What'sw an RTP?

[Nebuerys]

Hi, so, being relatively new here, I'm quite new to the terms you guys use especially this RTP thing.


Although I could be wrong, I noticed that it has something to do with releasing demos or completed games but what does it actually stand for? what does it do to the games I upload? I'd love to know, and maybe some other relevant stuff about it.

 

[Tai_MT]

Run Time Package.  Basically, it's all the data that makes the program work.  I think.  Typically, it's all the artwork (sprites, maps, portraits, etcetera) and the sound files.  I'm sure it probably contains more than that...  But, I'm not some sort of computer wizard expert.

I'm just a guy who writes.  Honestly, that's the explanation I figured out in all my years dealing with RPG Maker.  It is likely to be wrong, but I'm sure I hit a few of the things about it on the head.

 

[DarthVollis]

What Tai_MT said is basically true. RTP stands for Run Time Package. When you first install RPG Maker VX ACE you are required to install the Run Time Package which includes all of the base graphics, sound, and data that is needed to make ACE function. The easy way to see this is create a new project and everything that is in that project is the RTP.

When you compress game data you can include the RTP data so that anyone, even people without ACE, can play your game because let us face it not everyone will have ACE

I hope this answers your question.

 

[Shaz]

Actually, the RTP is NOT in a new project. A new project just has the location of the RTP recorded. That's why when you compress it, you have to tell it to include the RTP - that makes it copy all of those resources from their stored/common location INTO your compressed project.


You can compress your project WITHOUT the RTP, which gives you a smaller file to distribute. If the people you then give your game to have the RTP already installed (if they're also Ace users), it'll work for them right off the bat. If they don't, they can download the RTP separately, and can then use it for ALL Ace games they want to play that use the RTP and haven't included it with the download.

 

[Nebuerys]

I totally appreciate the responses, guys!


So, correct me if I'm wrong, if I were to release a demo or finished project, it's always better to include the RTP if I want people without Ace to play it?


I also tried to compress my project and include the RTP to experiment a bit, but the file size jumped from 4mb to 190mb. Compared to many of the full games I've played with only 50mb, 190mb seems to be a monstrous amount. Is there any way to reduce this?

 

[Andar]

that size is the reason why you can choose to include RTP or not - for those who regularly play RM games, it's better to download the RTP once (it is available for free under downloads) and then use the games without RTP inclusion.

RTP is almost 200 MB because the program does not know which part you've used and which not, it has to include everything.

 

[Nebuerys]

I see. So I'll have to upload a game twice, one with RTP and one without to be safe, then.


Anyway, thanks to all who responded! This thread can be closed now.

 

[??????]

Actually, the RTP is NOT in a new project. A new project just has the location of the RTP recorded. That's why when you compress it, you have to tell it to include the RTP - that makes it copy all of those resources from their stored/common location INTO your compressed project.

You can compress your project WITHOUT the RTP, which gives you a smaller file to distribute. If the people you then give your game to have the RTP already installed (if they're also Ace users), it'll work for them right off the bat. If they don't, they can download the RTP separately, and can then use it for ALL Ace games they want to play that use the RTP and haven't included it with the download.

does this mean that I can do the following...

Note : I have two vx ace installed on my computer - one is a steam copy.

If I deleted the RTP folder from my steam folder (Program Files -> Steam -> SteamApps -> common -> rtp) or rather, deleted all the graphics and audio files.

Then I compressed the game and INCLUDED the RTP, would my game compress with the default resources or not?

Edit:

So, I deleted what I figured I could from the aforementioned location and YES, it works fine. Obviously I wouldnt recommend doing this unless you know how to make your game run without the RTP audio etc..

One thing I noticed while compressing/encrypting the data and including the RTP. It actually included all the RTP files within the compressed game application.

I mean, I unpacked the game application and was greeted with all the rtp folders - graphics, audio everything. Along with that was the files that should have been there, like the system folder and the game.exe

So essentially, when you include the rtp files in your compressed steam game, its not only including them in the game, its also copying them into another folder, within your project folder, and making it visible for everyone who downloads your game.