Manuals...

[Gulshog]

Does anyone make a manual when they create a RPG? I was thinking of making a simple manual, with some drawings of the characters, history, magic items, class descriptions, etc. I thought about putting it together as a .pdf file, and including it in the zip file with the game download.

Has anyone else ever done this?

[Valkysas]

Re: Manuals...

a lot of people did that back when RPG Maker 1 was new and thriving. I dont think anyone ever did a pdf format, but there were games that had websites with strategy guides for them, notepad files included with the games, and a few even had in-game manuals/tutorials. I hasnt been done in the past few years though, which is a shame. I always liked seeing the creator go the extra mile for their games,

[Gulshog]

Re: Manuals...

Well, I'll have plenty of time to work on it until the game is out, hehe. I just might do this.

[Hedrum]

Re: Manuals...

I've made a manual for my recent game. Though, I do need to do some fixing. Just read the manuals of real games to get an idea of what to write.

[Gulshog]

Re: Manuals...

I did some sketching today, it's looking good.

[RPGD]

Re: Manuals...

I remember Dave Carter's game box for SD Paradise. Anyone seen it lately?

[Fantasy773]

Re: Manuals...

I might do something along those lines with my upcoming RPG Maker 3 game. A strategy guide might be out of the question though since mine is going to be quite lengthy. If I get to make my website for my game like I plan, I might make a section for it with updates for it.

[Manji]

Re: Manuals...

i think, with RPG maker games, fun or interesting in-game tutorials make for a better manual. although, a printed or written manual/strategy guide would make for complete game publishing experience!

and if you print anything, print on high gloss paper so it has that... mmmmm... smell. if printed magazine paper had nutritional value, i'd eat it.

[Gulshog]

Re: Manuals...

I wouldn't actually be printing anything...that's for the user to do. The manual is just there to give someone a feel for the history, characters, and places in the game. I know I always like reading about games I like.

It's also a good way to describe the mechanics of the game, as well as any unique combat, barter/money system, magic spells, skills, items, abilities, etc. Just something to read while indisposed...say...in the bathroom? hehe

That's where I usually read manuals.

[MRevelle83]

Re: Manuals...

For Mencara Revelle, I am making a visual tutorial (like a manual where you see the pages on your computer screen) on the PC game engine Game Maker. Since it is simple, I will most likely release it with Mencara Revelle's full version. It will be downloaded with the GME files.

[AbstractOrigin]

Re: Manuals...

I always at least create a manual when releasing my games.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: Manuals...

If you do anything besides the basic stuff that the Maker has, it's a must to include at least a Tutorial.

I went all-out with Jester's Hunt. It included a notebook manual, an optional battle tutorial near the start, and an online guide complete with pictures and maps. That last one, I will probably never do again. Sooooo much extra work involved. Can't imagine how fun it'd be if the game were a full-fledged RPG.