{{Short description|Video game creation system software series}} {{About|the series|the first entry for the PlayStation|RPG Maker (video game)}} {{multiple issues| {{More citations|date=April 2026}} {{cleanup reorganize|date=April 2026}} }} {{Infobox software | name = RPG Maker | logo = Rpgmakerlogo.png | screenshot = | caption = | author = [[ASCII Corporation|ASCII]] | developer = {{ubl|[[Enterbrain]]|[[Gotcha Gotcha Games]]}} | released = {{Start date and age|df=no|1992|12|17}} (''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98'') | latest release version = ''RPG Maker With'' | latest release date = {{Start date and age|2024|4|11|df=no}} | latest preview version = | latest preview date = | programming language = [[JavaScript]], [[HTML5]], [[Ruby (programming language)]] | operating system = | platform = {{unbulleted list|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]|[[Game Boy Color]]|[[Game Boy Advance]]|[[Nintendo DS]]|[[Nintendo 3DS]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Sega Saturn]]|[[PC-8801]]|[[PC-9801]]|[[MSX2]]|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Linux]]|}} | language = [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[English language|English]], [[Korean language|Korean]], [[Chinese language|Chinese]], [[Russian language|Russian]] | genre = [[Game development tool|Game creation software]] | license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] | website = {{URL|https://www.rpgmakerweb.com/}} }}
'''''RPG Maker''''', known in [[Japan]] as {{nihongo|'''''RPG Tsukūru'''''|RPGツクール||sometimes romanized as '''''RPG Tkool'''''}}, is a series of programs for the [[Game development tool|development]] of video games generally for [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] (RPGs) and [[adventure game]] genres, originally created by the Japanese group [[ASCII (company)|ASCII]]. The Japanese name, ''Tsukūru'', is a pun mixing the Japanese word {{Nihongo|2=作る|3=tsukuru}}, which means "make" or "create", with {{Nihongo|2=ツール|3=tsūru}}, the Japanese transliteration of the English word "tool".<ref>[http://tkool.jp/outline/ Outline of Tsukūru] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227185711/http://tkool.jp/outline/|date=2012-02-27}} at the official Tsukūru website {{in lang|ja}} (Retrieved on 2010-3-6)</ref>
The ''RPG Maker'' series was originally released primarily in Japan, but it was translated by fans<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zavarise|first=Giada|date=2018-09-01|title=Are RPG Maker games as bad as people think?|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-01-are-rpg-maker-games-as-bad-as-people-think|access-date=2021-06-30|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref> in Taiwan, South Korea, China, Russia, and North America with ''RPG Maker 2000'' and ''RPG Maker 2003''.<ref>[http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/goods_int.html "International Licensing Business"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070923042611/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/en/c_outline/goods_int.html|date=2007-09-23}} at Enterbrain's website</ref> Most of the later engines have been officially translated to English and created by successors, [[Enterbrain]] and [[Gotcha Gotcha Games]].
== PC versions == ''RPG Maker'' is a program that allows users to create their own [[role-playing video game]]s. Most versions include a tile set based map editor (tilesets are called ''chipsets'' in pre-XP versions), a simple [[scripting language]] for scripting events, and a battle editor. All versions include initial premade tilesets, characters, and events which can be used in creating new games. One feature of the PC versions of ''RPG Maker'' programs is that a user can create new tilesets and characters, and add any new graphics the user wants.
Despite being geared towards creating [[role-playing video games]], the engine also has the capability to create games of other genres, such as adventure games (like ''[[Yume Nikki]]''), story-driven games or visual novels with minimal tweaking.
=== ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98'' === According to Enterbrain, ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98'', released on December 17, 1992, was the first software of the ''RPG Maker'' series,<ref name="PR">{{Cite web |date=2005-08-16 |title=『RPGツクールXP』英語版 海外サイトにてダウンロード販売を開始 |url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/jp/c_outline/pdf/tkoolxp_global.pdf |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208105128/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/jp/c_outline/pdf/tkoolxp_global.pdf |archive-date=2006-12-08 |access-date=March 27, 2024 |website=Enterbrain |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name="hst" /> although there were a few versions of RPG making software by ASCII preceding it, dating back to 1988.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Griliopoulos |first1=Daniel |title=Engines of Creation |journal=[[Maximum PC]] |date=December 2016 |volume=21 |issue=12 |pages=48–53}}</ref> This, along with its follow-up ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98 II'', was made for [[NEC PC-9801]], and games created with these programs can be played on a Windows computer with [[emulator]]s called Dante for Windows and D2win, respectively.<ref>[http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/digifami/conpark/runtime.html]{{in lang|ja}} at Digital Famitsu Homepage</ref> ''RPG Maker'' was a product that came from various programs that [[ASCII Corporation]] had included in ''ASCII'' along with other users' code submitted to it, which the company decided to expand and publish into the standalone game-making toolkit.<ref>{{cite conference | title = Possibilities of Non-Commercial Games: The Case of Amateur Role Playing Games Designers in Japan | first = Kenji | last = Ito | conference = Proceedings of DiGRA 2005 Conference: Changing Views – Worlds in Play | year = 2005 | publisher = [[Digital Games Research Association]]}}</ref>
=== ''RPG Maker 95'' === ''RPG Maker 95'' was the first [[Microsoft Windows]]-based ''RPG Maker'' software. Despite being an early version, ''RPG Maker 95'' has both a higher screen resolution, and higher sprite and tile resolution than the several following versions.
