Future of RPG Maker Speculation

[Thutmose]

This isn't another same old "what do you want to see in the next RPG maker" kind of thread. It's more broad.

I've been wondering a lot lately about the future or RPG making in general. As you know, I posted a thread proposing the possibility of creating a community developed RPG Maker title for a next-gen console not long ago. And with the translation effort of RPGT4, that sort of fell by the way-side. Unless agetec gets back to us and says that they don't want the translation effort to continue. Then I may start taking the community developed RPGM more seriously.

Then there's RPGM DS, and we have no idea what's going to happen with that. And we don't know if there is any company is interested in developing a maker.

It makes me think about what the future of RPGM will be (not necessarily by agetec, just RPG making software in general), and not just console titles, but all makers. Now, this really isn't the thread to speculate about the future of all video games, so I won't linger on that.

But I wonder what people think about the idea of taking RPGM in new directions - for example, an RPGM title for the iPad/iPhone.

Given that I'm going to be working on developing Apps for the iPad at my new job (and certainly when I get the free time, eventually), I can't help but think of how cool having an RPGM on the iPad would be.

Using your fingers to manipulate characters, draw maps, make custom sprites, download new content packs, maybe take advantage of the MapKit to create really cool interactive game maps that appear on the 3D globe, upload your game directly to a central server that anyone else can download onto their device, and do all sorts of things that aren't possible on any game console or traditional computer.

This certainly isn't coming from a Mac person btw, but I use the iPad as an example since I will be working with the platform.

Are there other technologies/platforms out there (or future technologies, etc.) that you think that a future RPGM could use/integrate with? What kinds of technologies/stuff would you like to see a future RPGM use? What kinds of things do you think that it should be able to do (e.g. wirelessly connect to a central server to upload/download games)?

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I only own a Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and PC. If any RPGM comes out on something other than those, I'm pretty much skrewed over. Unless it's for PSP, 'cause I've been wanting one of those things for quite some time.

Personally, I'm surprised RPGM is even still around. By all logic, RPG Tsukuru DS shouldn't have happened. And if we don't get it, that might as well be the case.

[Valkysas]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

RPG Tsukuru DS seems to be doing well, and I really like it.

Enterbrain has shown in the past that they really, really love the RPG Maker franchise. They put out both 2003 and XP during a time where the software wasnt selling anywhere on the planet due to mass piracy. The people responsible for it just have a very obvious passion for giving people the tools they need to tell their stories, create worlds, and share them with others. This isn't something I think will go away. If the worldwide piracy of 2K and 2K3 making the series almost completely unprofitable couldnt kill it, what the hell could?

The series may not get new installments as frequently as it used to, but I don't see it ending. It may not be back on consoles due to budget concerns, but I think it can thrive on handhelds. the GB and GBA titles were decent, but very limited and hard to take seriously. Having played every installment in the series, I can very safely say that this is no longer the case with RPG Tsukuru DS. It's on the level of RPG Maker 3. Which while limited, is very popular.

But yeah, we need a localized version. It'd be nice if Agetec would drop in and tell us either "yes" or "no" or even a "maybe". Not knowing is killing me.

[djutmose]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I don't know about commercial makers, but there are several indie projects (new makers) in development on PC. I don't know if it's against the rules here to name them, but there are at least 2 that seem to be fairly well along. Certainly there is still a lot of activity on the PC RPG maker sites in general ...And even commercial indie games being published with those makers (VX and XP).

An RPG Maker for iPad would be cool, I might buy an ipad just for that ... The only thing is Apple doesn't seem to be inclined to encourage user-generated content. They don't like any apps that they can't censor/control, so I can't see people being able to exchange game files easily ... I mean, what if someone made a game and imported a pic of a girl in a bikini or something? Mr. Jobs would have a coronary, and think of the children! (Seriously, I heard anything "risque" including apps with relatively tame swimsuit model pics were banned from the app store?)


Also: Valkysas, you have the Japanese version of RPG Maker DS? How hard is it to learn/use if I don't know Japanese? I had been thinking of picking it up but I'm a little inimidated by the language barrier ...

[Big Rick Cook]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

(Seriously, I heard anything "risque" including apps with relatively tame swimsuit model pics were banned from the app store?)

They're supposed to be making an adult-oriented part of the App store in which all questionable content will go in the future.

[Rodak]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I'm poor and don't use hand-held devices at all. Don't even own a cell phone.

Will this be a for profit endeavor? If it's not for profit, pirates have no interest because nobody would care if they circulated it!

I'd like to see it on the most common platform available - Home Computers.

Further - I'd like to see it Java Based (or any other Cross-Platform source) (even a version for PC and a Mac Version which can share the same file saves).

As for what it should be able to do - My favorite thing from all of the RPGMakers I have tried (RPGM 1, 2, and 3) was the Visual Effects Editor from 2. I also liked the versatility of 2's scripting.

Never tried XP or 2003 - but I guess I should some day.

So there's my thoughts, for what they're worth...

