RPG Maker MZ how to release the game to the public e. g. on Itch.io (hiding things)

[Patroso]

Do I have to hide it, or do I have to keep it that way? (js and plugin folder)

 

[Andar]

t's called deployment in the menu, and the first step is encrypting everything with a good key.
That encryption is far from perfect, but it is sufficient for most EULA requirements.

If you want a better protection then you'll need to use a wrapper program, which depends on the target OS and how much protection you want - the better protections usually requires more money to purchase.

 

[atoms]

@Andar & @ The Discussion

Since I have almost the same question I thought I might as well post in this thread instead of making another thread. I think that's okay?

I have a question about this as well. Let's say I release a game for free but I'm using a lot of commercial plugins and a few commercial assets.

Is deployment enough? I don't see an option to encrypt the plugins with that, for MZ.

As well, is there anything for free I could do to encrypt the project further?

 

[Andar]

Is deployment enough?

It completely depends on each assets terms of use or EULA.
For resources purchased on this websites shop it should be enough (unless they changed the EULA's in the last few years).

For anything else you'll have to check their own terms.

 

[ATT_Turan]

I have a question about this as well. Let's say I release a game for free but I'm using a lot of commercial plugins and a few commercial assets.

Is deployment enough? I don't see an option to encrypt the plugins with that, for MZ.

Just to put it out there, there are kind of bunches of threads about this going back through years if you want to see what's already been said

The basic summary is: there is nothing you can do to stop a determined hacker/thief.

Some people suggest using the Enigma executable wrapper, but that can cause technical issues on MV/MZ games.

The built-in encryption prevents anyone from just copying and using your images and audio.

There's a tool from Poryg that makes the plugin files unusable for people copying them out of the game folder.

Aside from that, it's just you going to increasingly great lengths and effort for little point/return.