However, RM95 retains a prominent flaw: The protagonist-sprite always appears to be walking (due to automatic alternating between two frames), even when it is not going anywhere. This flaw was fixed in all subsequent versions of ''RPG Maker''. Additionally, the sprites of subsequent ''RPG Maker'' versions have three frames for each orientation, rather than only two per orientation as in RM95, because the subsequent versions include sprite-frames for when the sprite is standing still.
RM95 also has two basic flaws in its "event"-editing system: <br> The first flaw is that once an event is created, it is not possible to directly delete it. The second flaw is that once a sprite-graphic is added to an event, it is not possible to delete that sprite-graphic from the event. Both of those flaws were fixed in subsequent versions of RPG Maker.
=== ''RPG Maker 2000 and 2003'' === ''RPG Maker 2000'' (also referred to as RM2k) was the second release of ''RPG Maker'' for Microsoft Windows and is the most popular and used ''RPG Maker'' so far.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}} While it is possible to do more with RM2k, it uses lower resolution sprites and tiles than ''RPG Maker 95'', but it does not have a noticeable limit of 'sprites'. Unlike RM95, which can only use one 'set', RM2k can use an unlimited number of sprite sheets with specific sizes for each type. The tilesets also have a similar non-limitation, but because tiles must be entered into a database, there is a limit on tiles. This limit however is rarely a problem (normally 5000), and even when it is, an [[unofficial patch]] exists which can bump most limits much higher at the risk of potential game corruption. It does not support text output and can program only two buttons, Z and X. There is text in dialog boxes, by manner of overlaying sprites, or maps lain with text, but not plainly on the screen.
As a result of an oversight, RM2K contains a flaw in its message-editing options, in that it is not possible to edit the message that is shown when an enemy is killed or destroyed. In the subsequent version, RM2K3, that problem was eliminated via eliminating the enemy-kill message entirely.
''RPG Maker 2003'' (also referred to as RM2k3) is largely an improvement of RM2k. RM2k games can be ported to RM2k3 (but not back to RM2k, the conversion is permanent), and most resources are interchangeable. The main difference is the introduction of a side-view battle system similar to that found in the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' games on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] and the [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]] [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. This was the first version made by [[Enterbrain]], which had previously been a part of ASCII. The popularity of this version among the Japanese ''RPG Maker'' community has led to it getting a notable unofficial patch known as the Maniacs Patch,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam2003 Maniacs |url=https://bingshan1024.github.io/steam2003_maniacs/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=bingshan1024.github.io}}</ref> which adds new features and functionality to the engine.
=== ''RPG Maker XP'' === ''RPG Maker XP'' (also referred to as RMXP) was released on 16 September 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/235900/RPG_Maker_XP/ | title=RPG Maker XP on Steam}}</ref> It is the first ''RPG Maker'' which can use RGSS (Ruby Game Scripting System) based on [[Ruby (programming language)|Ruby]], making it far more powerful than previous versions programming-wise. Many normal, simplified features present in RM2k(3) however have been removed. Most of these features have been programmed with RGSS, and distributed online. RMXP runs at [[Display resolution|1024x768 resolution]] (though games made in it run at 640x480), while offering four times the playable area of its predecessors. By default, games ran at 40 frames per second, though the game's scripts can be modified to set the framerate to any value. Additionally, it allows greater user control over sprite size (there is no specific image size regulation for sprite sheets) and other aspects of game design. This more open-ended arrangement, coupled with the inclusion of RGSS, makes ''RPG Maker XP'' more versatile than older versions in the series, at the cost of a steeper learning curve. This was named after [[Windows XP]] which was active from 2001 to 2014.
The ''[[Pokémon fan games#Pokémon Essentials|Pokémon Essentials]]'' pack, one of the main methods of making ''[[Pokémon]]'' [[fan game]]s, was exclusive to ''RPG Maker XP'' and never ported to any later engine, causing ''XP'' to be widely used for such games more than a decade later, such as in making ''[[Pokémon Uranium]]''. It was taken down in 2018 due to a [[cease and desist]] order by [[Nintendo]], though it continues to circulate on the internet.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=2018-08-29 |title=Nintendo's lawyers shut down tool used to make Pokémon fan games |language=en |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nintendo-shut-down-pokemon-essentials |access-date=2023-11-02}}</ref>
=== ''RPG Maker VX'' and ''VX Ace'' === [[File:RPGMakerVXscreenshot.PNG|right|thumb|A screenshot of a user-created map in ''RPG Maker VX'']] ''RPG Maker VX'' was released in Japan on December 27, 2007, and in the West on February 29, 2008. The [[frame rate]] was increased to 60 frames per second, providing smoother animation. The engine still used RGSS, but the game's default programming was overhauled to allow more freedom for scripting in new features. A new editor and RTP were included, this time in a much simpler "blocky" style. The default battle system is comparable to that of the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series or its predecessor RM2k, with a head-on view of the battlefield and detailed text descriptions of each action taken.
