators like Degica and Enterbrain.^[16]^[17] By October 2022, Gotcha Gotcha Games assumed full publishing responsibilities for the series, while previous partners like Komodo continued limited support for community tools and DLC.^[18] RPG Maker MV, released on October 23, 2015, introduced JavaScript scripting alongside HTML5 exports, enabling deployment to web browsers and mobile devices beyond traditional PC builds.^[19]^[20] This update expanded accessibility for non-programmers while allowing custom plugins for enhanced functionality. RPG Maker MZ followed on August 20, 2020, refining these features with additions like the Effekseer particle system for improved visual effects and autosave capabilities, further streamlining multiplatform exports.^[21]^[22] On February 15, 2022, Gotcha Gotcha Games announced RPG Maker Unite, integrating the toolset into the Unity engine to support 3D assets and advanced rendering, with a full release on the Unity Asset Store on May 8, 2023.^[23]^[24] This iteration addressed limitations in prior 2D-focused versions by leveraging Unity's ecosystem for broader platform compatibility, though it imposed higher system demands due to the underlying engine. In 2024, RPG Maker WITH launched for Nintendo Switch on October 11, emphasizing cross-platform online asset sharing and collaborative features tailored for console users.^[25] The PlayStation 4 and 5 versions followed on February 21, 2025, incorporating user-friendly controls and community-driven resource exchange to facilitate shared game development.^[26]^[27]

PC Versions

Early Japanese PC Releases

The inaugural entry in the RPG Maker series, titled RPG Tkool DANTE98 (also known as RPG Tsukūru Dante 98), was developed and published by ASCII Corporation for the NEC PC-9801 platform, with a release date of December 19, 1992.^[28] This software pioneered foundational tools for amateur RPG creation, including a tile-based map editor and an event-driven scripting system that enabled non-programmers to implement interactions, battles, and narrative progression through graphical commands rather than code.^[2] Its mechanics emphasized simplicity, with maps constructed from predefined tiles and events tied directly to map positions, lacking a centralized database for assets like characters or enemies—instead relying on separate, rudimentary editors for such elements.^[29] A successor, RPG Tkool DANTE98II, arrived in 1996, still targeting the PC-9801, and expanded on the original by introducing multi-layered map support for greater depth in environments and editable parameters for balancing game elements like statistics and items.^[2] These versions were tightly integrated with the PC-9801's hardware, utilizing its graphics capabilities for 8x8 pixel tile primitives in map construction, which constrained visual complexity but facilitated accessible design on era-specific Japanese PCs.^[30] Export functionality was limited by proprietary file formats, restricting standalone game distribution without the original software, and no official internationalization existed, confining use primarily to Japanese developers.^[31] Transitioning to a broader platform, RPG Tkool 95 (internationally referenced as RPG Maker 95) debuted in 1997 as the series' first Windows-compatible release, supporting a 256-color palette and basic multimedia integration like video playback for cutscenes.^[2] Retaining event-based scripting as the core mechanic—where game logic unfolded via sequential event commands without advanced conditional branching or a unified database—it separated asset management into discrete tools for monsters, items, and characters, enforcing modular but fragmented workflows.^[29] Full functionality required Japanese Windows locales for proper font rendering and interface display, prompting community-driven fan patches to enable operation on English-localized systems, though these often introduced compatibility issues with proprietary data formats that hindered cross-platform exports.^[32]

RPG Maker 2000 and 2003

RPG Maker 2000, released on April 5, 2000, for Microsoft Windows in Japan, marked the series' transition to a more integrated development environment with the introduction of a centralized database system for managing core game elements including items, enemies, actors, skills, and states.^[33] This database consolidated previously separate editors into a single interface, enabling efficient parameter adjustments and data organization that reduced workflow friction compared to the modular tools of earlier DOS-era versions like RPG Tsukuru 95.^[2] The engine also added support for variables in events, allowing for conditional branching and state tracking that expanded beyond simple trigger-based interactions.^[2] RPG Maker 2003, released on December 17, 2002, in Japan as an iterative upgrade, incorporated a data converter tool to import and adapt projects from RPG Maker 2000, establishing the RM2k3 file format as a compatible evolution for ongoing development.^[34]^[2] Key enhancements included a shift to side-view battle presentation, which displayed characters and enemies in profile for more expressive animations, alongside expanded tools for customizing battle effects such as particle-based spells and attacks.^[2] The Runtime Package (RTP) assets were refined for these versions to streamline resource distribution, with 2003's implementation supporting higher-fidelity graphics handling and reduced load times for battle sequences in resource-constrained environments.^[35] These editions gained prominence among Japanese independent developers for producing doujin soft titles, leveraging the database and animation upgrades to create accessible RPGs with retro pixel aesthetics, as evidenced by their frequent use in horror and exploratory genres.^[36]^[37]

Transitional Versions: XP, VX, and VX Ace

RPG Maker XP, released on July 22, 2004, in Japan and September 16, 2005, internationally, introduced the Ruby Game Scripting System (RGSS1), an object-oriented framework derived from the Ruby programming language, permitting extensive customization of game logic, including events and battle mechanics through scripting.^[38]^[12] This shift enabled implementation of advanced features like side-view battle systems, which were not default but achievable via user scripts, expanding beyond the event-command limitations of predecessors such as RPG Maker 2003.^[39] XP supported a fixed resolution of 640x480 pixels with full-color PNG graphics and three map layers, facilitating more detailed visual designs.^[38] RPG Maker VX, released on December 27, 2007, in Japan and February 29, 2008, internationally, utilized RGSS2 and emphasized a streamlined interface with categorized tilesets (A-E), autotile enhancements for rapid mapping, and simplified event creation for common interactions like doors and chests.^[40]^[41] While intended to combine the accessibility of earlier versions like RPG Maker 2000 with XP's flexibility, VX reduced certain database and customization options, such as unified item/equipment tabs and no native class system, prompting criticism from experienced users for diminished depth relative to XP.^[42]^[43] RPG Maker VX Ace, released on December 15, 2011, in Japan and March 15, 2012, internationally, built upon VX with RGSS3 (based on Ruby 1.9.2) and reinstated advanced capabilities via an expanded database featuring a modular "Features" system for character and enemy parameters, alongside additional event commands for complex behaviors without scripting.^[44]^[45] It supported multiple tilesets (up to 999), full autoshadow control, and default game resolutions of 544x416 pixels, extendable to 640x480 via configuration, improving graphical flexibility over VX.^[46] VX Ace's enhancements fostered broad adoption in English-speaking communities, evidenced by its high volume of user engagement on platforms like Steam.^[45]

JavaScript-Based Era: MV and MZ

RPG Maker MV, released on October 23, 2015, marked a shift to JavaScript as the primary scripting language, replacing Ruby from prior versions, and introduced HTML5 export capabilities powered by NW.js for web browsers and cross-platform deployment including mobile devices.^[19]^[47] This enabled developers to publish games to platforms like Android and iOS without native recompilation, though performance optimizations often required manual NW.js updates to address runtime limitations in older builds.^[48] The plugin ecosystem expanded rapidly due to JavaScript's flexibility, allowing community extensions for custom mechanics, but frequent engine updates led to compatibility breaks, requiring developers to test and patch plugins manually.^[49] By late 2021, MV had sold over 500,000 copies on Steam alone, reflecting strong adoption among indie creators despite these technical hurdles.^[50] RPG Maker MZ, launched worldwide on August 20, 2020, built on MV's JavaScript foundation with refinements to the core engine, including enhanced event scripting that supported more intuitive visual tools for non-coders while retaining full JS access for advanced customization.^[21]^[51] Export features improved with better encryption options for deployed files to deter reverse-engineering, alongside ongoing HTML5 and NW.js support for web and mobile targets, though core architecture changes reduced backward compatibility with MV plugins.^[52] Developers reported persistent issues where MV-era plugins failed in MZ due to API divergences, necessitating porting efforts or third-party adapters, which fragmented the ecosystem and slowed transitions for existing projects.^[53] The JavaScript era fostered a vibrant plugin market, with thousands of free and paid extensions available via repositories and forums, emphasizing modular enhancements like battle systems and UI overhauls; however, update cycles exposed reliability gaps, as evidenced by community fixes for NW.js crashes and script conflicts post-patches.^[54] These tools democratized web-based RPG deployment but underscored trade-offs in stability, with MZ prioritizing forward compatibility over seamless MV upgrades.^[55]

Unity Integration: RPG Maker Unite

RPG Maker Unite represents a departure from the series' traditional standalone 2D engines, integrating as a Unity asset package to leverage the engine's capabilities for enhanced graphics, cross-platform deployment, and extensibility. Announced on February 15, 2022, by Gotcha Gotcha Games, it was positioned as the first RPG Maker iteration built atop Unity, enabling creators to develop classic top-down RPGs with visual scripting tools while accessing Unity's ecosystem for advanced modifications.^[56]^[57] The tool launched on May 8, 2023, via the Unity Asset Store following multiple delays from its initial 2022 target, with subsequent availability on Epic Games Store in February 2024.^[58]^[59] Unlike predecessors such as MV and MZ, which relied on JavaScript for plugins and focused on pixel-art resolutions up to 816x624, Unite supports native full HD (1920x1080) rendering and mobile exports without additional plugins, shifting emphasis from constrained 2D sprites to scalable visuals compatible with Unity's rendering pipeline.^[24]^[60] This integration allows seamless incorporation of Unity-specific assets, such as particle effects or lighting, but requires Unity Editor familiarity for deeper customization, potentially steepening the entry for novices accustomed to prior versions' insulated interfaces.^[61] Core features include a visual event system for no-code database management, map editing, and battle mechanics akin to earlier titles, augmented by C# scripting access for behaviors like custom AI or procedural generation—extending beyond the Ruby or JavaScript limits of XP/VX-era tools.^[62] While maintaining 2D tile-based world-building as foundational, Unite facilitates hybrid 3D elements through Unity's tilemap system and updates like 3DCC (3D Character Creator) modifications for character scaling and drawing, enabling prototypes with elevated perspectives or mixed assets not feasible in prior 2D-only frameworks.^[63] However, this Unity foundation imposes higher hardware thresholds, with minimum requirements of an Intel Core i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a DirectX 11-compatible GPU, contrasting the lighter demands of JavaScript-based predecessors and necessitating robust systems for real-time editing and testing.^[59] Post-launch updates have addressed scalability, with version 1.2.1 in January 2025 introducing expanded macOS compatibility, skill damage formula enhancements, and improved asset import workflows based on developer input via official forums and Unity feedback channels.^[64] These iterations support multiplayer prototyping through Unity's Netcode for GameObjects, allowing asynchronous or real-time elements in RPG structures—such as co-op exploration—though implementation relies on user-extended C# integrations rather than built-in presets, reflecting Unity's modular design over the series' historical single-player focus.^[63] Visual tools like drag-and-drop event graphs mitigate the scripting barrier for basic projects, reducing the learning curve for RPG-specific mechanics compared to raw Unity development, yet the shift demands adaptation to Unity's asset pipeline for optimal performance in larger-scale games.^[65]

