Will the next RPG Maker series come to newer consoles and pc's?

[Imploded Tomato]

I've been wondering about this for years, will the next RPG Maker series come to newer consoles and personal computers? I am aware that there were versions of RPG Maker for the playstation in the past because that is where Enterbrain's audience was at during that time in Japan. Everyone has been waiting so patiently for the next RPG Maker, I can't help but wonder what the future has in store for us. I wonder what is taking so long or if it is even being developed. I also wonder if the next RPG Maker series wil be in 3D and if it will rely on internal memory or a external graphics card. I remember reading a website in the past claiming to have access to a Japanese version of RPG Maker 3D, maybe a prototype maker?

 

[ロリ先輩]

It is unlikely that it'll release in 3D or for consoles. If it releases for consoles, it will likely be for the Sony consoles, as they sell like hotcakes compared to Microsoft, but you'll still have to grab a license to publish/develop for those devices, like how Unity is set up. However, that alone will lower the likeliness of that happening, as the Japanese doujinsoft/doujingame market is concentrated on PC- that's where Eb! audience is. People developing games and releasing them in smaller numbers, through web, or at events like komike.

As far as speculating goes, it's more likely that Eb! will release something that will target mobile devices/tablets, but even then that's probably not as popular as PC due to the annual developer fee on iOS (iOS is the higher selling/more popular device here). 

As for 3D- that's also unlikely, again due to the audience. Generating 3D assets consumes more time, and is of higher difficulty than generating assets for 2D games. A 3D RPG Maker would isolate a good portion of the audience.

 

[Sharm]

Both RPG Maker 2 and RPG Maker 3 were 3D. The graphical customizations were extremely limited and I've only heard negative things about the graphics from those two. If a 3D Maker was released on the PC the best customization I would expect would be skinning and no more. I doubt it though, I don't think either of those releases did all that well.


I expect there will be more versions made for the PC. Not sure what you mean by newer PCs unless you mean made with the latest version of Windows in mind. I expect so, there isn't really any support for any other OS in Japan. I also expect to see more non-pc versions, though probably not console. Another handheld version probably, like the DS version that came out in Japan but was never released here. Maybe a cellphone version, though if that happens the likelihood of it coming here at all drops drastically.

 

[Shaz]

Moving to ... another forum. I've no idea where this belongs (it seems a cross between Product Discussion and Support, though there ISN'T a product, and Suggestions for the Next RPG Maker. It's certainly got nothing to do with making commercial RPGs) so it'll end up wherever in the list looks most appropriate.

 

[Probotector 200X]

My prediction is PC, 3D. 3D has it's problems, yes, but I think it might happen. Besides, it's not like a 3D maker will suddenly make XP, VX, and VXA vanish.

 

[Imploded Tomato]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was another IG Maker in the works that never got released. I kind of like the idea of a 3D RPG Maker with customizable 3D skins and RGSS4 scripts, that would be amazing. But I wouldn't mind the next RPG Maker to be non-3D either. Imagine the next RPG Maker having a higher native resolution with more eventing options and a better framerate with more options to customize. I wonder if there would be multiple default battle systems to choose from like turn based and action based. Having more than 6 layers would also be a plus.

 

[amerk]

The console versions were a completely different beast. Agetec handled the localization for RM1, 2, and 3 for the PS and PS2, while the Japan market got two RPG Makers for the SNES (Super Famicom), as well as one for the GBC and one for the GBA, a Sim RPG Maker for the Sega and PS, and at least one addtional maker for the PS that was never localized outside of Japan.

Outside of the consoles, the American audience really didn't get anything (legally) until RMXP came around, and we've received every instance of a PC version since with the exception to some updates (based upon what I've read from other posters); and even our versions don't come loaded with some of the content and sample games that the Japanese market receives. Since we've started getting the PC versions, there have been makers made for both the DS and DS+ and it appears that there was at least one mobile version made for Japan a couple years after XP was released.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RPG_Maker

The link shows the series of the maker. I'd estimate only about 25% to about 30% gets released outside of Japan. I do believe we'll continue to be a market for the PC versions going forward, but unless somebody is willing to handle the localization of the console versions (including any future mobile versions), I really don't see that happening. I suppose once export issues are resolved for the future of the PC makers, it's possible to see translations for future handheld and mobile platforms, but the focus up until now for what gets released outside of Japan has been primarily for PC, and I don't know if that will change in the immediate future.