The lack of support for multiple tilesets when mapping, however, represented a notable downgrade from the engine's predecessor, leaving the player with only a finite number of unique tiles with which to depict all the game's environments. Multiple player-made workarounds were created.
''RPG Maker VX Ace'' was released in Japan on December 15, 2011,<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120122120546/http://rpgmakervxace.com/news/7-rpg-maker-vx-ace/22-rpg-maker-vx-ace-released-in-japan]}}</ref> and the West on March 15, 2012. It was later made available through [[Steam (service)|Steam]], and is also available physically.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.rpgmakerweb.com/announcements/rmvx-ace-release/ |title=RPG Maker VX Ace Release | The Official RPG Maker Blog |access-date=2012-08-10}}</ref> ''VX Ace'', an upgraded version of ''VX'', addressed the tileset issue. Battle backgrounds were re-introduced, and are separated into top and bottom halves. Spells, skills, and items can all now have their own damage and recovery formulas, although a quick calculation method reminiscent of the older ''RPG Maker'' versions is available. The ''VX'' RTP was redesigned for ''VX Ace'', and a new soundtrack featuring higher quality techno-pop tracks was included. With ''VX Ace'' came a large quantity of DLC Resource Packages offered by Enterbrain, also available through Steam.
=== ''RPG Maker MV'' and ''MZ'' === Released by Degica on October 23, 2015, ''RPG Maker MV'' includes a large number of changes over previous versions, with multiplatform support, side-view battles, and high-resolution features.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2015/08/rpg-maker-mv-announced-pc-mac|title=RPG Maker MV announced for PC, Mac|date=August 4, 2015|website=Gematsu}}</ref> It is the first engine in the series to use [[JavaScript]] instead of RGSS, with the addition of plugins. Completed games can be played on PC and mobile devices. ''RPG Maker MV'' also goes back to layered tilesets, a feature that was removed in ''RPG Maker VX'' and ''VX Ace''. Unlike ''RPG Maker XP'', which allowed users to manually choose which layers to build on, ''MV'' automatically stacks tiles on top of other tiles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rpgmakerweb.com/products/programs/rpg-maker-mv|title=RPG Maker MV {{!}} RPG Maker {{!}} Make Your Own Video Games!|website=www.rpgmakerweb.com|access-date=2016-05-21}}</ref> It also came out on consoles under the name ''RPG Tsukūru MV Trinity''. It was originally announced to only be on [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] but was later announced to also be on [[Xbox One]]. This release was later cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/03/rpg-maker-mv-cancelled-for-xbox-one|title=RPG Maker MV cancelled for Xbox One|date=11 March 2019}}</ref> It was released on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in Japan on November 15, 2018, and was released in North America and Europe in September 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/07/rpg-maker-mv-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-switch-launches-november-15-in-japan|title=RPG Maker MV for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch launches November 15 in Japan|website=Gematsu |date=25 July 2018|access-date=25 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/rpg-maker-mv-for-ps4-and-switch-launches-september-8-in-north-america-september-11-in-europe|title=RPG Maker MV for PS4 and Switch launches September 8 in North America, September 11 in Europe|website=Gematsu|date=July 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>
''RPG Maker MZ'' was released worldwide on August 20, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=On top of unveiling new features like the Event List, the mouse optimized game UI, and many System options, it is finally time to announce the RELEASE DATE AND PRICE! |url=https://twitter.com/rpgmakerweb/status/1283658202425561088 |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> ''MZ''{{'s}} new features include the Effekseer particle system, an [[autosave]] function, and often-requested ''XP''-style autolayer mechanics. Like ''MV'', it allows users to develop plugins using JavaScript. ''RPG Maker MZ'' received mostly positive feedback from users, who praised its additional features and the return of the ''XP'' layer mechanics, though its similarity to ''RPG Maker MV'' drew a mixed response.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}
=== ''RPG Maker Unite'' === ''RPG Maker Unite'' is an asset for the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] game engine based on ''RPG Maker''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Romano |first1=Sal |title=RPG Maker Unite announced for PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/02/rpg-maker-unite-announced-for-pc |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=Gematsu |date=15 February 2022}}</ref> It was released on the Unity store in May 2023 and on [[Epic Games Store]] in February 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last= Tolentino |first= Josh |date= 8 May 2023 |title= RPG Maker Unite released on Unity Asset Store|url=https://www.rpgsite.net/news/14163-rpg-maker-unite-released-on-unity-asset-store |website=RPG Site |location= |publisher= |access-date= 20 April 2026}}</ref>
== Console versions == === ''RPG Tsukūru Super Dante'' === The first console ''RPG Maker'', ''RPG Tsukūru Super Dante'', debuted in 1995 for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]], as a port of ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98''.<ref name="hst" /> ''RPG Tsukūru Super Dante'' was later broadcast via the Super Famicom's [[Satellaview]] accessory.
