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There are quite a few things that are a bit confusing / ambiguous / outdated / incorrect from what I've seen. Some of these may be nitpicks, but nonetheless they are some observances I've had.
Before I start listing, let me preface by saying that many pages could be completely removed as they are duplicates of existing information if someone were to get fragments / named anchors properly working. For instance, the products page could be referenced instead of additionally needing a page for programs, resources, services, graphics, music, ultimate guides, non-rm, weekly deals, and member+. I'd think that maintaining one page would be easier than ten, as it doesn't seem like these pages are populating themselves from a feed of information from anywhere and instead each being altered individually given that I've found inconsistencies between them.
Home
VX Ace / VX Ace Lite / VX / XP / 2003 / IG Maker / Manga Maker ComiPo! / Game Character Hub
Note: Could be categorized under nitpicking.
Note: Since this page is no longer utilized, I will retain the original material I had covered in spoiler tags for archival purposes.
Resources
Note: Since this page is no longer utilized, I will retain the original material I had covered in spoiler tags for archival purposes.
Services
About Battles > Can I change the battle system to a side-view system?RPG Maker XP (no longer exists?)
Games to scare your pants offRPG Maker VX Ace 09/30/2013Coding camps hope to inspire the next Mark Zuckerberg
For any administrators/moderators:
2015.06.03: Created a forum section and added a suggestion made by fesenstern under it.
2015.06.01: Fixed some formatting and added the above text which appears between the dividers.
2015.06.19 #1: Updated the latest news bullet point to reflect that it is now currently up to date.
2015.06.19 #2: Made additional changes after going through all of the above to check their current status.
2015.06.19 #3: Fixed formatting (as much as I could with the WYSIWYG editor - still some indentation issues).
2015.08.11: Updated all section to reflect current changes that have been made. Mentioned a clear lack of RPG Maker 2000 among other things.
2015.08.13: Added a note about the RPG Maker 2003 RTP download linking to an outdated RTP installer and included the link to the now current release. Thanks to Jackus for pointing this issue out.
Before I start listing, let me preface by saying that many pages could be completely removed as they are duplicates of existing information if someone were to get fragments / named anchors properly working. For instance, the products page could be referenced instead of additionally needing a page for programs, resources, services, graphics, music, ultimate guides, non-rm, weekly deals, and member+. I'd think that maintaining one page would be easier than ten, as it doesn't seem like these pages are populating themselves from a feed of information from anywhere and instead each being altered individually given that I've found inconsistencies between them.
Home
The top information bar currently indicates that the Steam Midweek Madness event is going on with Degica Games being featured, but this event has been over for a few days now.It has since been changed to simply inform people about RPG Maker 2003 being in the store.- There is currently no carousel listing for RPG Maker 2000. There's actual nothing listed about RPG Maker 2000 anywhere on the site.
- Under the latest news section, we see (as of this writing) the latest article as 'What is an RPG?' (not counting RPG Maker MV), but looking at the blog there's been three newly made posts starting from August 1, 2015 9:44 AM.
- Under featured tutorials, each one is from June/July of 2013. These featured articles have remain unchanged since at least October 28th, 2013. This is soon after we see the new design take place, as the last snapshot before then is of the old design from August 26, 2013.
- There is no listing for RPG Maker 2000 in the navigation menu under Products > Programs.
Does not have a tab for Non-RM.Non-RM products have since been removed in favor of listings on Game Dev Fort.Tutorials tab is missing the Parallax Mapping Guide. Is viewable from the stand-alone Ultimate Guides page. Also, should it be named tutorials or guides? You have a tutorials page listed separately under support, so perhaps go with guides?Graphics tab includes Parallax Mapping Guide. Is it a guide or graphic product? Also, the same should be said for its listing on the stand-alone graphics page as it is actually listed twice there. The double is at the very bottom.- Lists RPG Maker VX Ace Lite under the programs tab, yet it isn't listed on the programs page.
- No mention of RPG Maker 2000 in the programs tab nor on the programs page.