Console Versions

Super Nintendo and PlayStation Era

RPG Tsukūru Super Dante, the inaugural console entry in the series, launched exclusively for the Super Famicom (Japanese Super Nintendo Entertainment System) on March 31, 1995, developed by Kuusou Kagaku and published by ASCII Entertainment.^[6]^[66] Adapted from PC predecessors, it imposed 16-bit hardware restrictions, such as constrained ROM sizes capping game data at under 8 MB and palette-limited graphics restricting sprite diversity and map complexity to basic tile sets and linear event scripting.^[2] These limitations prioritized simplicity for novice creators, enabling tile-based world-building, character movement, and rudimentary battle systems, but precluded advanced features like dynamic lighting or extensive custom animations feasible on PCs.^[9] Exclusively Japanese-marketed with no international release, the software utilized proprietary cartridge or memory pack saves, complicating game export and sharing beyond compatible hardware, as data formats lacked cross-platform compatibility or online dissemination options in the mid-1990s console ecosystem.^[2] A follow-up SNES title, RPG Tkool 2, expanded slightly on these foundations by supporting larger character sprites and adjustable map dimensions, yet retained core hardware bottlenecks that emphasized concise, SNES-era RPG tropes over expansive narratives.^[2] The PlayStation iteration, RPG Tsukūru 3 (known internationally as RPG Maker), debuted in Japan on August 29, 1997, harnessing CD-ROM storage for up to 650 MB capacity to enable richer assets, including over 200 customizable images, 30 pre-built magic effect animations, and an integrated "Anime Maker" for bespoke character portraits.^[67]^[9] This shift mitigated some SNES-era constraints, permitting deeper event databases and fuller soundtracks via audio tracks, while maintaining 2D overhead-view gameplay suited to the console's 3D-capable but RPG-focused architecture.^[2] An English-localized version followed in North America via Agetec in 2000, marking the series' first official Western console outing, though sales remained niche due to the tool's Japanese-centric interface remnants and steep learning curve for non-specialists.^[68] Both platforms confined functionality to offline creation and playback on proprietary hardware, with save systems reliant on console memory cards or discs, posing barriers to global dissemination as emulators and digital sharing were nascent or legally fraught in the era.^[9] This era underscored RPG Maker's pivot to console accessibility amid PC dominance, prioritizing bundled templates for quick prototyping over the open-ended customization of desktop counterparts.^[2]

Handheld Adaptations: DS and 3DS

RPG Tsukūru DS, released exclusively in Japan on January 28, 2010, for the Nintendo DS, introduced stylus-based tools tailored to the handheld's dual-screen and touch capabilities, enabling users to draw maps, place events, and edit game elements directly with the stylus for more intuitive creation compared to mouse-driven PC interfaces.^[2] This adaptation constrained game development to the DS's native resolution of 256x192 pixels on the bottom touch screen and 256x192 on the top, limiting graphical complexity and scope to fit portable hardware limitations while emphasizing simple, top-down RPG mechanics with pre-built assets.^[69] Users could upload completed games and download additional materials or others' creations via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, fostering a basic community exchange, though the Japan-only release restricted its global reach and demonstrated niche appeal among portable RPG enthusiasts.^[2] Building on this foundation, RPG Maker Fes launched in Japan in 2016 and internationally on June 27, 2017, for the Nintendo 3DS family, incorporating touch-screen event placement and map editing similar to its predecessor but expanded with stereoscopic 3D support and a broader asset library for character customization and battles.^[70] Development remained bound by 3DS hardware constraints, such as the top screen's 400x240 resolution and limited processing power, which prioritized lightweight scripting and avoided advanced features like custom code to maintain accessibility on the go.^[71] A key innovation was integrated online sharing via the free RPG Maker Player application, allowing users to upload games to Nintendo's servers and download others for play without purchasing the full editor, which enhanced community interaction but relied on now-defunct SpotPass infrastructure post-3DS eShop closure.^[72] Like its DS counterpart, Fes targeted a specialized audience, with mixed reception citing simplified tools as both approachable for beginners and restrictive for deeper customization.^[73]

Modern Console Entries: Switch and PlayStation

RPG Maker WITH represents the primary modern console entry in the RPG Maker series, tailored for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation platforms with a focus on collaborative creation and console-optimized workflows. Released for Nintendo Switch on October 11, 2024, in North America and Europe by NIS America, the title builds on prior iterations by emphasizing user-generated content sharing and streamlined tools suitable for handheld and TV modes.^[74]^[25] The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions followed on February 21, 2025, in the West, enabling cross-platform asset exchange that bridges console and PC ecosystems through online features.^[74]^[75] This release supports controller-based editing with intuitive input mappings designed for Joy-Con, DualSense, or similar peripherals, allowing users to construct maps, events, and databases without keyboard reliance.^[74] The system's "Asset Sharing" functionality permits importing and editing of maps, graphics, and other materials created by community members, fostering hybrid workflows where console users can incorporate PC-originated assets via online uploads and downloads.^[74]^[76] Export options in RPG Maker WITH prioritize simplified playtesting and sharing over full standalone deployment, with tools for generating testable builds directly on-console and uploading prototypes for remote collaboration.^[76] This approach integrates cloud-enabled online sharing for projects and assets, facilitating seamless transitions between console editing sessions and PC refinements, though full project portability requires manual asset transfers.^[74] The emphasis on multiplayer co-editing sessions further distinguishes these entries, enabling real-time contributions from multiple users over online networks.^[77]

Technical Architecture

Core Features and Tools

RPG Maker's core features revolve around intuitive graphical editors that facilitate the construction of role-playing games without requiring advanced programming knowledge. Central to this is the map editor, which employs a drag-and-drop interface for placing tiles from predefined tilesets to build layered environments, including terrain, buildings, and obstacles. This tile-based system supports parallax mapping in later iterations for enhanced depth, enabling creators to design explorable worlds efficiently.^[47] The event system forms the backbone of interactivity, allowing users to define triggers on maps for non-player characters (NPCs), dialogue trees, item pickups, and quest advancements. Events operate via conditional branches, switches, variables, and commands such as movement routes or screen effects, providing a visual scripting alternative to code for handling player inputs and story progression.^[40]^[78] A comprehensive database editor centralizes management of game elements, including actors' attributes (e.g., health points, attack power), enemy troops, skills with formulas for damage calculation, items, and states like poison or buffs. Developers adjust these parameters to achieve balance, often iterating based on empirical playtesting to ensure realistic combat dynamics and progression curves grounded in turn-based mechanics.^[79] The default battle system emphasizes turn-based combat, where participants select actions in sequence determined by agility values, simulating tactical decision-making akin to classic console RPGs. Front-view or side-view configurations display combatants, with animations and effects tied to database entries for skills and spells.^[51] Supporting these tools is the Runtime Package (RTP), a shared library of default graphics, audio files, and fonts distributed separately to reduce project file sizes by referencing external assets rather than embedding them. This approach, standard since RPG Maker 2000, promotes efficiency in distribution while assuming end-users have the RTP installed.^[80]^[35]

Scripting Languages and Customization

Early iterations of RPG Maker, such as versions 2000 and 2003, relied exclusively on an event-driven system composed of predefined commands for handling game logic, character behaviors, and interactions, which prioritized user accessibility by obviating the need for programming expertise but inherently limited deviations from standard RPG mechanics.^[43] This approach facilitated rapid prototyping for novices while constraining advanced modifications, as alterations beyond event parameters required external tools or hacks, underscoring a foundational trade-off between ease of use and expressive power. RPG Maker XP marked a pivotal advancement by introducing the Ruby Game Scripting System (RGSS), an embedded Ruby 1.8.1 interpreter that enabled users to insert custom scripts directly into the project, overriding or extending core functionalities like battle systems and menus.^[81] Subsequent releases, including VX and VX Ace, iterated on this with RGSS2 and RGSS3—refinements of the Ruby-based framework—allowing for more sophisticated integrations such as custom databases and AI behaviors, though proficiency in Ruby syntax remained essential for leveraging these capabilities beyond basic event chaining.^[43] These scripting layers expanded customization horizons, permitting alterations to core RPG paradigms, yet they imposed a barrier: effective use demanded object-oriented programming knowledge, challenging the perception of RPG Maker as a universally "no-code" platform. The shift to JavaScript in RPG Maker MV (released 2015) and MZ (2020) aligned with cross-platform deployment goals, supplanting Ruby to facilitate plugin architectures that hook into the engine's core without recompilation, as seen in extensions modifying combat flows or UI elements.^[43] Developers like Yanfly exemplified this era's plugin ecosystem, producing libraries such as the Yanfly Engine Plugins that augmented MV's base features—e.g., enhanced message systems and battle engines—via modular JavaScript files, thereby amplifying customization without necessitating engine source access.^[82] However, this evolution preserved the accessibility-power dichotomy, as plugins, while distributable, still required JavaScript comprehension for adaptation or debugging, enabling genre expansions like action-oriented hybrids but refuting claims of code-free universality. RPG Maker Unite, integrating with Unity since its 2023 release, employs C# for add-ons and scripts, harnessing the engine's API to interface with Unity's robust features for procedural generation or physics-based interactions unattainable in prior iterations.^[61] This C#-centric model offers unparalleled extensibility—e.g., seamless asset pipeline overrides—but escalates the learning curve, as users must navigate Unity's ecosystem alongside RPG Maker's tools, reinforcing that deeper customization causally correlates with programming demands rather than inherent engine simplicity.^[24] Across versions, scripting evolutions have empirically broadened creative scope, from event-bound RPG fidelity to programmable deviations, yet consistently reveal that maximal flexibility trades beginner-friendliness for requisite technical acumen.