 

[ロリ先輩]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was another IG Maker in the works that never got released. I kind of like the idea of a 3D RPG Maker with customizable 3D skins and RGSS4 scripts, that would be amazing. But I wouldn't mind the next RPG Maker to be non-3D either. Imagine the next RPG Maker having a higher native resolution with more eventing options and a better framerate with more options to customize. I wonder if there would be multiple default battle systems to choose from like turn based and action based. Having more than 6 layers would also be a plus.

I don't know about a higher resolution or a better framerate. You have to keep in mind that, unlike the rest of the world, computing technology is not as widespread or under mass adoption/progress. I don't expect the resolution of the games to surpass 1024x768 for the next few years/releases.

If you do take a look at all the recent RM releases, you should be to pick out a trend that's more or less based around the popular type of games in Japan, especially all the Dragon Quest influences in RM. However, there's also a lot of room for change as well, but it's also likely that a new release of RM won't add more complexity (maybe more simplicity, event). Unity has been growing popular in Japan recently, however Unity is a much more complex platform than RPG Maker. Enterbrain is likely to be more successful in sticking to it's current audience, rather than encroaching on Unity's field. Besides, they'd be competing against unity-chan.

 

[Probotector 200X]

I don't know about a higher resolution or a better framerate. You have to keep in mind that, unlike the rest of the world, computing technology is not as widespread or under mass adoption/progress. I don't expect the resolution of the games to surpass 1024x768 for the next few years/releases.

If you do take a look at all the recent RM releases, you should be to pick out a trend that's more or less based around the popular type of games in Japan, especially all the Dragon Quest influences in RM. However, there's also a lot of room for change as well, but it's also likely that a new release of RM won't add more complexity (maybe more simplicity, event). Unity has been growing popular in Japan recently, however Unity is a much more complex platform than RPG Maker. Enterbrain is likely to be more successful in sticking to it's current audience, rather than encroaching on Unity's field. Besides, they'd be competing against unity-chan.

Dragon Quest influence. Of course! That gives me an idea. Recent Dragon Quests are in 3D, are they not? Dragon Quest IX even has visual equipment and (very limited) character appearance customization. C'mon RPG Maker! Keep on getting that Dragon Quest influence! Eh? Eh?

 

[whitesphere]

I do

Dragon Quest influence. Of course! That gives me an idea. Recent Dragon Quests are in 3D, are they not? Dragon Quest IX even has visual equipment and (very limited) character appearance customization. C'mon RPG Maker! Keep on getting that Dragon Quest influence! Eh? Eh?

I played all the way through Dragon Quest IX's main plot and never really saw it as 3D.  When I say "3D" I think of "can move freely in X/Y and Z axes, with content having all 3 attributes." 

To me, it was more isometric 2D, and perhaps had much better and smoother background layers, than true 3D.

Now, I agree it would be great if the next RPG Maker brought back true multi-layer map support.  Maybe it could say "Layer 1 - Autotile Layer", Layer 2-N are "Other Object Layers"

This would make it a lot easier to make really good pseudo-3D games in RPG Maker without having to implement all of the headaches required for 3D graphics (ask any professional artist who does 3D) which would keep it easy to work with, but allow really cool effects.

 

[Gui]

I don't know about a higher resolution or a better framerate. You have to keep in mind that, unlike the rest of the world, computing technology is not as widespread or under mass adoption/progress. I don't expect the resolution of the games to surpass 1024x768 for the next few years/releases.

[...]

1024*768 is a good resolution: big enough to see plenty of details, yet rather small to not make the job too much tedious.

That and the possibility to make your game work on Android and iOS would be great: the preponderance of tablets and mobile phones make these systems targets of choice...

I'm not against more visual/graphical options though: not having to rely on customscripts to block your paralax, add sun beams and/or shadows, as well as animated rivers and other details as such, would be big improvements in my opinion.

I do

I played all the way through Dragon Quest IX's main plot and never really saw it as 3D.  When I say "3D" I think of "can move freely in X/Y and Z axes, with content having all 3 attributes." 

To me, it was more isometric 2D, and perhaps had much better and smoother background layers, than true 3D.