The instructions listed are from a time of the old CoGenDRM being relevant. Things should be cleared up to reflect the current file name of the download as well as instructions which are appropriate for the current Software Passport variant. Additionally, it should be made clear how to activate as a trial, as well as how to activate with a serial key for customers who have purchased the product.Make it more clear to users who have purchased the product what their serial is exactly. It is a bit ambiguous that their order number from the store is meant to be the serial. Note that I've only purchased from the RMW site and from Steam. The site of course is the one applicable here, but I've not purchased from the forum store, so I am unsure if the same rules apply here. If the forum store's serials differ then those instructions for their serial key should also be stated.For IG Maker's page, as stated in multiple places in this list, the instructions for patching really needs to be cleared up. It seems mostly correct here, but elsewhere it is horribly off. If necessary, do a Ctrl+F for IG Maker to see my notes on the subject. Additionally, the instructions should be updated to reflect current file names. IGMaker_Trial_Setup.zip -> IG_MAKER_Full.zip. May be worth noting the sample games and free resource pack downloads as well since I believe users new to the program would greatly benefit from it. Moreso than any other software sold in my opinion.- For ComiPo!, there are no instructions whatsoever. Should be changed.
Lists RPG Maker XP with a price of $29.99. The price currently sits at $24.99.- Does not list RPG Maker VX Ace Lite, yet it is listed under the programs tab for the products page.
- Does not list RPG Maker 2000 (as no page for it exists yet?).
VX Ace / VX Ace Lite / VX / XP / 2003 / IG Maker / Manga Maker ComiPo! / Game Character Hub
Note: Could be categorized under nitpicking.
- There's no apparent rhyme or reason as to the quality of the screenshots found in each product page. Most seem of poor quality, reduced scale even when opened to view the full image, and are in JPEG format.
- The exception of format goes with the GCH page, as they may be found in PNG format. That said, even with a file format capable of lossless quality compression, these too seem to suffer and aren't readily clear to the eye.
- As another note, GCH again is the exception for images found in the features section. This page is the only one out of those linked above that instead of featuring thumbnails of larger images shows instead full sized images, albeit cropped.
- Personally, I'd go with full lossless quality PNGs with full sized screenshots that had undergone additional compression with a tool such as FileOptimizer so that their files sizes are reduced to save on bandwidth costs. The thumbnails would then be of any format desired that covers the full color palette and maintains an acceptable quality so that the full sized images aren't readily loaded and thus causing higher costs on bandwidth as well as a longer loading time for the end-user. These thumbnails may also be further reduced in size with the aforementioned FileOptimizer.
Note: Since this page is no longer utilized, I will retain the original material I had covered in spoiler tags for archival purposes.
- There are no sections for
RPG Maker 2003,IG Maker, and Manga Maker ComiPo!(nor is there for GCH, but that makes sense since there are no other options). From the RPG Maker 2003 product page, there is no link to this page, despite there being one for XP/VX/VX Ace. Previously there was only one option (Steam) upon first release, but this has since changed and the main purchase link has been replaced with that to Degica's store. Steam could now be added under a section on the where to buy page for 2003.From the Manga Maker ComiPo! product page, there is no link to this page, despite there being the option to purchase it on Steam. There are also other places to purchase it, but for obvious reasons, they won't be listed since they aren't from Degica.
The eBay link on the top right links to a well expired listing (Nov. 18th, 2014) from download_direct.EB Games: Is a subsidiary of GameStop. Only operates under this name in Canada and Australia. Neither of which sell Degica products.- DownloadBuyer.com: This may(?) be out of your control, but they have the product listed as an original RSP of $86.90. This may have been due to the launch price being $89.99, but it has since dropped by $20.
The second eBay link is also well expired (Jan. 20th, 2015) from downloadbuyer (the above's eBay listing account).GameFly: Leads to an error page. GameFly Digital is now Direct2Drive, and they do not have any listings for Degica's products.GamesLoad: This seller has closed and is no longer operational. Sales ceased on March 31, 2014.London Drugs: Leads to an error page. Doesn't appear to be selling any Degica products.- TigerDirect: Currently out of stock. Might be a non-issue.
Fry's: Leads to an error page. Doesn't appear to sell any Degica products.
- DownloadBuyer.com: This may(?) be out of your control, but they have the product listed as an original RSP of $73.53. I'm not really sure on this one, since the price has never been this high for the English localization.
eBay (via downloadbuyer.com): Does not link to a downloadbuyer listing, and instead links to a page that simply lists similar items to "Enterbrain RPG Maker VX Approved Digital Download" which leads to listings other than VX as well as to listings not from downloadbuyer.com.London Drugs: Same as before. Error page. Doesn't sell Degica products.
- Doesn't list Steam which is now an option.