Export Options and Compatibility

Early versions of RPG Maker, such as 2000 and 2003, supported export primarily to standalone Windows executable (.exe) files, limiting deployment to that platform without native support for other operating systems or web browsers.^[83] Subsequent iterations like XP, VX, and VX Ace expanded to include Mac OS exports alongside Windows, but remained focused on desktop executables with no built-in mobile or web capabilities.^[84] RPG Maker MV, released in 2015, and MZ, released in 2020, introduced broader export options using JavaScript and NW.js, enabling deployment to Windows, Mac OS, Linux, HTML5 for web browsers, and mobile platforms including Android and iOS—though mobile exports generate project files requiring integration with Android Studio or Xcode for final APK or IPA builds rather than direct executables.^[47]^[85] These formats facilitate cross-platform distribution via app stores or web hosting, but demand additional developer setup for mobile certification and optimization.^[86] RPG Maker Unite, announced in 2022 and leveraging Unity engine integration, further enhances compatibility by supporting official builds for Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, and WebGL, with potential extension to consoles like PlayStation via Unity's broader ecosystem, simplifying multi-platform deployment through the Unity Editor's build tools.^[87]^[88] Backward compatibility across versions is limited, as project file formats and engines differ significantly; for instance, RPG Maker XP (2004) projects cannot be directly opened in MV or later without manual conversion or recreation, leading to data loss in events, maps, and scripts.^[89] Preservation efforts address this through open-source tools like EasyRPG, which emulates RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 games on modern systems without requiring original runtimes or RTP files, mitigating obsolescence on unsupported Windows versions.^[90]^[91] Newer engines like MV and MZ also face runtime compatibility challenges on updated OSes, often necessitating plugins or NW.js version tweaks for stability.^[92]

Community and Ecosystem

User Demographics and Accessibility

RPG Maker primarily appeals to solo developers and hobbyists interested in crafting role-playing games, with community discussions highlighting its suitability for individual creators tackling projects independently.^[93]^[94] A survey of 83 RPG Maker users found that 70 percent were aged 18 to 26, with a median age of 20, underscoring its draw among young adults entering game development as a hobby.^[95] Forum polls and self-reported data further suggest a core user base in the 15-30 age range, often comprising beginners motivated by creative expression rather than commercial pursuits.^[96] Accessibility stems from the software's event-driven interface, which requires no prior coding for basic functionality, paired with extensive free tutorials enabling rapid prototyping of game mechanics and maps.^[97]^[1] Full versions like RPG Maker MZ retail for $79.99 on Steam, with frequent sales reducing the barrier further, while lighter editions and demos provide entry points for testing.^[21] The official forums, with over 205,000 registered members as of 2024, support this by offering resources tailored to novice hobbyists.^[98]

Plugins, Assets, and Modding Culture

RPG Maker MV, released on October 23, 2015, implemented a JavaScript-based plugin architecture that enabled extensive customization of game mechanics, marking a shift toward greater extensibility in the series post-2010.^[47] This system allowed developers to modify elements such as event handling, database parameters, and scene rendering by inserting plugin files into project directories, fostering a modding ecosystem reliant on community contributions rather than official expansions alone. RPG Maker MZ, launched on August 20, 2020, refined this framework by bundling official plugins for features like core parameters and visual tweaks, accessible via simple parameter adjustments in the editor.^[51] Community plugins proliferated through developer sites and forums, with examples including battle UI overhauls such as VisuStella's Shop Listing Unlock, which alters inventory displays and enemy interactions using JavaScript overrides.^[99] Similarly, Galv's plugins for MZ provide menu enhancements and map utilities, distributed via dedicated repositories.^[100] Modding typically involves decrypting deployed projects to edit JavaScript code or integrate plugins, enabling alterations to default behaviors like turn-based combat flows.^[101] Asset ecosystems complement plugins by expanding the Runtime Package (RTP), the default tile sets, sprites, and audio shipped with MV and MZ. Community creators offer RTP replacement packs, such as pixel art tilesets compatible with MZ's parallax mapping, available on platforms like itch.io for free or paid download.^[102] These assets, including character sprites and sound effects tagged for RPG Maker, integrate directly into projects to bypass RTP limitations without engine modifications, though compatibility requires adherence to MV/MZ's 48x48 tile grid. Official DLC resources, like MZ's BasicResources pack, provide baseline extensions, but third-party assets dominate, with creators like Caz offering recolored RTP variants for visual diversification.^[103] While plugins and assets prolong engine viability by addressing core deficiencies—such as rigid UI layouts—integration often introduces stability risks, evidenced by compatibility breaks in engine updates. For instance, MV's 1.6.2 patch in 2018 rendered numerous third-party plugins inoperable due to API changes, requiring developer revisions or project rollbacks.^[104] MZ troubleshooting guides highlight common errors from plugin conflicts, like TypeError exceptions in battle scenes, underscoring that extensions trade enhanced functionality for potential runtime bugs absent in vanilla configurations.^[105] This dynamic sustains modding culture through iterative fixes shared on official forums, where users debug via console logs and parameter tweaks.^[106]

Piracy Prevalence and Economic Impact

Community discussions among RPG Maker users indicate that piracy of the software is widespread, particularly for trial or cost-avoidance purposes, with forum participants reporting overlaps between pirated use and eventual legitimate purchases in some cases.^[107] Cracked versions of legacy editions like RPG Maker 2003 remain distributed via peer-to-peer networks, sustaining access without official channels despite re-releases on platforms such as Steam in 2015.^[107] A 2024 analysis of PC game software piracy, examining Denuvo DRM cracks, estimates an average 19% revenue loss per week of availability, with 20% overall impact during launch periods—a pattern relevant to niche development tools like RPG Maker where early cracks erode potential sales of $60–$80 licenses.^[108] For RPG Maker specifically, diminished revenue from such practices has correlated with curtailed official maintenance for pre-MV versions, as publisher Kadokawa Corporation shifted focus to newer iterations amid stagnant legacy markets. In response, RPG Maker MZ (released June 2020) integrates built-in encryption for deployed project assets, utilizing keys such as "KEL" and "PLUTO" to obfuscate images and audio files against extraction by reverse-engineering tools.^[109] Despite this, third-party decryptors have emerged, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities.^[110] These measures aim to safeguard user-generated content from asset stripping, though they do not prevent engine-level cracks. The funding constraints from piracy-related sales shortfalls have indirectly spurred community alternatives, including the EasyRPG project—launched around 2011 as an open-source suite for interpreting RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 formats, enabling cross-platform preservation without reliance on aging official executables.^[111] EasyRPG's player component, updated through versions like 0.8.0 in 2021, addresses compatibility gaps left by discontinued vendor support, allowing continued development and playback of thousands of legacy games.^[112]

Reception and Criticisms

Commercial Performance and Sales Data

RPG Maker MV, released in October 2015, reached a milestone of over 500,000 copies sold by March 2021, as announced by publisher Gotcha Gotcha Games during a promotional Steam sale event.^[113] ^[114] This figure encompasses primarily Steam sales, where frequent discounts—such as the 85% reduction to $11.99 during the milestone celebration—correlated with spikes in purchase volume, according to price tracking data.^[115] Earlier versions like RPG Maker VX Ace, launched in 2011, contributed to the series' pre-MV PC momentum but lacked comparable public sales disclosures from Enterbrain or successors. RPG Maker MZ, succeeding MV in August 2020, has not had official unit sales announced, though its bundling with MV and DLC packs on Steam has supported ongoing revenue, with the publisher's portfolio generating an estimated $27.9 million in lifetime Steam earnings across titles including the Maker series.^[116] Player concurrency data shows MZ maintaining lower peaks (1,266 concurrent users) compared to MV's (2,486), suggesting moderated standalone adoption despite enhancements like improved scripting.^[117]^[118] Console editions have underperformed relative to PC releases. RPG Maker Fes for Nintendo 3DS, published in 2016, recorded initial weekly sales in the low dozens to hundreds in Japan per Media Create charts, indicating limited commercial traction amid the platform's mature lifecycle.^[119] The accompanying free Fes Player app, enabling community game playback, surpassed 300,000 downloads by February 2017, demonstrating user interest in created content but not boosting core engine purchases significantly.^[120] Overall, the series' revenue relies heavily on PC digital distribution, with physical and console variants constrained by higher barriers to entry and export limitations.