[Valkysas]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

Also: Valkysas, you have the Japanese version of RPG Maker DS? How hard is it to learn/use if I don't know Japanese? I had been thinking of picking it up but I'm a little inimidated by the language barrier ...

I sure do. I did a feature on it in the articles section. Without knowing japanese, it's all trial and error. I have no idea how you could set up any events without knowing japanese. I got it for a few reasons. Curiosity was the big one. I also wanted to get some info out there ahead of time in case it's picked up for localization in the future, and also just to add to my collection. But using it to make games? Nah, no intention of that. it'd be a pain in the ass to memorize what scribbles do what. it's bad enough that I had to draw out maps in a notebook ahead of time so I could navigate the menus for the feature (I did this with the RPG Tsukuru 4 feature too).

[djutmose]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I sure do. I did a feature on it in the articles section. Without knowing japanese, it's all trial and error. I have no idea how you could set up any events without knowing japanese. I got it for a few reasons. Curiosity was the big one. I also wanted to get some info out there ahead of time in case it's picked up for localization in the future, and also just to add to my collection. But using it to make games? Nah, no intention of that. it'd be a pain in the ass to memorize what scribbles do what. it's bad enough that I had to draw out maps in a notebook ahead of time so I could navigate the menus for the feature (I did this with the RPG Tsukuru 4 feature too).

Ok that answers my question, thanks. Sounds too unworkable to actually make a game with, too bad. Need a translation ... I did write Agetec begging them for a US release ...

[Thutmose]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

Will this be a for profit endeavor? If it's not for profit, pirates have no interest because nobody would care if they circulated it!

Maybe. I do need money. But, that all depends on how things go at my new job. I'm working on a very special project with a friend & colleague and we've got big plans brewin'. The future should be most interesting. End of July I'll have more info on that, which will certainly impact Kupid 2.0 & DDR, and all other projects I'm working on.

I'd like to see it on the most common platform available - Home Computers.

Further - I'd like to see it Java Based (or any other Cross-Platform source) (even a version for PC and a Mac Version which can share the same file saves).

I've been researching app development for work, and read about an SDK which allows you to write a single program which can be compiled to be compatible with the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Windows PC, Mac, and Linux. And it lets you program using web-based languages (which I already have experience with).

So, after more research and testing, I may consider doing something like that, if it's feasible. A universally compatible RPG Maker that all connects to a central server on which people can trade (maybe even sell?) their games.

[Gros Minou]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I think it will be good making a RPG Maker like XLA like is for Xbox360 . Example , we can export form our computer an PS3 Version or Xbox 360 Version . Can make stand alone game for console ( ex: on CD or DVD ) I'm dreaming so much .

Be serious : If it will be on PS3 I think it's the right platform because Little Big Planet go very well and I think it's same for ModNation Racer . With an Online support ( we can download game or create with other person ) will be great . In 2D is far simple . Maybe it will be more attractive in 2D than in 3D .

[Spirit]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

i think that they should make a downloadable rpg maker game (think addicting games) and i think that they should make a home computer version but overall i think one for the iphone would suck. i mean how many people would play it. thoses who own iphones are not geek enough to play it

iphone rpg maker would be a mistake

[The Toecutter]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I predict that enterbrain will be smart and make an RPG Maker that can be used for PC, 360, PS3, iPhone, and various cell phones, with interchangable file formats. Such a product would sell ****loads, and let people freely publish their own games.

If your game is good and you get 100,000 downloads and sell them for $1 each, you'd have a small fortune.

[Biggie]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I personally wouldn't mind seeing a multi-platform one. Meaning all the platforms that are indy accessible.

I preferable would like to see it on the Xbox Live Indie games route, it could prove to be very popular.

[DreamerGuy]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

I'd be all over a multiplatform RPG Maker that utilizes the Iphone/pod touch/pad/etc.
Of course, because I own an iphone :P
I think it would be pretty cool having RPG maker wherever I am, with powerful yet flexable and simple tools.
I think it might get alot of people interested in it.
Of course a PC(and Mac compatable?) release of a Maker would be the most simple too.
If the handheld version were compatable with a PC I think that would be pretty neat.
But you'd have to handle the difference between the game being on a "touch" device, and then a keybored/mouse/gamepad device somehow....

[Thutmose]

Re: Future of RPG Maker Speculation

But you'd have to handle the difference between the game being on a "touch" device, and then a keybored/mouse/gamepad device somehow....

One of the things that cross compiling a single program allows you to do is program different interfaces for different devices, as well as take advantage of each platform's unique features while still having the program be compatible with all platforms.

So, for example, you could start making your RPG on the iPad, using your fingers to move objects around, as well as gestures for doing things like "pinching" to make selections/items smaller, or shake the iPad to clear the screen (just an example). But then you could transfer your game to a PC, and use the mouse and new interface buttons to perform those functions. And then transfer it to the iPhone to continue working on it on the go.

And the same would apply for when people play the games, too. You'd just have to programmatically take into account all the possible interfaces that people might be using.

In theory.

Once I get my iPad and Macbook Pro, I'll be experimenting with this sort of thing anyway. I'll let you all know how it goes.