''RPG Maker GB'' is the first handheld system<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/histry.html|title=ツクールweb - RPGツクールの歴史|date=August 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825121948/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/histry.html|archive-date=2007-08-25}}</ref> version of ''RPG Maker''.
===''RPG Maker''=== {{Main|RPG Maker (video game){{!}}''RPG Maker'' (video game)}}
In 2000, ''RPG Maker'' was released for the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], but only a limited number of copies were made for releases outside of Japan. The software allowed user-made characters, and monsters through Anime Maker which was separate from the RPG Maker, which required saving to an external memory card, but there was a limit to how many user-made sprites and monsters could be used in ''RPG Maker''. Also, in Anime Maker, the user could create larger sprites for a theater-type visual novel in which the player could animate and control characters, but these sprites were much larger and unusable in ''RPG Maker''.
The ''RPG Maker'' interface was somewhat user-friendly, and battles were front-view style only. Item, Monster, Skill/Magic, and Dungeons had a small limit cap, as did the effects of any given Item, Magic or Skill (9,999). Items were all inclusive; Weapons and Armors were created in the Items interface. The types of items were as follows: None (mainly used for Key Items), Weapon, Armor, Key (up to eight sub types), Magic (for binding Magic created in the Magic interface to an item), Healing, and Food (which raises stats and EXP, or experience points in which this particular software is the only one of the series to do so natively).
Events were a separate save file from the System file, and are referred to as Scenario files. This is how the user could make multiple parts to one game, provided the user had enough memory cards and card space to create the files.
=== ''RPG Maker Fes'' === A version for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] was released by [[NIS America]] on June 27, 2017. While it remains portable on a small screen, users can create games on-the-go and also download games to play as well. The game received some criticism, with NintendoWorldReport saying that the title would be more suitable to hardcore RPG fans, who want to create their own game, rather than for every type of player.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/44888/rpg-maker-fes-3ds-review|title=RPG Maker FES Review – Review. (2017, June 20). Retrieved December 05, 2017}}</ref> Games completed can be uploaded to the RPG Maker Fes Player app for those to download and play on their own systems. It is the second ''RPG Maker'' version to receive a limited edition (the previous one being ''RPG Tsukūru DS'') which includes a CD soundtrack in a jewel case containing all the soundtracks in the game, and a full-color paperback artbook. It is the first ''RPG Maker'' on consoles/handhelds to receive a digital release.
=== ''RPG Maker With'' === In 2024, [[Gotcha Gotcha Games]] and [[NIS America]] released ''RPG Maker WITH'' for [[Nintendo Switch]] on October 11, 2024, and [[PlayStation]] 4 and 5 on February 21, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RPG Maker WITH |url=https://www.ign.com/games/rpg-maker-with |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> It was called ''RPG Maker WITH'' due to letting users make an RPG with other people.
== English versions == Historically, few early ''RPG Maker'' versions had official English releases. Each [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] version has, however, been subject to unlicensed distribution through the internet in some form or other.<ref>[http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/digifami/sadfact.html "Sad Fact"] at Enterbrain's website</ref> ''RPG Maker 95'', as well as translation patches for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] titles ''RPG Maker Super Dante'' and ''RPG Maker 2'', were translated and distributed by a group called KanjiHack. In 1999, KanjiHack closed upon receiving a [[cease and desist]] e-mail from ASCII's lawyers. ''RPG Maker 95'' was re-released with a more complete translation under the name ''RPG Maker 95+'' by a Russian programmer, under the alias of Don Miguel,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120205121035/http://www.gfxartist.com/features/articles/279 ''A look at RPGmaker 2000, translated by Don Miguel''] at gfxartist.com (archived copy)</ref> who later translated and released ''[[RPG Maker 2000]]''. Later versions, ''[[RPG Maker 2003]]'', and ''[[RPG Maker XP]]'', were similarly translated and distributed by a programmer under the alias of RPG Advocate.
The first official English release of the PC series was of ''RPG Maker XP'' on September 16, 2005. The next two versions of the software, ''RPG Maker VX'' and ''RPG Maker VX Ace'' both received official English releases. Since 2010 English versions of ''RPG Maker'' have been published by Degica, who have also officially released English versions of the older titles ''RPG Maker 2000'' and ''RPG Maker 2003''.
The first official English language of a console version was the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] version in 2000, simply called ''[[RPG Maker (PlayStation)|RPG Maker]]'', by [[Agetec]]. Agetec also localized ''RPG Maker 2'' and ''3''.