Cultural Impact and Genre Innovation

RPG Maker has significantly influenced the indie game development landscape by providing a low-barrier entry point for creators without advanced programming expertise, enabling the production of personal and experimental narratives since its initial release in 1992.^[121] This accessibility has fostered a proliferation of diverse stories, often avant-garde in nature, allowing individual developers to explore themes unattainable in mainstream titles constrained by commercial demands.^[122] The engine pioneered subgenres such as RPG horror, exemplified by Yume Nikki in 2004, which utilized RPG Maker 2003 to deliver psychological surrealism through exploration rather than traditional combat, inspiring a wave of atmospheric horror titles within the indie community.^[123] Similarly, it facilitated narrative-driven experiences like To the Moon in 2011, built on RPG Maker XP, which prioritized emotional storytelling and memory themes over RPG mechanics, demonstrating the engine's versatility for non-traditional gameplay.^[124] These innovations highlighted RPG Maker's role in shifting focus from mechanical complexity to thematic depth, influencing broader indie trends toward introspective and genre-blending designs. By 2025, the impact is evident in the scale of output, with Steam's RPG Maker Festival featuring over 1,000 participating titles, reflecting thousands of games created with the engine and underscoring its enduring contribution to niche successes in horror and narrative spaces.^[125] This democratization has enabled verifiable cultural niches, such as the sustained popularity of horror explorations tracing back to early adopters, without relying on large-scale resources.^[126]

Stigma, Quality Issues, and Engine Limitations

RPG Maker has faced persistent stigma due to the proliferation of low-effort games produced with the engine, often characterized as asset flips that minimally alter default assets or incorporate purchased packs without substantial original content. Developer communities and reviewers frequently note that this oversaturation on platforms like Steam contributes to reflexive dismissal of RPG Maker titles, with many perceived as cash grabs lacking polish or innovation.^[127]^[128] On itch.io and similar marketplaces, a high volume of such entries reinforces the view that the engine enables rapid, superficial releases, diluting the medium's reputation despite standout exceptions.^[129]^[130] Quality issues often stem from the engine's design, which promotes reliance on pre-packaged tilesets, sprites, and sound effects that yield visually homogeneous results unless heavily customized—a process many novice users skip. This leads to games criticized for amateurish aesthetics, repetitive mechanics, and underdeveloped narratives, as the tool's accessibility lowers barriers to entry without enforcing rigorous standards.^[131]^[132] Critiques from developers highlight how default resources, if unaltered, signal inexperience and invite bias against the engine's output.^[133] Engine limitations exacerbate these problems, including rigidity in event scripting and map design that resists deviations from top-down RPG paradigms, making adaptations for genres like platformers or action games cumbersome without advanced JavaScript overrides.^[134]^[135] RPG Maker MV, in particular, suffers from documented memory leaks during map transitions and asset loading, where inadequate garbage collection causes RAM accumulation, potentially crashing larger projects unless mitigated by plugins like Yanfly's optimizations.^[136]^[137] Physics simulation is rudimentary or absent, relying on basic collision detection ill-suited for dynamic interactions, further confining viability to static, turn-based experiences.^[138] By 2025, professional developers increasingly critique RPG Maker's irrelevance for scalable or non-RPG projects, favoring engines like Unity or Godot for their flexibility in 3D rendering, physics integration, and cross-platform deployment without the tile-based constraints.^[139]^[140] This shift underscores the engine's niche suitability, where attempts to repurpose it for broader applications often yield suboptimal results compared to general-purpose alternatives.^[141]

Debates on Democratization vs. Market Saturation

RPG Maker's low entry barriers have democratized RPG development by enabling non-programmers to produce and distribute games without extensive coding expertise, resulting in thousands of titles released on platforms like Steam, where the engine ranks as the fourth most commonly used tool among indie developers.^[142] This accessibility has facilitated breakthroughs in niche storytelling and experimental mechanics, allowing creators from diverse backgrounds to explore RPG tropes beyond traditional studio constraints, with the engine's tiled mapping and event-based scripting reducing development time from years to months for basic projects.^[143] Proponents argue this influx promotes creative freedom and broadens genre participation, as evidenced by consistent market growth driven by community contributions and ease of use.^[144] However, this democratization has contributed to significant market saturation, flooding digital storefronts with unpolished games that prioritize rapid release over refinement, exacerbating low indie success rates where over 96% of titles fail to achieve profitability.^[145] Critics contend that the absence of inherent quality gates—such as mandatory skill assessments or rigorous prototyping—amplifies empirical failure patterns, with median revenues for Steam indies hovering around $3,947 and RPG Maker games often faring worse due to perceived genericism and minimal iteration.^[146] Discussions among developers highlight how the engine's simplicity attracts low-effort productions, leading to a stigma where skilled works struggle for visibility amid the volume, as platforms' algorithmic promotion favors quantity over curation.^[147] Underlying these debates is a causal disconnect: while accessibility lowers technical hurdles, it does not bridge inherent skill gaps in design, narrative depth, or player engagement, resulting in disproportionate praise for participation over outcomes and perpetuating cycles of underperformance in a zero-sum market. Successful RPG Maker titles remain rare exceptions requiring exceptional talent and investment, underscoring that unchecked entry dilutes overall standards without proportionally elevating the field.^[148] This tension reflects broader indie ecosystem dynamics, where democratization's benefits accrue unevenly, often prioritizing volume at the expense of sustainable quality.^[129]

Notable Creations

Influential Games and Franchises

Yume Nikki, developed using RPG Maker 2003 and released on June 26, 2004, established a niche for surreal exploration horror games within the indie scene, influencing titles through its dreamlike, dialogue-free structure and psychological themes.^[149] As freeware, it amassed a dedicated following via direct downloads, later evidenced by its 2018 Steam port achieving approximately 381,000 units sold.^[150] To the Moon, built with RPG Maker VX and released in 2011, marked a commercial breakthrough for narrative-focused RPG Maker titles, emphasizing emotional storytelling over traditional combat mechanics.^[151] It generated an estimated $13 million in revenue, driven by strong Steam sales and critical acclaim for its premise of altering a dying man's memories.^[152] The LISA franchise, originating with LISA: The First in 2012 using RPG Maker 2003 and expanding through LISA: The Painful in 2014, exemplifies post-apocalyptic RPGs with choice-driven brutality and dark humor.^[153] The series collectively surpassed 1 million units sold across PC and consoles by 2024, with The Painful alone estimating $4.9 million in revenue from its emphasis on permadeath and moral dilemmas.^[154]^[155] OMORI, created with RPG Maker MV and launched in 2020, blended psychological horror and turn-based RPG elements, achieving over 1 million copies sold worldwide by December 2022.^[156] Its success, including high Steam concurrent player peaks, highlighted RPG Maker's viability for polished, story-rich experiences appealing to broader audiences.^[157] OneShot, utilizing RPG Maker tools and released in 2016, innovated meta-puzzle mechanics where player actions outside the game affect the narrative, yielding an estimated $10 million in revenue.^[158] These titles demonstrate RPG Maker's role in enabling high-impact releases, often outperforming expectations through targeted genre innovation and digital distribution.

Adaptations in Other Media

Corpse Party, originally developed as a survival horror game using the RPG Maker Dante98 engine for the NEC PC-9801 in 1996, has been adapted into multiple non-game formats.^[159] The series' narrative was expanded in the four-episode original video animation (OVA) Corpse Party: Tortured Souls, with the first episode airing on July 24, 2013.^[160] Live-action films followed, including Corpse Party directed by Masafumi Yamada and released on August 1, 2015, which depicts students performing a ritual that transports them to a haunted school.^[161] A sequel, Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, premiered in 2016, focusing on events from the game's companion title.^[162] Ao Oni, a freeware horror game built in RPG Maker XP and first released in 2004, received live-action cinematic adaptations emphasizing its mansion-trapped protagonists pursued by a blue monster.^[163] The initial film, directed by Hiroshi Takaoka, debuted in Japanese theaters on July 5, 2014.^[164] A follow-up, Ao Oni ver. 2.0, was released in 2015, altering some gameplay elements into a more narrative-driven structure.^[165] Short anime adaptations aired in fall 2016, with a feature-length anime film planned for 2017.^[166] Manga expansions are rarer but include Wadanohara and the Great Blue Sea, a 2012 RPG Maker 2000 title by Deep-Sea Prisoner, which received a developer-produced manga adaptation starting in 2015 to extend its underwater adventure storyline.^[167] These cases highlight how select RPG Maker horror titles, leveraging viral online popularity in the 2010s, transitioned to visual media, though broader adaptations remain uncommon due to the engine's niche, indie focus.^[168]

Timeline of Major Releases

The RPG Maker series originated in Japan with RPG Tkool DANTE98 in 1992 for the PC-9801 platform, introducing an event-based system for creating role-playing games.^[2] This was followed by console adaptations like RPG Tkool SUPER DANTE for Super Nintendo in 1995, which supported enhanced graphics and music composition tools.^[2] The transition to Windows marked the start of the core PC lineage. RPG Maker 95, released on March 28, 1997, was the first Windows edition, supporting 256-color graphics, MIDI music, and basic event scripting.^[8] RPG Maker 2000 followed on April 5, 2000, adding variables for more complex events and establishing a foundational user interface still influential today.^[33] RPG Maker 2003, launched December 18, 2002, expanded battle systems and resource customization while maintaining compatibility with prior assets.^[34] RPG Maker XP debuted July 22, 2004, in Japan, introducing Ruby-based RGSS scripting for greater flexibility in gameplay mechanics.^[169] The series continued with RPG Maker VX on December 27, 2007, featuring RGSS2 and simplified map editing, followed by RPG Maker VX Ace on December 15, 2011, which added built-in character generator tools and improved accessibility for beginners.^[2]^[170] Modern iterations shifted toward multi-platform deployment. RPG Maker MV released October 23, 2015, enabling exports to web browsers, mobile devices, and consoles via JavaScript plugins.^[19] RPG Maker MZ, the latest major version, arrived August 20, 2020, incorporating Effekseer for 3D particle effects, autosave functionality, and optimizations for cross-device play.^[21]

References

[1]
Make Your Own Game with RPG Maker
RPG Maker MZ has all the tools and assets you need to create your game. Enhancements to the map editor, character generator, database, animations, and plug-insDownloads · MV · RPG Maker XP · RPG Maker VX
[2]
History of Tkool - RPG Maker Official | Gotcha Gotcha Games
The first Game Boy version of RPG Maker, which allowed for the easy development of RPGs wherever and anytime you wanted. Using the communication function, users ...
[3]
The Best RPG Maker Games Of All Time
20 Ib: A Dreamlike Adventure · 19 Mad Father · 18 Grimm's Hollow · 17 Star Stealing Prince · 16 Alter A.I.L.A. Genesis · 15 Space Funeral · 14 Off · 13 Finding ...
[4]
RPG Maker MV: Introduction and History - MoeGamer
Aug 3, 2016 · One such solution that has remained enduringly popular over the years is the RPG Maker series, initially developed by ASCII and subsequently ...
[5]
The Foundation of <i>Geemu</i>: A Brief History of Early Japanese ...
The PC-9801 remained popular until the end of the 1990s with thousands of games developed for it, as it stayed until Windows' takeover the platform of choice ...
[6]
RPG Tsukuru: Super Dante – Release Details - GameFAQs
Platform: Super Nintendo ; Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style ; Developer: Kuusou Kagaku ; Publisher: ASCII Entertainment ; Release: March 31, 1995.
[7]
Dezaemon, RPG Maker, NScripter: Exploring and classifying game ...
The article examines three tools used for hobbyist game development in 1990s Japan: the Dezaemon series of user-customizable shoot 'em up games, the RPG ...
[8]
RPG Maker 95 (1997) - Game Creation Tools Classification
RPG Maker 95, or RM95 for an abbreviation, is the first Windows version of the RPG Maker series developed and published by ASCII, released in Japan March 28th, ...
[9]
RPG Maker (1997) - MobyGames
Released: November 27, 1997 ; Credits: 53 people ...
[10]
How One Man Brought RPGMaker 2000 to the West
Jul 9, 2024 · Back then, the RPG Maker series wasn't being published outside of Japan, except for a few translated releases in Taiwan and South Korea. The ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[11]
A collection of RPG Maker 2000/2003 (Bootleg) Logos
Mar 1, 2025 · RPG Maker was only sold in Japan and a few other Asian countries. But in the early days of the Internet, nobody cared. Here in Germany, the ...
[12]
RPG Maker XP on Steam
Rating 4.5 (1,107) RPG MAKER XP is equipped with the Ruby Game Scripting System (RGSS1), based on the Ruby language and customized especially for this program. Though ...
[13]
RPG Maker XP
Release Date. July 22, 2004 (Japan); September 16, 2005 (US) ... It is the first officially released English PC RPG Maker application, released in English ...
[14]
https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?threads/old-rpg-maker-forums-from-decades-ago.8gmq02/
[15]
RPG Maker: How a Niche Game Maker Created a Vibrant ... - PCMag
Sep 8, 2020 · The release of RPG Maker VX Ace in 2012 saw the franchise hit Steam for the first time. Valve's massive marketplace was a godsend to indie ...
[16]
Kadokawa - RPG Maker Wiki - Fandom
In 2020, Kadokawa launched a new branch called Gotcha Gotcha Games to handle development and publishing of RPG Maker products. List of published RPG Maker ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
[17]
Sony May Find It Hard to Buy All of FromSoftware Parent ... - IGN
Nov 29, 2024 · ... RPG Maker and Pixel Game Maker developer Gotcha Gotcha Games. Kadokawa is the majority owner of FromSoftware, with around 70% of the company.
[18]
RPG Maker Changes Publishers, Komodo Still To Support
Oct 4, 2022 · Gotcha Gotcha Games is now the publisher. Komodo will still support the community, publish DLC, handle the RPGMakerWeb site, and Komodo Plaza ...Missing: ownership Kadokawa
[19]
RPG Maker MV on Steam
Oct 23, 2015 · RPG Maker MV allows you to make the RPG of your dreams! This latest version includes a host of new featuresand export options for MacOSX, Android, and iPhone!
[20]
RPG Maker MV To Release On October 23 - Siliconera
Oct 1, 2015 · Enterbrain announced that the latest of their RPG making series in RPG Maker MV is releasing for PC and Mac on October 23, priced at $79.99.
[21]
RPG Maker MZ on Steam
Rating 4.5 (1,675) RPG Maker MZ empowers you with simple tools to create your RPG right out of the box, yet is customizable enough to make the exact RPG you want!RPG Maker MV on Steam · RPG Maker XP on Steam · RPG Maker MV x MZ Bundle
[22]
RPG Maker MZ Will Appear on August 20, 2020 - Siliconera
RPG Maker MZ will give people new options to make games with a comprehensive piece of creation software on PCs on August 20, 2020.
[23]
Announcing RPG Maker Unite – An Ambitious Project to use Unity ...
Feb 15, 2022 · Get ready for a new chapter of the RPG Maker series! We, Gotcha Gotcha Games, developer of the RPG Maker series code-less engine, is thrilled ...Missing: ownership | Show results with:ownership
[24]
RPG Maker Unite for Unity Released - GameFromScratch.com
May 8, 2023 · RPG Maker Unite for Unity is the latest edition of the long running JRPG creator RPG Maker, this time running in the Unity game engine.
[25]
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/rpg-maker-with-switch/
[26]
RPG MAKER WITH | NIS America, Inc.
SPECIFICATIONS ; Release Date: 10/11/2024 ; Platforms: Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5 ; Genre: Game Creator ; Players: 1 ; Text Languages: English, ...
[27]
RPG Maker WITH for PS5, PS4 launches February 21, 2025 in the ...
Oct 31, 2024 · The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 versions of RPG Maker WITH will launch on February 21, 2025 in the west, just under one month after their Japanese launch.
[28]
RPG Tsukuru Dante 98 (1992) - Grouvee
Game Details ; Release Date, Dec 19, 1992 ; Developer, ASCII Corporation ; Publisher, ASCII Corporation ; Genre, Role-playing (RPG) ; Franchise, RPG Maker.
[29]
Database | RPG Maker Wiki - Fandom
Summary. In RPG Maker 95, the database does not exist, although its functions are separated into various tools such as "Character Editor", "Monster Editor", ...
[30]
RPG Tsukūru Dante 98 / RPG Maker Dante 98 - NEC PC-9801
RPG Tsukūru Dante 98 / RPG Maker Dante 98 - NEC PC-9801 - Archiving and preserving video game media since 2003!
[31]
Does anyone else know about Dante Tsukūru 98?
Sep 26, 2022 · Dante98 from 1992 was the first RPG Maker to feature its known name (ツクール) in the title that existed since 1987 for other products.What does each RPG Maker version's/iteration's name stands for?Interview with Yoji Ojima? - RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[32]
Made an article on the history of RPG Maker & its most iconic games
Dec 12, 2021 · One of the most fascinating aspects of RPG Maker's history IMO is how it went from an "obscure" Japanese-only program that was fan translated to English by ...History of RPG Maker & its games | Felipe Pepe - Reddithow does RPG Maker's popularity now compare to it's historical ...More results from www.reddit.com
[33]
RPG Maker 2000
$$24.99On July 7, 2015 the Humble Game Maker Bundle went live, including this program, which is where it was first officially released in English, making it legal to ...
[34]
RPG Maker 2003
It was released December 18, 2002, two years after its predecessor RPG Maker 2000. Its successor is RPG Maker XP, which was released in 2005. On April 24, 2015, ...
[35]
Runtime Package (RTP) - EasyRPG Wiki
Oct 6, 2023 · Runtime Packages were intended to be a common asset library of graphics, music, and sounds that games often shared to save on disk space.
[36]
RPG Maker 2000 - Yume Nikki Fangames Wiki - Fandom
However, RPG Maker 2003 has become unavailable to Japanese users, leaving 2000 to become the norm for Japanese fangames. More information can be found at it's ...
[37]
RPG Maker games - /v/'s Recommended Games
Japanese survival horror made with RPG Maker 2000. The object of the game is to escape from a castle filled with monsters and deathtraps without dying in ...<|separator|>
[38]
RPG Maker XP | RPG Maker | Make Your Own Game!
RPG Maker XP gives you the power to create your own original RPG on Windows. Its popular and user-friendly interface has been carried over from RPG MAKER 2000.
[39]
[XP] Sideview battle system | RPG Maker Forums
Dec 15, 2013 · I want to know how to get/make a script for a Sideview battle system such as ones that final fantasy has.Which Side View Battle System to use? - RPG Maker ForumsRpg maker xp sideview battle?More results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[40]
RPG Maker VX | RPG Maker | Make A Game!
### Summary of RPG Maker VX
[41]
RPG Maker VX on Steam
In stock Rating 4.5 (101) All Reviews: Very Positive (101) - 81% of the 101 user reviews for this software are positive. Release Date: Feb 29, 2008. Developer: Gotcha Gotcha Games ...Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
[42]
Strength of Every RPG Maker Versions
Jun 6, 2024 · Ace has custom formulas, VX Ace has legacy content, MV has customization and plugins, XP has great RTP, and 2k3 is compatible with many devices.Missing: early pre-
[43]
https://store.rpgmakerofficial.com/blogs/news/beginner-s-guide-comprehensive-comparison-of-rpg-maker-series-2025-edition-en
[44]
RPG Maker VX Ace | RPG Maker | Create A Game!
RPG Maker VX Ace improves every aspect of RPG creation. With multiple tileset support, full autoshadow control, and a flexible features system
[45]
RPG Maker VX Ace on Steam
Rating 4.5 (2,158) Released. Dec 10, 2012 ; OS *:Microsoft® Windows® XP / Vista / 7 (32-bit/64-bit) ; Processor:Intel® Pentium® 4 2.0 GHz equivalent or faster processor ; Memory:512 ...
[46]
RPGMaker VX Ace Resolution Questions | RPG Maker Forums
