Reusing assets in different games? And a little recap of my RPG game development history >.<

[bishiba]

Hello!

So from around 2010 I was working on a game that I call "The Mortal Legacy", the problem I felt was that I got too attached with the game as a whole and it's story and I couldn't feel happy with it.

Spoiler: The story relating to the final question

So from 2019 I started another game. The intent of this game was:
Short, quick and with replay value. So basically two-three hours long with some things changing for each playthrough. With the final goal to be done with the game in maximum three months.

Then this project became a gem in my eyes, I implemented new systems and then I did decided to make the game my own a bit more. And I decided to make all items have custom icons made by me rather than using the RTP icons(from VX but upscaled). So then I spent about a year just making icons off and on. Eventually I had made 250 icons for weapons, armors and items. Then I also decided to make all the tilesets by myself too.

At this point in time, which is almost more than 2 years since I started my new game I had a friend play my first game. He told me "This game is great, why did you stop? If you just polish it you can release it". So I got motivated to actually finish the first game. So now I am again working on The Mortal Legacy, which should be available for release quite soon... Hope ya'll will play it.

The first game, however, uses mostly RTP graphics... So I decided to add all the icons I made to the first game too. Which creates the issue where I now have two games that use the same icons(Sadly I can't transfer the tilesets as easily as the icons).

Which leads me to the first question in the topic, what do you think when a sequel uses the same icons with possibly some slight variation for its icons? Honesty is appreciated!

Best regards,
Bishiba

 

[NaosoX]

The real question would be, would YOU be happy with it?

 

[AphoticAmaranth]

I don't see why not.

 

[bishiba]

The real question would be, would YOU be happy with it?

I think I will do it regardless, it is more of a question about how people feel about the concept. As I don't feel like making another 250 icons I think I'll need to. And since I primarily want them for the next game, since it has the custom tilesets as well, the only thing I could do if I choose not use them in both games would be to either use RTP assets or make one icon for all swords, one for all axes etc, like it is with the MV engine.

I don't see why not.

Well, I know from playing like MMOs that when the developers release new expansions or whatever that if they just reuse the same gear with new stats they tend to get thrashed. I know I wouldn't get thrashed as it's not the same type of game nor does it have the same expectations. But perhaps it will create a feeling of boredom or disappointment, I know that's what I felt a little bit when I reopened the most recent game and saw the same icons.

But I don't know if it is actually me feeling boredom or just being overly critical of myself.

 

[eomereolsson]

I personally wouldn't mind at all if you reused assets like icons between your games

 

[Andar]

there is only one case where re-using assets creates problems, and that is if the old asset already has an "identity", especially a public identity.

By that I mean that an asset has already been used so often (published or not) that seeing that asset invokes a memory "that is that person/spell/item/statue/whatever".

and even that can be ignored if the identity is something where recognition is wanted.

but using a face for an entirely different person will become a problem once that face has an established identity, even if it never was published before. Because if the identity is too different even the developer will mix them up. Of course that is a lesser problem if the original face was never published and the developer gives the new person a similar personality/name...

 

[Milennin]

For RPG Maker, don't care. I don't care if it's RTP either. Game design is far more important than re-using assets from a previous game I would most likely never have played.

For commercial games, sure, if it makes sense. Though if they cut corners on certain aspects, I expect them to make up for that in other parts of the sequel.

 

[bishiba]

For RPG Maker, don't care. I don't care if it's RTP either. Game design is far more important than re-using assets from a previous game I would most likely never have played.

For commercial games, sure, if it makes sense. Though if they cut corners on certain aspects, I expect them to make up for that in other parts of the sequel.

Indeed, I also agree that the game design is the most important part. And yes, hopefully I will be able to market the games on steam and itch for example. I guess it also depends on the release time between games? If the release times are close then reused assets might be expected.

 

[CraneSoft]

If it's just icons, I don't think anyone will care, even if it's a commercial game. After all, RPGMaker players are used to seeing the same icons, battlers, music for every RPGMaker game they play, so yours wouldn't make any difference.

 

[AeroPergold]

Honestly I don't mind reusing graphics and other assets, sometimes I'll reuse level designs from other projects that had been left unfinished.

So go and reuse assets if you want!

Remember, it is environmentally friendly to reuse, reduce, and recycle, even in RPG Maker projects!

 

[AphoticAmaranth]

Well, I know from playing like MMOs that when the developers release new expansions or whatever that if they just reuse the same gear with new stats they tend to get thrashed. I know I wouldn't get thrashed as it's not the same type of game nor does it have the same expectations. But perhaps it will create a feeling of boredom or disappointment, I know that's what I felt a little bit when I reopened the most recent game and saw the same icons.

But I don't know if it is actually me feeling boredom or just being overly critical of myself.

The thing about MMOs is that many of them are low effort cash grabs in which their 'new content' is recoloured enemies and gear with higher stats which barely add anything new to the game. If you're making a sequel that's different; you're making a whole new game. If anything, I'd expect to see same or similar icons in a sequel, and a generally similar aesthetic. In fact, I'd do the same myself. If it worked the first time, there's no reason to reinvent the wheel.