Now, I agree it would be great if the next RPG Maker brought back true multi-layer map support.  Maybe it could say "Layer 1 - Autotile Layer", Layer 2-N are "Other Object Layers"

This would make it a lot easier to make really good pseudo-3D games in RPG Maker without having to implement all of the headaches required for 3D graphics (ask any professional artist who does 3D) which would keep it easy to work with, but allow really cool effects.

For being a 3D pro since years now, and for having a background in real-time 3D aswell, I agree with you wholeheartedly: a good 2D is always better than a bad 3D, and even sometimes than a good 3D to begin with. One often forgets, or simply ignores that this 3rd dimension multiply the efforts necessary tremendously: it's easy to see amazing results and to wish to use the same thing, but creating them is an entirely different story.

Isometric 3D, on the other hand, can be faked rather easily with 2D graphics and could be welcome in a possible future release of the maker. Wait and see, as it is said...

 

[whitesphere]

1024*768 is a good resolution: big enough to see plenty of details, yet rather small to not make the job too much tedious.

That and the possibility to make your game work on Android and iOS would be great: the preponderance of tablets and mobile phones make these systems targets of choice...

I'm not against more visual/graphical options though: not having to rely on customscripts to block your paralax, add sun beams and/or shadows, as well as animated rivers and other details as such, would be big improvements in my opinion.

For being a 3D pro since years now, and for having a background in real-time 3D aswell, I agree with you wholeheartedly: a good 2D is always better than a bad 3D, and even sometimes than a good 3D to begin with. One often forgets, or simply ignores that this 3rd dimension multiply the efforts necessary tremendously: it's easy to see amazing results and to wish to use the same thing, but creating them is an entirely different story.

Isometric 3D, on the other hand, can be faked rather easily with 2D graphics and could be welcome in a possible future release of the maker. Wait and see, as it is said...

I would be interested in seeing more creative options for 2D like you mentioned.  True multi-layers, so we could easily create Final Fantasy IV-like map overlays, and a few other little changes could make a world of improvements possible.

Keeping the core engine 2D also probably allows it to run better on a wide variety of iOS and Android hardware configurations, since not all smartphones have 3D accelerating hardware.  I've read in India, there is a popular Android-based smartphone which costs roughly $100, but uses very low-end hardware that would definitely not support a 3D game.

I'm sure the porting work to Android and iOS is hard enough without adding 3D headaches.

Also, I think Sharm said she'd be willing to do an isometric view version of the RTP, if RPG maker supported it.   Of course, I'd guess she has a ton in her queue already, but it would be great to have isometric 2D as an option.  As long as the sprite generators, or at least the Game Character Hub, had isometric-friendly pieces.

 

[Sharm]

Heh, I do it to myself.  I have so many fun ideas bouncing around in my head that I want to make.  You'd be amazed how many of my pixel projects started out as "I wonder if I can do this?"  It'd be nice to have an excuse to dive all the way in to making iso tiles.  I've played with it before, but haven't had the chance to really do anything major with it.  I just need to figure out how to work faster to make all these things, that's all!

I really think additional iso support is the way to go here.  It's easier than 3D for everyone involved, looks really good, and allows for some tricks that make things look a little more 3D than most 2D styles.  Going full 3D isn't in their best interest, they'd start competing with Unity, and Unity would win.  RM does better when it understands and makes things for it's market, casual and semi-professional game makers wanting an easy to use but flexible RPG engine.  Developing for 3D isn't easy.  I don't think iso should replace the normal view though, it should be able to work together with the normal square tiles.  I know that sort of thing would be hard to pull off for the programmers but it would make mapping more flexible in some really nice and fun ways.

This is in danger of turning into a second "Suggestions for the next RPG Maker" thread.  I'm going to try to get back on topic.

This is just opinion, and I haven't looked at any data to help me come to this conclusion, but I don't think the console versions are a good idea for the English speaking market anyway.  Consoles are really for people who aren't about customizing their game to suit them, it's about playing within the limits of what you're given and seeing what you can do with that.  PC's are just a better place for development, and even the most casual developer among us wants to customize things to suit their vision.  We sit down to make our own personal RPG and try to get those limited resources to suit us instead of the other way around.  That's a lot easier to pull off on a PC, where things like importing your own graphics, sharing with others, not worrying about how much disk space your WIP is taking up, all become a little more possible.

I do think that another maker on the PC would be a great idea, one that incorporated all the strengths of the previous incarnations and added a few major and oft requested upgrades.  I have no idea if one is in the works though.  I hope if one does come out that it won't somehow invalidate all the work I've been doing for my tile sets.  For example, if the next one only supported 64x64 tiles it would make my job extremely difficult.

 

[Tsukihime]

For isometric maps how about this?


http://www.rgss-factory.net/2013/07/27/ace-layy-meta-engine-editor-3d-isometric-maps/

 

[Sharm]

I've tried it, it's not really isometric, especially since the camera isn't limited to a isometric position.  It's extremely simple 3D skinned with the solid square tiles, it can't handle anything else.  Even recreating something as simple as Super Mario 64 would be too complex of geometry for it.  What I want is an emulated 3D look using tiles, not an emulated iso view using 3D.

 

[nio kasgami]

for my personnal opinion

it sure if rpg maker have new edition I will buy it 

I just hope they will like the other people say : better mapping system.

for my personnal opinion to see a rpg maker on a cellular...or a tablet...my my nan the software risk to be extremmelly limited unless you can plug it in your computer and editiing it. 

and personnally I prefer 2D of the 3D but using iso view will be cool 

it is all I think for the moment : D 

(sorry for my bad english ) 

 

[whitesphere]

(sorry for my bad english ) 

If it makes you feel any better, I'm 100% sure your English is worlds better than my Japanese.

 

[nio kasgami]

If it makes you feel any better, I'm 100% sure your English is worlds better than my Japanese.

haww thanks D: but my japanese to is not the best xD I know how to speak a little but I nee my dictionnary for speak D: 

 

[Cronus]

At this point I can't see a new RPG Maker coming out because there was a lot of investment on the "VX" line, with the official VX assets followed by VX Ace (that was compatible) and its arising contents too. Doesn't seem logical, on the perspective of a company, to launch a completely new line of softwares that would be twice as better as the old ones but not compatible with the content available (considering the investment on that, which now is stronger than ever).


On my Humble opinion, a new RPG Maker could be very welcome IF they make it in a level where it can actually compete with other engines of the same kind on the market today. I'm not even going to focus on specific problems like the terrible tileset managing (improved from VX to Ace but still worse than XP's), but other limitations like the lack of malleability and portability. Some things are very tricky to do when they shouldn't be, and I'm talking about changing the game's keyboard settings, native resolution/aspect ratio and such (not to mention the Windows-only support). We all know that RPG Maker is intended to make just one type of game, different from engines like Unity and Construct2, but even so, the lack of some of these features makes the engine feel VERY outdated. On top of this, the EULA restrictions blocks some malleability that can't be proportioned only through RGSS, restricting the use of patches or plugins that could make a huge difference for the user base. Also, I remember of testing the IGM when it was out and it wasn't very far from RPG Maker on these aspects, either.


If you want to make a 3D game, I suggest to study it and look for other engines like Unity (which haves a free version). By the way, I personally experienced RPG Maker 2 and 3 for PS2 once after seeing people talking about them, so I wanted to check by myself and see if they were as bad as they talked about. Despite of RPG Maker 2 having great customization (someone made a golf game on it apparently), it was extremely tricky and tiring to use. RPG Maker 3 was just bad - it had some interesting ideas and tools like the various terrain and climate settings, but other than that it wasn't worth at all for a big amount of reasons like inconsistent material, extremely limited resource usage, boring battle system and the list goes on. Maybe a PC version could work really well though, as it wouldn't have the hardware limitations of a console version, but even so A LOT of work would have to be put on it to make it as worth as Unity, Cry or Unreal.


Anyway, I'm not expecting a new version of RPG Maker at the moment. But if it was announced that a new one is coming out, I would hope for everything I said before: more malleability, portability, support to user created plugins and extensions, basically everything the other engines on the market haves + all the good stuff that was abandoned on older versions. Make the "RPG" concept more broad would also be very pleasant, with options to make different kinds of turn based combat systems and maybe even enough support to create action RPGs. A 3D RPG Maker for PC could be interesting, but I doubt this is something that would happen and even if it happened, it's unlikely it would be so good as the specific engines that already exists at the moment.

 

[tushime1976]

I think if it releases, it supports android and Ios games. Don't bet on 3d though..