Aug 6, 2013 · By default, Ace gives you a resolution of 544x416. You can resize that up to 640x480. I don't think it's possible to resize to anything bigger than that.Strength of Every RPG Maker VersionsVX Ace or MV? - RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: features | Show results with:features
[47]
RPG Maker MV | RPG Maker | Make Your Own Video Games!
RPGMAKER MV allows the dreams of many of its fans to come true! RPGMAKER can now create RPGs for MacOSX, Android and iPhone!
[48]
How to update NW.js in RPG Maker MV (for RPG devs) - itch.io
Feb 2, 2023 · RPG Maker MV uses an unmodified copy of NW.js as its runtime for desktop deployment, which means it's pretty easy to update it manually!
[49]
How to Update NW.js to Dramatically improve Game Performance!
Dec 31, 2020 · This is a step by step guide for MV users to update their NW.JS to dramatically increase the performance of their game.HTML5 release? - RPG Maker ForumsAnnouncement - RPG Maker MV - v1.6.1 Stable Release! | Page 5More results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[50]
How many people have ever had RPG Maker?
Dec 20, 2021 · Like, RPG Maker MV, by itself, has sold 500,000+ copies. I want to know that if a person has owned at least 1 RM and only counts as 1 unique ...Missing: Enterbrain 1997
[51]
RPG Maker MZ | RPG Maker | Make Your Own Video Games!
Introducing RPG Maker MZ, the latest version from the RPG Maker series that allows anyone to make an RPG with ease! Thanks to new functions and improved ...
[52]
Compatibility of MV and MZ plug-ins - RPG Maker Forums
Dec 4, 2023 · Many MV plugins are not supported in MZ. Because of this, I suspect that when I press “Play test,” the game might be launching through MV.MV plugin compatibility in MZ- am I missing something?MZ - Plugin compatibility error - RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[53]
https://www.yanfly.moe/wiki/Troubleshooting_Plugins_RPG_Maker_MZ
[54]
RPG Maker MV / MZ Script Call List
Oct 24, 2015 · This Script Call list applies to both RPG Maker MV and RPG Maker MZ. Link here to see the entire list.
[55]
https://steamcommunity.com/app/1096900/discussions/0/2451595019855075238/
[56]
RPG Maker Unite launches for PCs worldwide in 2022
Feb 15, 2022 · RPG Maker Unite will be available on PCs worldwide in 2022. Unite will be the first entry in the RPG Maker franchise to be based on the widely-used Unity ...
[57]
About RPG MAKER UNITE
RPG Maker Unite is designed to work on top of Unity and have no direct compatibility with past project files and plugins.
[58]
RPG Maker Unite Launched on Asset Store!
May 22, 2023 · RPG Maker Unite was released on May 8th 2023 on Unity Asset Store! ... We're very pleased to announce several big news items for RPG MAKER UNITE!
[59]
RPG MAKER UNITE | Download and Buy Today - Epic Games Store
In stock 14-day returnsFeb 29, 2024 · The First RPG Maker in the Series to Natively Support Full HD Resolution!! ... Release Date. 02/29/24. Initial Release. 05/07/23. Platform.<|separator|>
[60]
https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/2d/gui/rpg-maker-unite-please-read-the
[61]
Using Add-Ons - RPG Maker Unite
Step 1: Switch to the Unity Editor · Step 2: Select Add-On to Import · Step 3: Import · Step 4: Return to RPG Maker Unite's Editor Mode · Step 5: Check if the files ...
[62]
Announces the Release Date of RPG Maker Unite on Unity Asset ...
March 1, Tokyo Japan - Gotcha Gotcha Games has formally announced a Release Date of April 6, 2023 for RPG Maker Unite, the latest iteration of its coding-less ...
[63]
Major Update - RPG Maker Unite
Since 2025. Modifications around character size and drawing in 3DCC, Since 2025. Added skill type damage calculation formula/autoguide support, Since 2025.Missing: multiplayer | Show results with:multiplayer
[64]
Updates | RPG MAKER UNITE Official
2024-05-14Free Trial Event of RPG MAKER UNITE Begins! 2024-02-28RPG MAKER UNITE is now available at Epic Games Store. 2023-12-27Announcement as to the Steam ...
[65]
RPG Maker Unite first details confirm overhauled UI, full HD support ...
Mar 26, 2022 · No programming knowledge required! RPG Maker Unite, like the existing RPG Makers, will support your game creation without a single line of ...
[66]
https://www.vgchartz.com/game/43955/rpg-tsukuru-super-dante/
[67]
RPG TSUKURU 3 - (NTSC-J) - The Playstation Datacenter
Over 200 custom images · Over 30 graphic presentations for magic effects · "Anime Maker" lets you create original artwork · "Save System" feature lets you trade ...
[68]
RPG Maker | RPG Tsukuru 3 (PlayStation) - RetroAchievements
RPG Maker | RPG Tsukuru 3. Console icon PlayStation ; Developer. Kuusou Kagaku, Success ; Publisher. Agetec, ASCII Entertainment ; Genre. Turn-Based RPG.
[69]
RPG Maker DS: Make RPGs on the DS - Engadget
Oct 15, 2009 · RPG Maker DS will be out January 28. We're really hoping Agetec, who has published RPG Makers in North America, picks this one up for us. It's ...
[70]
RPG Maker Fes is Coming to the West in June | Nintendo Life
Apr 12, 2017 · RPG Maker Fes, released in Japan last year, will finally launch on the Nintendo 3DS in North America on 27th June and Europe on 23rd June.
[71]
https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-3DS-games/RPG-Maker-Fes-1218214.html
[72]
RPG Maker Fes Review (3DS) | Nintendo Life
any 3DS owner ...<|separator|>
[73]
RPG Maker Fes Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 64% (22) RPG Maker comes to Nintendo 3DS with a dull version. The lack of tutorial may ... 3DS. Initial Release Date: Jun 27, 2017. Developer: Jupiter Corporation.
[74]
RPG MAKER WITH - NIS America
RPG MAKER WITH. Release: 10/11/2024 (Nintendo Switch™) / 02/21/2025 (PS4®, PS5®). Genre: Game Creator. Platforms: Nintendo Switch™, PS4®, PS5®. Players: 1. Text ...<|separator|>
[75]
RPG MAKER WITH PS4 & PS5 - PlayStation Store
In stock Rating 3.8 (253) ... Release: 2/21/2025; Publisher: NIS America Inc. Genres: Unique, Role Playing Games; Screen Languages: English, French (France), German, Italian, Spanish. To ...
[76]
How to Export Assets and Upload Game Assets | RPG MAKER WITH
Sep 20, 2024 · RPG MAKER WITH's asset-sharing feature allows users to exchange and edit game assets freely. Read on to learn more about game assets and how to ...
[77]
RPG MAKER WITH – Make Games with Friends Trailer - YouTube
Jun 5, 2024 · RPG MAKER WITH is coming to Nintendo Switch on October 11th! Making games is more fun with everyone in RPG MAKER WITH!
[78]
Event Editor | Web Manuals | RPG MAKER UNITE Official
Apr 6, 2023 · To create a new event, select a map in the RPG Maker window and choose "New Event" from the context menu, or open the context menu on a map in ...
[79]
A Primer on Database Traits and Effects | The Official RPG Maker Blog
Mar 8, 2022 · Database traits are a strong feature of RPG Maker that can improve your gameplay. Here is a comprehensive list of what Database Traits and Effects are and how ...<|separator|>
[80]
Downloads And Free Trials | RPG Maker | Make Your Own Game!
RTP is a system for reducing the total size of a game file made with RPG ... Jason Perry, the creator of Time Fantasy, presents a very special surprise gift for ...
[81]
Ruby Game Scripting System - RPG Maker Wiki - Fandom
The original version, RGSS, was released with RPG Maker XP and was based on Ruby 1.81. RGSS2 came together with RPG Maker VX and was, as RGSS, based on version ...Modification · Script Editor · Types of code
[82]
Category:Yanfly Engine Plugins - Yanfly.moe Wiki
Dec 29, 2023 · Here are some plugins made for RPG Maker MV, a piece of software that lets you create your own role playing games for the PC, Mac, and various mobile devices!Core Engine (YEP) · Message Core (YEP) · Battle Engine Core (YEP)
[83]
Exporting the Game - RPG Maker Forums
Feb 16, 2025 · What is the proper process for exporting the final game in an RPG2K3 project? That is, in an ".exe" for Windows. I'm supposed to do it from "Export from Game ...
[84]
Now that RPG Maker can export to Linux and Mac...
Dec 8, 2017 · Exporting to Mac is a hassle since you said, you need to own a Mac. I need to ask someone else to do it for me, which is a hassle since I cannot ...<|separator|>
[85]
Every exporting options in MV. Nintendo Switch? | RPG Maker Forums
Aug 8, 2018 · PC-based exports (Windows, MacOS, Linux) can be done directly. Mobile export (Android, iOS) will give you a base package that needs to be ...
[86]
https://steamcommunity.com/app/1096900/discussions/0/2798376099452833669/
[87]
RPG Maker Unite :: Unity Editor Simplifies Exporting Games to ...
RPG Maker Unite officially supports building on five different platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and WebGL! Please note that builds to other environments ...
[88]
RPG Maker Unite details smartphone export, build destination ...
Sep 30, 2022 · RPG Maker Unite officially supports building on five different platforms: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and WebGL! Please note that builds to ...
[89]
Why, new RPG maker can't load older RPG Maker project?
May 2, 2020 · Yush, i was just wondering this why, not any or next new RPG maker can't load older RPG Maker project, even if base & engine is almost the ...
[90]
EasyRPG
EasyRPG is a community project to create a free, open source, role playing game creation tool, compatible with RPG Maker 2000/2003 games. Learn more about Easy ...EasyRPG Player · EasyRPG Editor · About EasyRPG · EasyRPG CommunityMissing: preservation | Show results with:preservation
[91]
EasyRPG - Emulation General Wiki
EasyRPG is a multi-platform, open-source game engine that reimplements the RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 game creation platforms.<|separator|>
[92]
https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?threads/compatibility-issues.123000/
[93]
For solo developers, how do you make a game? - RPG Maker Forums
Aug 6, 2022 · For those solo devs who've come across this scenario, I must ask, how did you start to tackle your projects, especially in the areas which were ...How many solo developers are here who have completed making ...The RPG Maker Stigma - Where it Comes From (My Thoughts)More results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: hobbyists | Show results with:hobbyists
[94]
Can a Single Developer Realistically Create a Complex RPG with ...
Dec 12, 2024 · RPG Maker works absolutely fine for a solo dev. I spent like a decade working with it from RM2k, RM2k3, RMXP, then RMVX before jumping to ...Are there any independent solo devs here making a living ... - RedditI want to start game development as a solo developer (as a hobby ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: primarily | Show results with:primarily
[95]
Social videogame creation: lessons from RPG Maker - Trevor Owens
Every day, several hundred members of the RPG Maker Community read through a new set of project development posts on the community's forums. In each of ...
[96]
https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?threads/study-demographic-study-of-the-rpg-maker-community.105008/
[97]
Tutorials | RPG Maker | Make A Game!
Use free online tutorials to create your own RPG without any programming experience.
[98]
2024 Goals and Progress Thread | Page 3 - RPG Maker Forums
Dec 13, 2023 · Forum statistics. Threads: 152,299. Messages: 1,392,340. Members: 205,546. Latest member: SP_57 · Home · Forums · Maker General · General ...Strength of Every RPG Maker VersionsHow to properly set up stats? - RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: growth | Show results with:growth
[99]
Shop Listing Unlock VisuStella MZ - Yanfly.moe Wiki
Feb 18, 2025 · RPG Maker MZ Extension Plugins · RPG Maker MZ Tier 3 Plugins · Notetags (MZ) · RPG Maker MZ Item Plugins · RPG Maker MZ Gameplay Plugins · RPG ...System · Requirements · Notetags · Plugin Parameters
[100]
Galv's RPG Maker Scripts & Plugins | RPGMaker – VX Ace scripts ...
Plugins for RPG Maker MV Plugins for RPG Maker MZ Scripts for RPG Maker VX Ace Want to support Galvs Scripts? I still have full time commitments so my time ...RPGMaker MV Plugins · RPGMaker VX Ace Scripts · RPGMaker MZ Plugins · Battle
[101]
Learning Javascript | RPG Maker Forums
MV/MZ Do you know a fast technique or tool to determine variable collisions in multiple plugins? DrFreeman · Aug 4, 2025. Replies ...
[102]
Top free game assets tagged RPG Maker - itch.io
Free top-down asset for your rpg-adventure game. LimeZu · PIXEL FANTASY TILES - RMMZ RTP. Replace RPG Maker MV/MZ's RTP with colourful pixel art graphics! Caz.Tileset · Sprites · Characters · Sound effectsMissing: expansions integration
[103]
Where I can find the official plugins that come with MZ?
Apr 21, 2025 · The main program that is, not the game project. With mine, it's located in [RPG Maker MZ install directory]\dlc\BasicResources\plugins. Looks ...MZ - I made a list of essential plugins - RPG Maker Forums(MV and MZ)SupportLink Plugin - RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[104]
MV - Plugins not working since Update | RPG Maker Forums
Apr 6, 2023 · Since the last Update all of my Plugins not working. No matter if I try to turn them on one by one or not. Every Plugin comes with the same Message TypeError.How do I check a log of what's going on when there's an error?Need help with an issue. think my plugin manager is messed up?More results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: bugs evidence
[105]
Troubleshooting Plugins RPG Maker MZ - Yanfly.moe Wiki
Jan 26, 2025 · Are you getting errors in your RPG Maker MZ plugins and you don't know why? First, see if your problem is something listed in the Common Problems page.
[106]
RPG Maker MZ Plugin List | The Official RPG Maker Blog
Feb 6, 2021 · A list of recommended Plugin Developers to help improve your RPG Maker MZ experience. Community Made Plugin Directory
[107]
What do game pirates get out of piracy? - RPG Maker Forums
Nov 3, 2014 · This can be illustrated by statistics that have shown overlaps between piracy and sales, and pirate's testimonies saying that bought the product ...Pros and Cons of DRM-Free - RPG Maker ForumsI have decided to buy RPG maker, however i want to continue ...More results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[108]
The true cost of game piracy: 20 percent of revenue, according to a ...
Oct 10, 2024 · The results “imply an average proportionate loss of revenue of around 19 percent in each week of release if a crack is available,” according to ...
[109]
How to Encrypt Your RPG Maker Game - 姫HimeWorks
Jan 22, 2015 · RPG Maker comes with a built-in encryption system that you can use to protect your resources from distribution to some degree.
[110]
RPG-Maker-MV & MZ Decrypter by Petschko - Site not done
Easily decrypt files from any RPG-MV/RPG-MZ Project, which are encrypted with the built-in encryption. You can also encrypt them back.
[111]
About EasyRPG
Aug 15, 2019 · EasyRPG is a project to create a free (as in freedom) Role Playing Game (RPG) creation tool. The project consists on several tools and resources.
[112]
https://community.easyrpg.org/t/compatibility-list/283
[113]
RPG Maker MV - RPG Maker MV 500k Midweek Madness Sale
RPG Maker MV has sold over half a million copies! 500000 Copies! What a huge milestone. So many people making games! That's just madness!Missing: sales | Show results with:sales
[114]
RPG Maker MV has sold 500,000 copies, so now it's on sale for ...
Mar 24, 2021 · The powerful RPG Maker MV has just passed the 500,000 copies sold ... Usually sold for $79.99, RPG Maker MV is currently on sale for $11.99 / £ ...
[115]
RPG Maker MV Price history - SteamDB
Rating 88% (8,528) · $68.98Steam price history ; British Pound, £57.89, $77.02 ; Euro, 67,18€, $78.09 ; Israeli New Shekel, ₪259.14, $78.88 ; Polish Zloty, 319,18zł, $87.42 ...Steam charts · DLCs 1069 · Cloud saves · Metadata
[116]
Gotcha Gotcha Games Steam stats – Video Game Insights
Developer info, game releases and revenue estimates for Gotcha Gotcha Games. ; Total Lifetime Revenue: $27.9m ; Average Revenue per Game: $901k ; Median Revenue ...<|separator|>
[117]
RPG Maker MZ Steam Charts - SteamDB
Rating 82% (2,014) Steam player count for RPG Maker MZ is currently 841 players live. RPG Maker MZ had an all-time peak of 1266 concurrent players on 9 February 2025.
[118]
RPG Maker MV Steam Charts - SteamDB
Rating 88% (8,528) Steam player count for RPG Maker MV is currently 808 players live. RPG Maker MV had an all-time peak of 2486 concurrent players on 18 March 2018.
[119]
Media Create Sales: Week 46, 2016 (Nov 14 - NeoGAF
Nov 24, 2016 · [3DS] RPG Maker: Fes <ETC> (Kadokawa Games) (¥5.800) - 30%. S ... [3DS] Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS <ACT> (Nintendo) 03./03 ...
[120]
RPG Maker Fes Player: over 300 000 downloads / Puzzle & Dragons X
Feb 1, 2017 · Total downloads for RPG Maker Fes Player (a free app that lets players play games created by other players in RPG Maker Fes) have topped 300 000 units since ...<|separator|>
[121]
I made the worst role-playing game of all time - The Guardian
Feb 13, 2025 · RPG Maker was launched in 1992 and has become increasingly complex, but it's still a remarkably accessible way to make adventure games with no development ...
[122]
3 RPG Maker Games That Show How Games Can Have Personal ...
Apr 23, 2014 · What sets the games made in RPG Maker apart from these games is their highly personal and avant-garde nature. RPG Maker allows for the Wesley ...<|separator|>
[123]
AN RPG FEVER DREAM: AN INTRODUCTION TO YUME NIKKI
Mar 26, 2022 · There is a sense, among certain online communities, that Yume Nikki is ubiquitous; it has been typified as “cult,” “psychological horror,” and “ ...
[124]
To the Moon | Freebird Games
A unique & non-combat story-driven experience · Innovative mix between adventure game elements and classic RPG aesthetics · Acclaimed original soundtrack that ...Missing: narrative | Show results with:narrative<|separator|>
[125]
“RPG Maker Festival 2025” A festival full of anniversaries, with all ...
This year, the number of participating titles is 1074 games - a record for the event! Don't miss your chance to discover new masterpieces and make some great ...
[126]
a Yume Nikki retrospective - Indie Hell Zone
Jul 3, 2022 · While it's certainly smaller than a lot of indie game darlings, Yume Nikki undeniably has a cultural impact, and out of the RPG Maker sphere, is ...
[127]
RPG Maker Games and the stigma. - Steam Community
Jan 21, 2017 · There's a stigma on Steam that RPG Maker games are no good, no matter the game, as soon as someone sees an RPG maker game they just dismiss ...
[128]
Why do RPG Maker games have a bad reputation on Steam? - Quora
Feb 10, 2021 · The games are usually just a “cash grab” and so are low quality. · They use the default resources instead of custom resources and so they all ...
[129]
The RPG Maker Stigma - Where it Comes From (My Thoughts)
Jun 17, 2022 · It's a severe problem throughout every RPGM forum I have seen over and over and over. Belittlement, negative stigmas, and general poisonous ...RPG Maker Games: The Stigma, And How To Avoid ItAre Rpgmaker games Asset Flips? | Page 2 | RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.com
[130]
When game developers say RPG Maker games aren't impressive ...
Nov 15, 2024 · I don't think it's fair that some game developers say games made with RPG Maker aren't impressive because RPG Maker is "easy to use.".Need a brutally honest appraisal on my possibly "asset flip" game.Why the stigma around games that use assets that came ... - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: issues | Show results with:issues
[131]
