"Questionable" RPG maker's

[Seraph]

I know it is against the rules to talk about certain pirated RPG makers. I wouldn't want to promote them or their piracy, or break any forum rules.

But I don't know that much about their history and the specifics about why they are illegal. (like, is there a legal way to obtain them buy paying?). Is there anyway I can ask questions without being penalized?

Sorry if this is wrong of me to ask.

[Valkysas]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

RPG Maker 95, 2000, 2003, and XP were pirated, basically. they were originally sold at retail in japan (at around $100 each) and various people through the years (mostly Kanjihack and Don Miguel) have translated them and put them up for free on the internet. eventually people in japan and other asian countries just started using the pirated versions rather than buying it, and even waiting for the piraters to hit a new RPG Maker release instead of buying it. this eventually pushed the RPG Maker division of enterbrain near death.

Enterbrain contacted Don Miguel before his pirated version of RPG Maker 2000 was completely finished, and asked him to stop the project because they wanted to release it in english, so Don posted the e-mail on his front page and ridiculed them. because of russia's lack of copyright laws, enterbrain couldnt touch him, and he released it anyways.

prior to the release of both RPG Maker 2003, enterbrain asked the PC RPG Maker community to stop so they could release an official english version, and circulating questionaires prior to 2003's release asking how much they would be willing to pay for an official release. RPG Maker 2003 was quickly pirated, which made their answer to the questionaire painfully obvious. XP was also pirated in the same fashion.

after this community and small parts of the PC RPG Maker community got most of the PC RPG Maker sites to take the software down, enterbrain finally moved in and released RPG Maker XP in english as download-only, and it became a pretty good success. the environment online has changed drastically since, and most of the former piraters will now reject and ban people using the pirated software on sight.

despite XP's legal english release (via download.com), they still arent recovered from all the lost sales, and likely never will be. RPG Maker 2000 is estimated to have several million illegal downloads, and that is a LOT of lost money.

There is no legal way of obtaining RPG Maker 95, 2000, or 2003 in english. to get the legal RPG Maker XP release, go to download.com or enterbrain's own english site. download the free trial, and after 30 days you will have to pay 60 dollars to continue using it.

[Seraph]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

Thanx for the info. How was the pavilion involved in this?
How were you able to stop the sites if people didn't care about pirating?
Is it legal to get 95/2000/20003 in Japan then have it translated?

[Valkysas]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

it's illegal to even modify RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 (XP too). so patches are a no-no.

XP is far better than either of them, and cheaper. just go with that.

How were you able to stop the sites if people didn't care about pirating?

basically, if they wouldnt take it down, we took their entire site down. we'd report them to various anti-piracy enforcement agencies, their web host, and some things I don't feel like publicizing.

[Seraph]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

basically, if they wouldnt take it down, we took their entire site down. we'd report them to various anti-piracy enforcement agencies, their web host, and some things I don't feel like publicizing.

Remember, with great power, comes great responsibility...

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

We're gonna have to keep track of this topic for those times we get members who try to ask about the illegal PC RPGMs. Easy reference.

[Seraph]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

READ THIS THREAD FROM THE BEGINNING VIRUS!

[virus200735]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

i am and i understand! two people have a good point most of us can't read jap anyways!!
well download.com is where i got all three programs in the first place. im greatfull for don to translate them for us who cant read jap!!

[Dusk Raven]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

If that doesn't get you banned, I'm not sure what will.

[Seraph]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

i am and i understand! two people have a good point most of us can't read jap anyways!!

I can't buy a ps3. Maybe I should go steal one instead.

EDIT: And Valk is not stupid, as per your pm. He is right. The rules are there for a reason.

[virus200735]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

lol heck i had a ps3 but i had to pawn mine to have gas to get back and forth to college.

i couldn't find someone to buy it from me for 499.00 when i bought it at this price

[Seraph]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

I guess I didn't make a very strong point to begin with...

[Valkysas]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

Anyone who is grateful to Don Miguel for anything is not welcome on this site.

[Duel]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

So....he's banned....

Ayup.

[Valkysas]

Re: "Questionable" RPG maker's

he had more chances than anyone else who hasnt shut up about the PC RPG Makers. he PMed me six times tonight talking about them, and then asked why I wouldnt leave him alone.

and then he comes in here and says he's grateful to Don Miguel, of all things...

I'm just tired of dealing with him. It was either him or me.

Right now he's trying to send a message via the "contact us" link (at the bottom of the page) and for once I'm glad our e-mail system is broken.