- DownloadBuyer.com: This may(?) be out of your control, but they have the product listed as an original RSP of $36.75. This one is a bit tricker I suppose. The initial launch price of XP was $59.99 if I recall correctly, but since Degica had taken over sales from Protexis/nTitles it has never been higher than $29.99.
eBay (via downloadbuyer.com): Does not link to a downloadbuyer listing, and instead links to a page that simply lists similar items to "Enterbrain RPG Maker XP Approved Digital Download" which leads to listings other than VX as well as to listings not from downloadbuyer.com.London Drugs: Same as before. Error page. Doesn't sell Degica products.- NewEgg: Like DownloadBuyer, but only in the case of XP, the SRP is $29.99. The price has since been lowered for sale through RMW to $24.99, so I am unsure of if this needs to be reflected here as well.
EB Games: Is a subsidiary of GameStop. Only operates under this name in Canada and Australia. Neither of which sell Degica products.Steam: Leads to a listing of everything published by Degica. Could be further narrowed to instead only list DLC from Degica. It will still include DLC for games such as Crimson Clover and others, but it at least removes some of the other listings (no DLC is listed on the first page of results).
Seems to be lacking some of the available content and is not very easy to navigate. Currently is linked to from hovering the mouse over Products in the top navigation menu and then moving the mouse to click on Resources.Possibly better to link to the products page?
Note: Since this page is no longer utilized, I will retain the original material I had covered in spoiler tags for archival purposes.
- Currently redirects to the products page.
- Seems hardly utilized, if at all, anymore. I recall it having a prominent spot on the front page for some time. If there is to be a deal of the week, I'd think personally that there should be an actual deal of some sort on a pre-selected piece of software of DLC each week. Alternatively, rename it something different and have it only accessible and appearing on the menu / front page during times when a sale that falls under the newly named category is happening.
- Does this need to exist if only Member+ is offered and also has its own page with the same (and more) info?
Lists RPG Maker XP as $29.99 when the price has been lowered to $24.99Maybe list the free game bundles page as well underneath additional downloads? It is the only page missing.- Nitpick: Under additional downloads, the button which reads CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FREE GAME BUNDLES is not aligned with the RTP button found left of it. Consider adding a line break.
- 2003's RTP is lacking a EULA for its download button in addition to installation instructions like those found from the other RTPs.
- 2003's RTP Thank You page is presently linking users to an outdated/incorrect version of the RTP. The proper link is here.
- There is no listing for RPG Maker 2000's RTP (presumably because like everywhere else, no mention of RPG2000 can be found).
Each RTP's thank you page is missing a period to close one of the sentences found there. VX Ace / VX / XP / 2003
- Screenshot thumbnails are found in skewed aspect ratios.
- Though clear to read, some are found in JPEG format and my suggestions from those listed under product screenshots apply here as well.
- General SupportThe floating feedback tab found on the left side of the site features different topics than that found on the support page. Namely those for frequent questions from the community and active problems from the community. I'm unsure about top ideas from the community since neither has any conversations listed. The recent praise from the community is in sync though!
- This section is really, really, really outdated.
- Firstly, there is no section for RPG Maker VX Ace, RPG Maker 2003, GG Maker, Manga Maker ComiPo!, or Game Character Hub.
- At the top of the page, it mentions the Where to Buy page which has since been deprecated.
- It seems like the RPG Maker VX section has been modified somewhat to try and consolidate all of the Maker software into a single section, however it is extremely unfinished, fragmented, and incomplete in this process and it is still titled as RPG Maker VX rather than something more suiting.
RPG Maker VXInstallation > I got an error at the end of installation.The listed response in in reference to the old DRM. This should be removed and replaced instead with any relevant responses for errors that might be found with currently offered downloads as well as a small reference to the existing issue with the proper response if it happens to be the case being to download the current version.
RPG MAKER VX.Although -> RPG MAKER VX. Although
Installation > I got an error at the end of installation.The listed response in in reference to the old DRM. This should be removed and replaced instead with any relevant responses for errors that might be found with currently offered downloads as well as a small reference to the existing issue with the proper response if it happens to be the case being to download the current version.This is missing a lot of potential information, and most may be copied over from the VX section.
- Ugh. The information on the site related to IG Maker's patching process is really all over the place. If you look at the FAQ it says one thing. If you look at the thank you page when downloading it it says another. Even still, the product updates page has a set of different instructions. I can't count how many times I've seen someone asking on the forums for help with the download/install process for IG Maker because of not having a key to activate the trial due to using an older version which is no longer supported. This really needs to be addressed. This goes for multiple sections on the IG Maker FAQ.