''RPG Maker'' variants are re-implemented by the open-source Open RPG Maker, MKXP and EasyRPG editors and interpreters.<ref>{{cite web |last=Larabel |first=Michael |date=2014-01-08 |title=MKXP: Open-Source, Linux Engine To RPG Maker XP |url=https://www.phoronix.com/news/MTU2Mzg |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=[[Phoronix]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Schaff |first=Tobias |date=July 2016 |title=EasyRPG - An RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 engine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-mqDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA18 |access-date=2023-02-06 |magazine=[[ODROID]] Magazine}}</ref>
== Reception and legacy == By August 2005, the series had sold more than two million copies worldwide.<ref name="PR"/> Later [[Steam (service)|Steam]] releases are estimated to have sold nearly 1 million units by April 2018, according to [[Steam Spy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=KADOKAWA – Company Stats |url=http://steamspy.com/dev/KADOKAWA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412015037/http://steamspy.com/dev/KADOKAWA |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2018 |website=[[Steam Spy]] |access-date=12 April 2018}}</ref> Since its first release, the series has been used to create numerous titles, both free and commercial. According to ''[[PC Gamer]]'', it has become "the go-to tool for aspiring developers who want to make a game and sell it", due to being "the most accessible game engine around".<ref name="pcgamer">{{cite web|title=The surprising explosion of RPG Maker on Steam|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-surprising-explosion-of-rpg-maker-on-steam/|journal=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 12, 2017|language=en|last1=Sayer|first1=Matt}}</ref> In addition to games, the series has been used for other purposes, such as studies involving students learning mathematics through the creation of role-playing games,<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.icme-organisers.dk/tsg14/TSG14-08.pdf |title=Learning Vortex, Games and Technologies: A New Approach to the Teaching of Mathematics |first1=Marcus Vinicius |last1=Maltempi |first2=Maurício |last2=Rosa |publisher=[[Universidade Estadual Paulista]] |journal=International Congress on Mathematical Education |access-date=2007-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009133547/http://www.icme-organisers.dk/tsg14/TSG14-08.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-10-09}}</ref> and programming.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.cra.org/Activities/craw/dmp/awards/2006/Ralph/TiffanyRalph_FinalReport.pdf |title=The Catacombs: A study on the usability of games to teach |first1=Tiffany |last1=Ralph |first2=Tiffany |last2=Barnes |journal=Unknown |publisher=[[Colorado State University]], [[University of North Carolina at Charlotte]] |access-date=2007-06-09 |quote=One of the versions was developed using ''RPG Maker XP'' and provides students with a more exploratory gaming experience than the other, which was created using the BioWare Aurora Neverwinter Nights Toolset and has the user follow linear stages of game play. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927041419/http://www.cra.org/Activities/craw/dmp/awards/2006/Ralph/TiffanyRalph_FinalReport.pdf |archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref>
One of the earliest notable ''RPG Maker'' games was ''[[Super Columbine Massacre RPG!]]'', which generated controversy by audiences and Columbine victims, and later attributed the importance of independent video game as an [[art game]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Whiting |first=Mark |title=Slamdance Judge Speaks Out Against Censorship: News from |url=http://www.1up.com/news/slamdance-judge-speaks-censorship |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108140911/http://www.1up.com/news/slamdance-judge-speaks-censorship |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=November 15, 2012 |publisher=1UP.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
With the release of 2012 video game ''[[Ib (video game)|Ib]]'', it has been credited with helping popularize its engine's use in developing more story-driven and horror games than [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] games.{{Citation needed|date=May 2026}}
Some ''RPG Maker'' video games have been adapted into multimedia franchises only produced in Japan including ''[[Angels of Death (video game)|Angels of Death]]'', ''[[Ao Oni]]'' and ''[[Corpse Party]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=From Tool to Subgenre to Anime: The Mysterious Journey of RPG Maker |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/06/29/from-tool-to-subgenre-to-anime-the-mysterious-journey-of-rpg-maker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012110220/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/06/29/from-tool-to-subgenre-to-anime-the-mysterious-journey-of-rpg-maker |archive-date=2022-10-12 |access-date=2026-03-17 |work=Crunchyroll |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spoopy Saturday N°3 - Walkthrough Guides, Reviews, Discussion, Hints and Tips at Jay is games |url=https://jayisgames.com/review/spoopy-saturday-n3.php |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=Jay is games}}</ref>
=== Use in media === The ''RPG Maker'' engine is sometimes used for films as a part of the animation and video game medium. Prominent works made in ''RPG Maker'' engine include the web-series ''Slimey'' (2011), and Studio Moonchalk's ''[[Distortion (film)|Distortion]]'' (2023) and ''Love and Friendship'' (2024), all released exclusively on [[YouTube]]. ''Second Love'' (2025), also produced by Studio Moonchalk, was selected as a part of Best Animated Film entry at the inaugural Science and Technology Film Festival in September 2025, the first RPG Maker animated film ever to be selected at any international film festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=OFFICIAL SELECTION – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FILM FESTIVAL |url=https://sciencefilmfestival.pl/official_selection/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |language=pl-PL}}</ref>
==''RPG Maker'' series timeline== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Japanese title ! English title ! Developer ! Platform(s) ! Japanese release date ! English release date ! Publisher(s) |- | ''Mamirin'' | | | [[PC-8801]] | {{dts|1988||}} | | [[ASCII Corporation|ASCII]] |- | ''Dungeon Manjirou''<ref>[https://www.generation-msx.nl/msxdb/softwareinfo/1491 Dungeon Manjiro] at Generation MSX</ref> | | | [[MSX|MSX2]] | {{dts|1988||}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Construction Tool: Dante''<ref>[https://www.generation-msx.nl/msxdb/softwareinfo/1518 Dante] at Generation MSX</ref> | | | MSX2 | {{dts|1990|02|08}} | | ASCII |- | ''Dante 2''<ref>[https://www.generation-msx.nl/msxdb/softwareinfo/1666 Dante II] at Generation MSX</ref> | | | MSX2 | {{dts|1992|02|08}} | | ASCII |- | ''Chimes Quest''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uraken.net/zatsugaku/zatsugaku_60.html|title=ゲームを作ろう！（２）RPGツクールでつくーる|website=www.uraken.net}}</ref> | | | [[PC-9801]] | {{dts|1992||}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98''<ref name="hst">{{Cite web |date=2004 |title=Maker web - History of RPG Maker |url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/histry.html |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218155028/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/histry.html |archive-date=2009-02-18 |access-date=March 27, 2024 |language=Japanese}}</ref> | | | PC-9801 | {{dts|1992|12|19}} | | ASCII |- | ''Dungeon RPG Tsukūru Dan-Dan Dungeon''<ref>[https://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/museum.html "yananayika" (The Tsukūru Museum)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823073359/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/museum.html|date=2007-08-23}} at the official Tsukūru website {{in lang|ja}}</ref> | | | PC-9801 | {{dts|1994|04|28}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru: Super Dante'' | | Kuusou Kagaku | [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]], [[Satellaview]] | {{dts|1995|03|31}} (Super Famicom)<br/>{{dts|1996|04|04}} (Satellaview) | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98 II''<ref name="hst" /> | | | PC-9801 | {{dts|1996|07|14}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru 2'' | | Kuusou Kagaku | Super Famicom, Satellaview | {{dts|1996|01|31}} (Super Famicom)<br/>{{dts|1996|04|22}} (Satellaview) | | ASCII |- | ''[[RPG Maker 95|RPG Tsukūru 95]]'' | | | [[Microsoft Windows]] | {{dts|1997|03|28}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru 95 Value!'' | | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2001|11|21}} | | [[Enterbrain]] |- | ''[[Sim RPG Maker|Simulation RPG Tsukūru]]'' | | Pegasus Japan | [[Sega Saturn]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] | {{dts|1998|09|17}} | | ASCII |- | ''[[Sim RPG Maker|Enterbrain Collection: Simulation RPG Tsukūru]]'' | | Pegasus Japan | PlayStation | {{dts|2001|11|29}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''[[Sim RPG Maker|Simulation RPG Tsukūru 95]]'' | | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|1998|05|29}} | | ASCII |- | ''Simulation RPG Tsukūru 95 Value!'' | | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2001|11|21}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''[[RPG Maker (video game)|RPG Tsukūru 3]]'' | ''RPG Maker'' | Kuusou Kagaku | PlayStation | {{dts|1997|11|27}} | {{dts|2000|10|02}} | ASCII (Japan)<br/>[[Agetec]] (North America) |- | ''PlayStation the Best: RPG Tsukūru 3'' | | Kuusou Kagaku | PlayStation | {{dts|1998|11|19}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru GB'' | | Kuusou Kagaku | [[Game Boy Color]] | {{dts|2000|03|17}} | | ASCII |- | ''[[RPG Maker 2000|RPG Tsukūru 2000]]'' | ''RPG Maker 2000'' | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2000|04|05}} | | ASCII |- | ''RPG Tsukūru 2000 Value!'' | | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2003|05|14}} | {{dts|2015|07|07}} | Enterbrain (Japan)<br/>Degica (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru 4'' | | Agenda<ref>[https://agenda-game.com/products/ Agenda-Game: Products] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725082110/http://agenda-game.com/products/|date=2010-07-25}} {{in lang|ja}}. Retrieved on 2010-11-10.</ref> | PlayStation | {{dts|2000|12|07}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''Uchūjin Tanaka Tarou de RPG Tsukūru GB 2'' | | | Game Boy Color | {{dts|2001|07|20}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''[[RPG Maker 2|RPG Tsukūru 5]]'' | ''RPG Maker 2'' | Kuusou Kagaku | [[PlayStation 2]] | {{dts|2002|08|08}} | {{dts|2003|10|28}} | Enterbrain (Japan)<br/>Agetec (North America) |- | ''[[RPG Maker 2003|RPG Tsukūru 2003]]'' | ''RPG Maker 2003'' | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2002|12|18}} | {{dts|2015|04|24}} | Enterbrain (Japan)<br/>Degica (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru α''<ref>[http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/digifami/products/rpg2003/ RPGツクール2003製品情報] at Enterbrain's website {{in lang|ja}}</ref> | | | Microsoft Windows, [[Mobile phone]] | {{dts|2002|12|18}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''RPG Tsukūru Advance'' | | | [[Game Boy Advance]] | {{dts|2003|04|25}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''[[RPG Maker XP|RPG Tsukūru XP]]'' | ''RPG Maker XP'' | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2004|07|22}} | {{dts|2005|09|16}} | Enterbrain (worldwide)<br/>Degica (worldwide) |- | ''[[RPG Maker 3|RPG Tsukūru]]'' | ''RPG Maker 3'' | Run Time | PlayStation 2 | {{dts|2004|12|16}} | {{dts|2005|09|20}} | Enterbrain (Japan)<br/>Agetec (North America) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru for Mobile'' | | | Mobile phone | {{dts|2006|04|17}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''[[RPG Maker VX|RPG Tsukūru VX]]'' | ''RPG Maker VX'' | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2007|12|27}} | {{dts|2008|02|29}} | Enterbrain (worldwide)<br/>Degica (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru DS''<ref>[http://tkool.jp/products/rpgds/index.html RPGツクールDS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317013851/http://tkool.jp/products/rpgds/index.html |date=2015-03-17}}{{in lang|ja}} Retrieved on 2010-1-12.</ref> | | | [[Nintendo DS]] | {{dts|2010|03|11}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''[[RPG Maker VX Ace|RPG Tsukūru VX Ace]]'' | ''RPG Maker VX Ace'' | | Microsoft Windows | {{dts|2011|12|15}} | {{dts|2012|03|15}} | Enterbrain (worldwide)<br/>Degica (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru DS Plus'' | | | Nintendo DS | {{dts|2011|12|15}} | | Enterbrain |- | ''RPG Tsukūru MV'' | ''RPG Maker MV'' | | Microsoft Windows, [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[HTML5]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]]<ref name="multiplatform-mv">It can build games for HTML5, Android and iOS, but it cannot be used on them.</ref> | {{dts|2015|12|17}} | {{dts|2015|10|23}} | [[Kadokawa Corporation|Kadokawa Games]]<br/>Degica (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru Fes'' | ''RPG Maker Fes'' | | [[Nintendo 3DS]] | {{dts|2016|11|24}} | {{dts|2017|06|23}} | Kadokawa Games<br/>[[NIS America]] (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru MV Trinity'' | ''RPG Maker MV'' | | [[PlayStation 4]], [[Nintendo Switch]] | {{dts|2018|11|15}} | {{dts|2020|09|08}} | Kadokawa Games<br/>NIS America (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Tsukūru MZ'' | ''RPG Maker MZ'' | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, HTML5, Android, iOS<ref name="multiplatform">It can build games for Linux, HTML5, Android and iOS, but it cannot be used on them.</ref> | {{dts|2020|08|20}} | {{dts|2020|08|20}} | Kadokawa Games<br />Degica (worldwide) |- | ''RPG Maker With'' | ''RPG Maker With'' | | PlayStation 4, [[PlayStation 5]], Nintendo Switch | {{dts|2024|04|11}} | {{dts|2024|10|11}} | [[Gotcha Gotcha Games]]<br />NIS America (worldwide) |}
== Notable works == === Games === {{Main|Category:RPG Maker games}}
A number of notable games created via ''RPG Maker'' include: {| class="wikitable" ! Developer ! Game(s) ! RPG Maker version |- | 773 || ''[[Cherry Tree High Comedy Club]]'' |XP |- |Buriki Clock |''{{ill|Cloé's Requiem|it|Cloé's Requiem|ja|%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AD%E3%82%A8%E3%81%AE%E3%83%AC%E3%82%AF%E3%82%A4%E3%82%A8%E3%83%A0}}'' |VX |- | Dancing Dragon Games || ''[[Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga]]'' | customized<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rpgamer.com/2022/06/symphony-of-war-the-nephilim-saga-interview/|title=Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga Interview|last=Stringer|first=Jonathan|work=RPGamer|date=2022-06-30|accessdate=2023-05-22}}</ref> |- | [[Danny Ledonne]] || ''[[Super Columbine Massacre RPG!]]'' |2000 |- | Dingaling Productions || ''[[Lisa: The Painful]]'' |VXA, XP |- | Eeny, meeny, miny, moe? || ''[[Black Souls (video game series)|Black Souls]]'' |VX Ace |- | rowspan="4" | Freebird Games || ''[[To the Moon (video game)|To the Moon]]'' | rowspan="4" |XP |- |''[[A Bird Story]]'' |- |''[[Finding Paradise]]'' |- |''[[Impostor Factory]]'' |- | Francis Coulombe ||''[[Look Outside]]'' |MV/MZ |- | Fummy || ''[[The Witch's House]]'' |VX, MV |- | Ghosthunter || ''[[Grimm's Hollow]]'' |2003 |- | Hoshikuzu KRNKRN || ''[[Angels of Death (video game)|Angels of Death]]'' |VXA |- |insertdisc5 |''[[In Stars and Time]]'' |MV |- |Jozef Pavelka |''[[Felvidek (video game)|Felvidek]]'' |MV |- |Kasey Ozymy |''[[Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass]]'' |VX Ace |- | Kikiyama || ''[[Yume Nikki]]'' |2003 |- | Kouri || ''[[Ib (video game)|Ib]]'' |2000 |- | rowspan="2" | [[Laura Shigihara]]|| ''[[Rakuen (video game)|Rakuen]]'' | rowspan="2" |XP |- |''[[Mr. Saitou]]'' |- | FutureCat Games || ''[[OneShot]]'' |2003, XP |- | Mason Lindroth || ''[[Hylics (video game)|Hylics]]'' |VXA |- |Makoto Serise |''[[Shūjin e no Pert-em-Hru]]'' |Dante 98 II |- | Miro Haverinen|| ''[[Fear and Hunger|Fear & Hunger]]'' |MV |- | Nankidai || ''[[Your Turn to Die -Death Game by Majority-]]'' |MV |- |Nemlei |''[[The Coffin of Andy and Leyley]]'' |MV |- | Noprops || ''[[Ao Oni]]'' |XP |- | Nishida Yoshitaka "Yubiningyō" || ''[[Palette (video game)|Palette]]'' |95 |- | OMOCAT || ''[[Omori (video game)|Omori]]'' |MV |- |Phenix |''[[Kanye Quest 3030]]'' |VX Ace |- | [[Sherman3D]]|| ''[[Alpha Kimori]]'' |VX |- | [[Stephen Gillmurphy|thecatamites]] || ''[[Space Funeral]]'' |2003 |- | [[Temmie Chang]] || ''[[Escaped Chasm]]'' |MV |- | [[Team GrisGris]]|| ''[[Corpse Party (1996 video game)|Corpse Party]]'' |98 |- | Unproductive Fun Time || ''[[Off (video game)|Off]]'' |2003 |- | Vagabond Dog || ''[[Always Sometimes Monsters]]'' |VX Ace |}
=== Films and web-series === Films and web-series made in RPG Maker engine can be found on the list below: {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Film/Series ! Director ! RPG Maker ! Media ! {{Refh}} |- |2011|| ''Slimey'' | Celianna |VX | rowspan="4" |[[Web series]] |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slimey - A romantic movie [Kinetic novel] - Lemma Soft Forums |url=https://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewtopic.php?t=13036 |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=lemmasoft.renai.us}}</ref> |- |2016 |''My Name is Lucy'' |Kanacteeol |MV |<ref name="creation1915">Originally produced as the first feature-length RPG Maker animated film, but refined as a [[Workprint|rough workprint]] due to incomplete development without voice actors; the voice acting is later added but divided as a web series, leaving the claim remains allegedly disputed as the first film.</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVkHKrfwOI8 |title=My name is Lucy(rough draft) No Voices. Full movie. |date=2016-01-12 |last=Kanacteeol's World O' Games N' Pets! |access-date=2025-06-29 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |- |2016–2024|| ''Atis's Gaze'' | KenKrath |2000 |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-21 |title=RMVXA - Atis's Gaze - Film/Motion Novel |url=https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?threads/atiss-gaze-film-motion-novel.55343/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=RPG Maker Forums |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |2022–2023 |''Elymus'' |Green Aura | rowspan="5" |MV | |- |2023|| ''One Of U: Tragedy'' |ZeroDigitz |[[Feature film]] |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blNAl83p9p4 |title=One Of U Game Movie (RPG Maker Horror) |date=2023-07-02 |last=Zero Digitz |access-date=2024-11-20 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |} A former ''RPG Maker'' developer [[Danny Ledonne]] directed a documentary ''[[Playing Columbine]]'', about the controversy surrounding his 2005 video game ''Super Columbine Massacre RPG!''.
== See also == * ''[[Fighter Maker]]'' * ''[[GameMaker|Game Maker]]'' * ''[[Sim RPG Maker]]'' * [[ASCII Corporation|Sound Novel Tsukūru]] * [[Role-playing game creation software|RPG creation software]]
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|https://www.rpgmakerweb.com}}
{{RPG Maker series}} {{Kadokawa Dwango}} {{Video game engines}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rpg Maker}} [[Category:RPG Maker| ]] [[Category:1992 software]] [[Category:Video game IDE]] [[Category:Video game engines]] [[Category:PlayStation (console) games]] [[Category:PlayStation 2 games]] [[Category:Satellaview games]] [[Category:Kadokawa Corporation franchises]] [[Category:Windows software]] [[Category:Top-down video games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]] [[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1992]]