What Makes a Good/Bad RPG Maker Game? - Steam Community
Oct 18, 2017 · That shows how much distance you can give yourself from the RPG Maker stigma by bringing in a unique, quality appearance. And appearances ...
[132]
Why are the RPG Maker games so hated? - Quora
Dec 22, 2018 · While there are great RPG Maker Games such as To The Moon, the reason why they are hated is because it is very easy to make a bad game on ...
[133]
Why do people hate RPG maker and the games made using it?
Jul 22, 2023 · The most common complaint I've seen is the games made with it all look the same or they're amateurish, which could be the result of RPG Maker marketing itself ...Non-RPGs in RPG MakerRPG Maker Games: The Stigma, And How To Avoid ItMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: unsuitability critiques
[134]
What are the limits of the RPG Maker game engines?
Sep 3, 2021 · RPG Maker's limits are mostly in the editor, limited by javascript skill, and large changes are difficult. The engine is open, but the editor ...What should be avoided in order to have a game with good ...Why people think Rpg maker is limitedMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: rigidity | Show results with:rigidity
[135]
Fundamental Problems with RPG Maker : r/RPGMaker - Reddit
Apr 28, 2024 · Complexity in the engine to make certain things work hinders creativity, makes creators give up. With these problems in mind, I want to solve ...Are my game's graphics too big for RPG Maker MV? - RedditWhy is every engine hated? : r/RPGMaker - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: dated rigidity
[136]
[MV] RPG Maker MV's Memory Leak problem and how Yanfly's Grid ...
Oct 3, 2016 · The issue with MV is that it doesn't properly do what's called "garbage collection", which means that any time you load up a new map, any time ...[Important] RPG Maker MV memory leak fix! : r/RPGMaker - Reddit[MV] Anyone know of a fix or workaround for the parallax memory ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: physics | Show results with:physics
[137]
Some advice with a possible memory leak. | RPG Maker Forums
Oct 17, 2023 · I seem to be seeing is that some data on A map never disappears. It won't continuously reload if you repeatedly return to the map, but it also will never go ...Problem with Memory Leaks. - RPG Maker ForumsI've been told memory leak issues have long been fixed in MV, but ...More results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: physics | Show results with:physics
[138]
https://steamcommunity.com/app/220700/discussions/0/864973577940649409/
[139]
Unity Vs Godot Vs RPG Maker: Choosing Your Game Engine
Mar 8, 2025 · Compare Unity, Godot, and RPG Maker to find the best game development engine for your project. Discover key features, strengths, ...
[140]
What is the hardest part of a game, or game engine to design ...
Apr 19, 2014 · RPG Maker is another easy-to-use engine. It's fine if you want to create a Japanese style RPG (JRPG). That's about all it can do. But it's ...
[141]
Do game developers think positively or negatively of the RPG Maker ...
Apr 14, 2023 · I certainly can't speak for ALL game developers, but I see no issues with it at all, and generally think it's a good thing.
[142]
RPGMaker is the 4th most used game engine on Steam. - Reddit
Dec 4, 2024 · RPGMaker is the 4th most used game engine on Steam. Subreddit discussion.Best Steam RPG Maker Games? : r/JRPG - RedditAre RPG Maker Games Popular? : r/RPGMaker - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com
[143]
Is there any point in using RPG Maker over any other game engine ...
Jul 14, 2019 · If you want to make an rpg, use rpgmaker. It'll save you months of engine programming. GameMaker is great for prototyping game mechanics and ...
[144]
Popular RPG Maker Games Trend: What's Driving the 2025 Surge?
Sep 12, 2025 · The RPG Maker games market has shown consistent growth, driven by a dedicated community and accessibility for indie developers. Key trends ...
[145]
Why 96% of Indie Games Fail - YouTube
Feb 10, 2024 · Only about 4% of games turn a profit. So how do you succeed as an indie game developer? Check out Tanks But No Tanks!Missing: rates RPG Maker<|separator|>
[146]
How much money can you realistically make ona RPG maker game?
Aug 12, 2021 · Expect less than $4000 revenue, with the median at $3,947 for indie games on Steam. Some RPG Maker games make around $3000, but it varies ...Do we have any list of success RPG Maker games for every year?How well did your first game sell on the market? | RPG Maker ForumsMore results from forums.rpgmakerweb.comMissing: rates | Show results with:rates
[147]
Why do people hate RPG maker and the games made using it?
Feb 9, 2016 · RPG Maker's appeal comes with its low barrier to entry, but with that ease of use comes a lot of limitations on what you can do in it ...Best way to approach multiple characters with different stories?Why do people hate on rpg maker : r/RPGMaker - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: enabling diverse
[148]
Working on behalf of some publishers, I've noticed that RPG Maker ...
Jul 8, 2023 · The RPG Maker titles that are successful are very rare exceptions, and tend to be made by highly skilled developers with lots of time and money.
[149]
Yume Nikki Index - Yume Wiki
Sep 27, 2025 · Yume Nikki is a freeware game created by KIKIYAMA, using the RPG Maker 2003 engine. The game was initially released on June 26, 2004, ...History · Releases · Official Releases · Fan Translations
[150]
Yume Nikki – Steam Stats – Video Game Insights - Sensor Tower
Yume Nikki – Steam Stats. Steam ; 29. active players (50 min ago) ; 52. active players (24h peak) ; 94.1%. positive reviews ; 381k. units sold ; 4.4 hours. avg ...Missing: count | Show results with:count
[151]
To the Moon on Steam
$$9.99 Rating 5.0 (18,792) A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish.
[152]
To the Moon game revenue and stats on Steam
$$9.99... RPG RPGMaker Retro Romance Short Singleplayer Story Rich. Genres: Adventure, Indie, RPG. Revenue. Revenue Estimate: ~$13 million. Screenshots. Video.
[153]
LISA: THE FIRST - Lisa RPG Wiki - Fandom
LISA: THE FIRST is a Yume-Nikki style exploration game. It was made in RPG Maker 2003 and released on October 9th, 2012. It is the predecessor to LISA: THE ...
[154]
LISA: The Painful Celebrates 10 Years With Physical Release And 1 ...
Dec 16, 2024 · The LISA series has surpassed 1 million sales across PC and consoles, a significant milestone achieved following the success of LISA: Definitive Edition in ...
[155]
LISA: The Painful game revenue and stats on Steam
$$19.99LISA: The Painful – Stats on Steam. Info. Steam link: https://store ... Revenue. Revenue Estimate: ~$4.9 million. Screenshots. Videos. Previous Next.
[156]
OMORI has sold 1000000 copies! thank you! - X
OMORI has sold 1,000,000 copies! thank you! Image. 8:00 AM · Dec 31, 2022. ·. 1.9M. Views. 333. 13K. 76K. 1K. Read 333 replies.
[157]
OMORI Steam stats - Gamalytic
Stats. Copies sold: 1.3m (903.7k - 1.7m). Gross revenue (base game):. $19.4m ($13.1m - $25.6m). Gross revenue total (experimental): Upgrade to Starter to unlock ...
[158]
OneShot game revenue and stats on Steam
OneShot – Stats on Steam ; Genres: Adventure, Casual, Indie ; Revenue Estimate: ~$10 million ...
[159]
Corpse Party - Digital Fantasy Diary
Dec 9, 2023 · Corpse Party is a 16-bit RPG Maker horror adventure game from 1996 that was released on multiple platforms before finally finding its way, ...
[160]
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (TV Mini Series 2013) - IMDb
Rating 6.3/10 (2,790) Release date · July 24, 2013 (Japan) · Country of origin. Japan · Official site. Official Site (Japan) · Language. Japanese · Also known as. 屍體派對 Tortured Souls ...Parents guide · User reviews · Episode list · PlotMissing: adaptation | Show results with:adaptation
[161]
Corpse Party (2015) - IMDb
Rating 4.6/10 (579) Facing goodbyes and graduation, Naomi Nakashima, her childhood friend Satoshi Mochida, and their classmates, are clearing up after their last ever cultural ...
[162]
Corpse Party: Book of Shadows (2016) - IMDb
Rating 4.2/10 (156) Corpse Party: Book of Shadows is a live action movie based on the events of the horror game, Corpse Party. It's a sequel to the first live action movie based on ...
[163]
Ramblings: Ao Oni - Indie Hell Zone
Apr 7, 2017 · Ao Oni is a game made in RPG Maker XP by noprops, released in November 2008, with the English version translated by Jmu.
[164]
Blue Demon (2014) - IMDb
Rating 3.9/10 (256) Details · Release date · July 5, 2014 (Japan) · Country of origin. Japan · Official site. Official Site (Japan) · Language. Japanese · Also known as. 青鬼.
[165]
Ao oni ver. 2.0 (2015) - IMDb
Rating 4.2/10 (123) Some Friends go into a mansion that is rumored to have monsters inside and what they find will change their lives forever.
[166]
Ao Oni (2014) Review - Niche Gamer
Dec 14, 2023 · There's something weird about seeing an RPG Maker sprite be adapted into this HD resolution CGI monster, akin to seeing Mario in his realistic ...
[167]
https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2018/6/29/from-tool-to-subgenre-to-anime-the-mysterious-journey-of-rpg-maker
[168]
RPG Maker Inspired More Anime Than Fans Realize - CBR
Sep 14, 2023 · So many anime have very interesting source material. Several came from quiet little indie games made using RPG Maker, and they're some of the
[169]
RPG Maker XP
It was released on July 22, 2004, in Japan. It represented a huge leap forward in the history of the tool. Technically more powerful than its predecessors, the ...
[170]
RPG Maker VX Ace
Release Date. December 15, 2011 (Japan); March 15, 2012 (US) ; Current Retail Price. $69.99 ; Successor. RPG Maker MV ; Predecessor. RPG Maker VX ; Default Game ...