- Account Questions > Both questions listedIt is stated that the normal turnaround time for technical support is within 48 hours. I'm not sure whether this is accurate or not. You would know better than I. If it isn't accurate however, perhaps it could better reflect the true numbers, more staff could be hired on, or current practices could be revised so as to more promptly address customers.
- I see that this is addressing the past weekly long Humble Bundle sale that occurred May 29 — June 5, 2014. I'm uncertain whether it is something you want to look into, but I do see that there is currently a bundle being sold in the Humble Bundle store. That is, the RPG Maker Adventure DLC Bundle.
- There may be a need for another sub-section or updating to reflect the 2015 Hunble Bundle.
- This is not something I devoted any time into researching as it required the analyzation of multiple documents that was beyond the amount of free time I had available. I did notice however that there were no listings for RPG Maker XP, RPG Maker 2003, RPG Maker 2000, GG Maker, Manga Maker ComiPo!, or Game Character Hub. I'm sure some of these are not high priority, but perhaps a link to the appropriate forum sections could point anyone who is to happen across this page will point them in the right direction.
- As previously stated, the state of information regarding updates to IG Maker is quite atrocious. It certainly needs clearing up.
- Dead Links:Omori is a surreal, psychological horror game that's heading to 3DS (seems their .htaccess configuration is incorrectly redirecting any non www. prefixes URL to their main site instead of the intended article. It redirects to http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/)http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Omori/news.asp?c=63257
Site is dead.
Article does not exist on the site anymore.
Does not appear to exist any longer.
- Lacking RPG Maker VX Ace Lite, RPG Maker 2003, and RPG Maker 2000. Optionally, could include GG Maker, Manga Maker ComiPo!, and Game Character Hub, though they don't really seem to fit the pattern.
- Revise as needed.
I've not downloaded the latest version of Lite to check, but I believe that the AVG toolbar is no longer packaged. If true, then the EULA for it should be removed. It's plagued with spelling issues anyway.NOTE: On the main information page, the AVG EULA is still linked to.- Inclusion of EULAs for RPG Maker VX Ace Lite, RPG Maker VX, RPG Maker XP, RPG Maker 2003, RPG Maker 2000, GG Maker, Manga Maker ComiPo!, Game Character Hub, and their respective RTPs, if any, should be listed.
- Possible integration of, or changeover to a system that allows integration, of these support pages with the feedback tab / general support pages. Maybe some form of ticketing system where users can track the progress of their respective needs, as well as a queue listing and estimated time of response.
- Make it more apparent that fellow users can assist with problems others might have with the Get Satisfaction system, or move to a system where it is more apparent and friendly to work with. Additionally, point out that the forums are an option for certain types of questions where they may receive a more timely response from users and/or staff. Hopefully this could cut down on the amount of emails to respond to so that issues that are more critical in nature may be responded to in a more timely fashion.
- Report here via Pastebin. Possibly outdated at this point.
- As suggested by felsenstern on 2015.06.02, clear instructions should be sent to paying customers of items bought through the forums store so that they are readily made aware of where to find their downloads and keys. Possibly outdated at this point.
For any administrators/moderators:
- Please do feel free to modify this post as needed with strikeouts and red colored fonts to keep track of any changes that may have been made so that this thread shall remain current.
- Please do feel free to share agreements or disagreements to this list. Additionally, please note any additions you think should be made and I will maintain edits to this original post with edit notations attributing your ideas to you, the date of the post, as well as a link directly to the post made. I'll also be on the lookout for threads made in the site feedback forum and contribute ideas that I feel are worth spreading onto this list as well, again with attribution.
2015.06.03: Created a forum section and added a suggestion made by fesenstern under it.
2015.06.01: Fixed some formatting and added the above text which appears between the dividers.
2015.06.19 #1: Updated the latest news bullet point to reflect that it is now currently up to date.
2015.06.19 #2: Made additional changes after going through all of the above to check their current status.
2015.06.19 #3: Fixed formatting (as much as I could with the WYSIWYG editor - still some indentation issues).
2015.08.11: Updated all section to reflect current changes that have been made. Mentioned a clear lack of RPG Maker 2000 among other things.
2015.08.13: Added a note about the RPG Maker 2003 RTP download linking to an outdated RTP installer and included the link to the now current release. Thanks to Jackus for pointing this issue out.
Last edited by a moderator:
