Could someone confirm a few things for me?

[NazCassidy]

Hi! I'm a new user to RPG MAKER VX ACE, although I am a software development student at least, so I'm not 100% lost.

I was wondering a few things, any insight would be appreciated before I start working on my own games.

1) If I use someone else's scripts, for example, do I need to have their permission? Or would I just credit them at some point in my work? I'm assuming I'd credit them, but I'd rather not step on anyone's toes!

2) I'm a degree level software student and I've been programming around 6 months, in that time we've studied C++, Flash, Java and processing...which is really Java too I guess! Question is, how difficult is  Ruby programming? 

3) Is it possible to release a good game with only the scripts available via community and RPG MAKER standard scripts? Or would I have to create my own at some point, if yes then the answer to question 2 is kinda irrelevant as I will HAVE to learn Ruby I guess.

4) Lastly, I don't want to copyright anything but It's not something I know much about tbh, how much flexibility do we have with our games etc in terms of copyrighting music, battle themes, classes, weapons, items, monsters etc from other RPG games.

These may seem basic questions and sorry if they are but I'm not just new to this software, I'm new to programming really too so thanks for any help!

 

[Arin]

1. Unless they specifically state you are not allowed to use that script, I assume the only thing you really need is credit. There are some scripts that you cannot use for commercial games, however.

2. Ruby, from what I hear, is like fifth-grade English compared to C++.

3. It's not so much the scripting in the game as much as it is how much effort and dedication you've put into the game. For example, a great game with great art will probably receive higher standing among this community (and maybe others) when put side by side with a great game with great scripting.

4. You're not allowed to copyright the music of a certain pre-existing RPG, but names of classes or enemies or anything like that are all fair game. Just remember: if it's something that can be physically held in your hand, it can be copyrighted. You can physically hold a music disc in your hand, therefore, it can be copyrighted. You can't, however, copyright a name, because it's impossible to hold a name.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

1) Most scripts (if not all) have their own terms and conditions so read those


2) For me, it's not that hard... and you know much more than me in terms of languages...


3) YES... It is possible...


4) You would need to contact the ones who made those resources before you can use them, we don't support resource RIPPING here... assuming you meant using copyrighted resource from other games/RPGs

 

[NazCassidy]

1) Most scripts (if not all) have their own terms and conditions so read those

2) For me, it's not that hard... and you know much more than me in terms of languages...

3) YES... It is possible...

4) You would need to contact the ones who made those resources before you can use them, we don't support resource RIPPING here... assuming you meant using copyrighted resource from other games/RPGs

Thanks for both replies!

OK, I did mean resources from existing RPG franchises such as Final Fantasy, we all know the classic RPG games. I know the obvious things can't be used like music but I wasn't aware that classes and items etc are fair game, that's very handy to know. I definitely don't plan on ripping off someone else's work, if I use someone's script, I fully intend on contacting them if possible and crediting them in my work.

Hmm so Ruby is much easier than C++? That's a relief...C++ is soul destroying xD

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

Classes and names and items are well, I'm not sure... but alot of games uses those same classes and such...


Ruby is SO MUCH easier than C++ IMO...

 

[kerbonklin]

Resource rips also cannot be used commercially, you can get sued for that of course. =P    If you do use resource rips, do not request/show-off/discuss/etc. them here on the forum. If you do share/publish a demo/completed game that uses resource rips and is non-commercial, then they are okay to have as long as credit is given to those owners of the ripped resources. (companies/composers/etc.)

To easily find out who to credit for non-music ripped resources, the respective company names are usually shown with their logos at the start of the game. (Like Nintendo / HAL Laboratory Inc. are both seen when starting any Kirby game)

The composers's information for music is usually embedded in ripped music files as their properties. Any music-playback program should show title/album/artist.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

actually, non-commercials can get downed too, if the creators of those resources notify the staff... but yeah, the likelyhood of it is less than if you use them on a commercial resource... but really, just don't do it to be always safe...

 

[NazCassidy]

Resource rips also cannot be used commercially, you can get sued for that of course. =P    If you do use resource rips, do not request/show-off/discuss/etc. them here on the forum. If you do share/publish a demo/completed game that uses resource rips and is non-commercial, then they are okay to have as long as credit is given to those owners of the ripped resources. (companies/composers/etc.)

Okay could you explain a bit more in-depth, the difference? There's some things I'm not entirely sure about.

Resource rips? What's the difference with commercial and non-commercial, I've no idea bout these terms =( I'm assuming commercial in this case, means something that can be used for profit, and non-commercial being the opposite.

Also, since I have your attention here guys, I've just started work on my game after doing a basic story to start off....let's say I made the world map 200 width and 150 height, too big, too small or just right?

 

[kerbonklin]

Commercial means your game has to be bought, or has some kind of donation feature. (this one is sometimes iffy) You make money from it.  Non-commercial means completely free.

As for your side-question, that's totally something that depends on your needs. However be cautious that extremely large maps may cause performance issues, especially with many events on it at the same time. Like for example if you ever modded Skyrim to make the game one connected, huge open-world map, the game actually lags like all hell.

 

[NazCassidy]

Thanks for the fast replies! Most programming forums are dead, it's nice to see this one is active.

Good point about the map size, I'll try it at 200 width and 150 height, just to see how much it can handle at least.

One last question, if any of you have an answer that'd be great, once a game is finished, how easy is it to put onto Android etc and how would that be done?

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

Uhm, not doable at the moment... at least officially... there have been tries to do ports but they are unofficial and AFAIK still buggy or something...

 

[NazCassidy]

So ports are out of the question but what about releasing it on PC? Would it only be available to people with RPG Make VX Ace or could anyone with a PC play the game?

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

Everyone running windows can play it AFAIK (maybe at least from XP and up)... The requirements differ depending on how you made it though... Depending on how you decide to go with it, they might need to have the RTP installed or not...

 

[NazCassidy]

Hmm ok, think I'll stick around these forums a bit and learn, seems to be quite a lot to come to grips with.

Thanks again for the replies!