RPG Maker is a long-running series of game development tools designed for creating role-playing games (RPGs) with no programming knowledge required. First released in 1988, RPG Maker has undergone numerous revisions, each adding more features and tools to enhance game development. The software enables users to create 2D games with custom characters, worlds, stories, and battle systems. While RPG Maker is famous for RPGs, it's versatile enough to create other types of 2D games. Each version comes with pre-built assets but also allows the integration of custom resources for more personalized creations.
Key Features
- Across all versions, RPG Maker includes a core set of features that are expanded and refined with each release:
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily build maps, characters, events, and dialogue through a visual interface without coding.
- Pre-built Asset Libraries: Comes with a library of tilesets, character sprites, and battle animations to quickly build games.
- Event System: Create interactions, story progression, and battles using an event-based system. No scripting is needed for basic game functions.
- Customizable Battle Systems: Includes turn-based battle systems, and certain versions (e.g., RPG Maker MV and MZ) allow modifications or complete overhaul using plugins.
- Script and Plugin Support: Modern versions (VX Ace, MV, MZ) allow deeper customization through Ruby or JavaScript scripting and third-party plugins.
- Multiplatform Export: Some versions support exporting to multiple platforms like PC, mobile, and consoles.
Development Platform Support
Different RPG Maker versions support various development environments:
- RPG Maker 2000/2003:
- RPG Maker XP:
- RPG Maker VX/VX Ace:
- RPG Maker MV:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux (via Steam)
- RPG Maker MZ:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux (via Steam)
Development Programming Languages
RPG Maker’s scripting support varies across versions:
- RPG Maker XP: Ruby (RGSS1)
- RPG Maker VX: Ruby (RGSS2)
- RPG Maker VX Ace: Ruby (RGSS3)
- RPG Maker MV: JavaScript
- RPG Maker MZ: JavaScript
Supported Platforms
Each RPG Maker version has different export capabilities:
- RPG Maker 2000/2003/XP/VX/VX Ace:
- RPG Maker MV:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- Web (HTML5)
- Consoles (via third-party assistance)
- RPG Maker MZ:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- Web (HTML5)
- Consoles (via third-party assistance)
Ease of Use
RPG Maker is famous for its accessibility, making it a great tool for newcomers to game development:
Beginner-Friendly: Thanks to its drag-and-drop interface, pre-built assets, and simple event system, RPG Maker is highly approachable.
Advanced Features: Users can extend the engine with custom scripts (Ruby or JavaScript, depending on the version), enabling more advanced mechanics for experienced developers.
Licensing & Costs
RPG Maker 2000/2003/XP/VX/VX Ace: One-time purchase, with occasional sales available on Steam
RPG Maker MV: One-time purchase with some DLC available for additional assets and plugins.
RPG Maker MZ: One-time purchase, with some DLC and additional plugins available to extend the engine.
Each version often goes on sale, especially on platforms like Steam, and there are also bundles that include asset packs or older versions of RPG Maker.
Use Cases & Notable Games
RPG Maker has been used to create a variety of popular indie RPGs, including classic JRPG-style games, adventure games, and even visual novels. Its versatility has allowed developers to experiment with game design, with notable successes.
Games to Check Out:
Example Use Cases
- Traditional JRPGs: Creating story-driven RPGs with turn-based combat.
- Adventure Games: Using RPG Maker’s event system to create exploratory games without combat.
- Visual Novels: Many developers have adapted the tool to create interactive stories and visual novels.
- Puzzle Games: Implementing puzzle mechanics via the event system.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely beginner-friendly with a visual interface.
- Large community support with tons of free assets, plugins, and tutorials.
- Highly flexible for creating 2D RPGs and adventure games.
- Modern versions support exporting to mobile, web, and desktop platforms.
- Expansive plugin support (especially in RPG Maker MV and MZ) allows for deep customization.
Cons:
- Limited to 2D games, which might not appeal to developers looking for 3D game development.
- Older versions have limited platform export options.
- Requires additional scripting for more complex mechanics and systems.
- Some users may find the default art style overly familiar due to the widespread use of RPG Maker assets in indie games.
How to Get Started
Community and Support
