So, uh, what's this 3D Character Converter tool that comes with Unite?

[r66r]

As already discussed on this forum, RPG Maker Unite will be released (probably) in 2022. If we don't know much about it yet, one thing is certain, that the character generator we had in MV and MZ will disappear. In compensation, we are proposed a new tool and a new creation process that will be discussed in this thread.

So instead of having a character generator included with the maker, we will have a tool external to RPG Maker Unite, which can be purchased separately (but is free with Unite), and which allows the converted images to be used in all RPG Maker programs (and maybe others too?). The way it works is simple: convert VRM models of 3D characters into 2D sprite sets.

However, designing your own character in the medieval fantasy or SciFi style will not be as easy as with the character generator we know. You will first have to create a 3D character in tools like Vroid Studio (which by default has only "modern" resources), Unity, Blender or similar, and then export it to VRM format. Or acquire predefined VRM models that can be downloaded or purchased online... probably a new market for some of the artists in the RPG Maker community on the horizon!

In short, a real (r)evolution to bring more diversity to character creation in our RPG Makers games? A commercial move that, in practice, will only make our lives more complicated? Or in the end it will not change your current practices with the existing Makers or Unite?

What do you think about it?

Note: I deliberately chose a thread title close to the one dedicated to RPG Maker Unite, in order to find them more easily... as there is no official thread about them here yet.

Source: 3D Character Converter - A Convenient Mini-Tool

Edit: extension of the thread theme to the new creation process as well, not only to the new conversion tool.

 

[Broliant112]

I think RPGM:Unite in general has loads upon loads of potential, but it can easily take a full 180 and then proceed to crash and burn, so I honestly don't know. I think it sounds a bit tedious but could work.

 

[r66r]

I think RPGM:Unite in general has loads upon loads of potential

In terms of potential, I totally agree. As much as Unite brings improvements in the creation process, this conversion tool is a real plus, in my opinion, for those who want to go further than what the character generator allows:

• simplification of character creation: no more generator parts, but only one 3D model to design to cover all basic moves (map, battle)
• possibility to convert into 2D sprites without frame constraints (free to have a walking movement in 3, 6 or more frames, source)
• freedom to have characters of any size/style (tall, chibi, etc.)

Theoretically, we could even imagine importing VRM models of any kind of objects/animals/characters and turning them into sprites. That's why I'm so enthusiastic!

My fear, however, is the loss of productivity to generate NPCs. I'm not a (pixel) artist, so I depend a lot on the generator to produce dozens of NPCs to populate my maps, and this with simple changes of parameters (adding/modifying the beard, skin colour, change of clothes, etc.). With this new process proposed by the converter, it will be necessary to create/modify each NPC individually, which will certainly take more time than using generator parts.

So, if there are any VTubers in this community, or people experienced with 3D tools like VRoid Studio, I'd be happy to get their feedback on the character creation/customization process... and the possibilities of customizing existing models or the problems/limitations encountered in doing so.

 

[Broliant112]

In terms of potential, I totally agree. As much as Unite brings improvements in the creation process, this conversion tool is a real plus, in my opinion, for those who want to go further than what the character generator allows:

• simplification of character creation: no more generator parts, but only one 3D model to design to cover all basic moves (map, battle)
• possibility to convert into 2D sprites without frame constraints (free to have a walking movement in 3, 6 or more frames, source)
• freedom to have characters of any size/style (tall, chibi, etc.)

Theoretically, we could even imagine importing VRM models of any kind of objects/animals/characters and turning them into sprites. That's why I'm so enthusiastic!

My fear, however, is the loss of productivity to generate NPCs. I'm not a (pixel) artist, so I depend a lot on the generator to produce dozens of NPCs to populate my maps, and this with simple changes of parameters (adding/modifying the beard, skin colour, change of clothes, etc.). With this new process proposed by the converter, it will be necessary to create/modify each NPC individually, which will certainly take more time than using generator parts.

So, if there are any VTubers in this community, or people experienced with 3D tools like VRoid Studio, I'd be happy to get their feedback on the character creation/customization process... and the possibilities of customizing existing models or the problems/limitations encountered in doing so.

To be honest, if you still have the old generator on a purchased RPGMaker you still have that. Also I thought RPGM:Unite would be 2D, but I guess not LOL

 

[ATT_Turan]

To be honest, if you still have the old generator on a purchased RPGMaker you still have that. Also I thought RPGM:Unite would be 2D, but I guess not LOL

It is...that's why this tool is converting models to 2D sprites.

 

[r66r]

To be honest, if you still have the old generator on a purchased RPGMaker you still have that.

You are right. But if this converter allows me to easily generate characters sprites that are taller/more mature than the MV/MZ chibi (like the ones already presented as default assets provided with Unite), I'm in for day one... unless it becomes a pain because of the (maybe more complicated) process of creating the 3D models to be converted.

So, the more information I gather on this topic, the clearer my decision will be to acquire (or not) this tool when it is released.

 

[r66r]

So the converter is finally out now. Interesting that they made it compatible for older makers too!



All that remains is to master the software for creating VRM models.

 

[123edc]

the reviews seem kinda mixed though ...

 

[r66r]

the reviews seem kinda mixed though ...

I totally agree. Nevertheless, this news that had escaped me seems very interesting.

It is now clear that the combo VRoid Studio (VRS) + RPG Maker 3D Character Converter (RM3DCC) is the new character generator for RPG Maker Unite (RMU). The good news are that:

1. GGG seems to prepare custom parts to use in VRS to customize our characters and then export them into VRM models to convert in 2D sprites with RM3DCC... and all this "for free" (the parts, not the converter ).
2. We are also free to use our custom VRM models, as long as they are used for game-creation purposes, and in any game engine!

A good thing for future RMU users, but also for current RMMV and RMMZ users. The only constraint is to accept the new 3.5-head proportion standard for the characters.

 

[123edc]

yeah, but the bad news is,
that these vrm/vroid places [at least the large ones i know] are literally a legal minefield ...
the terms of use often in japanese ... even with a "foreigners, who can't read this are prohibited from" clause ...

and that a 3d model outfit is several times the price of our generator parts ...

if they could make it so,
that i could use my "old" generator (for generic npc's)
my already existing dlc-packs (with single-static image npc's)

alongside these new (more expensive - but more flexible [in terms of multiple otuftis / poses per character) approach for my main characters ... then it would be perfect ...

but if they make me choose:
either affordable, already existing generator or flexible but unaffordable new style ...

then theres realy not much value in it for me ...