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Aseprite vs RPG Maker MV

Aseprite logo

Aseprite

Software

Animated sprite editor and pixel art tool

From
$19.99/once
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPG Maker MV logo

RPG Maker MV

Software

Create 2D RPGs with ease. The perfect tool for indie developers

From
$79.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Aseprite a one-off purchase with no free tier, only a trial; RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: Aseprite covers Pixel art tools, RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aseprite and RPG Maker MV actually diverge.

Attributes where Aseprite and RPG Maker MV differ
AttributeAsepriteRPG Maker MV
Starting price$19.99/once$79.99/one-time
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsWindows, Macos, LinuxWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20011945

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Aseprite

  • Pixel art tools
  • Animation timeline
  • Onion skinning
  • Layers
  • Color palettes
  • Sprite sheets
  • Scripting (Lua)
  • Unity

Only in RPG Maker MV

  • Event-based system
  • Database editor
  • Sprite animations
  • JavaScript support
  • Plugin system
  • Built-in music library
  • NPC dialogue system
  • JavaScript

Both cover

  • Tilemap editor
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Aseprite

  • Pixel art creation for gamesnot RPG Maker MV
  • Frame-by-frame sprite animationnot RPG Maker MV
  • Exporting sprite sheets and GIFsnot RPG Maker MV
  • Scripting repetitive export tasks through the command linenot RPG Maker MV

RPG Maker MV

  • Making 2D role playing games and exporting to Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and HTML5not Aseprite
  • Beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editornot Aseprite
  • Side view battle system RPGs with mouse and touch inputnot Aseprite

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Aseprite

  • A one-off purchase with no free tier, only a trial
  • Deliberately narrow: a pixel art and sprite animation editor rather than a general image editor
  • The site does not state supported platforms or licence terms, which are on GitHub instead

RPG Maker MV

  • The free version is a 30 day trial only
  • The licence restricts bundled company materials to games created with the software and prohibits distributing them independently or combined with other programs
  • Distributed games must indicate in attached documentation that they were created using the software and carry the Gotcha Gotcha Games statement of rights
  • Extracting or modifying the bundled programs or assets out of a released game is prohibited
  • Installing and using the software on three or more user devices is prohibited

Pricing, plan by plan

Aseprite

$19.99/once
  • License$19.99/once
    • Full feature set
    • Free updates
    • Commercial use

RPG Maker MV

$79.99/one-time
  • Standard$79.99/one-time
    • Full editor access
    • Unlimited projects
    • Asset library

Which should you pick?

Choose Aseprite if

  • You need pixel art tools.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want animation timeline.
Aseprite review

Choose RPG Maker MV if

  • You need event-based system.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want database editor.
RPG Maker MV review

Questions people ask

Is Aseprite or RPG Maker MV better?
Neither clearly leads. Aseprite starts at $19.99/once and RPG Maker MV at $79.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aseprite or RPG Maker MV?
Aseprite starts at $19.99/once and RPG Maker MV at $79.99/one-time.
Does Aseprite or RPG Maker MV run on more platforms?
Aseprite runs on Windows, Macos, Linux. RPG Maker MV runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
What is Aseprite best used for?
Aseprite is most often used for pixel art creation for games, frame-by-frame sprite animation, exporting sprite sheets and gifs, scripting repetitive export tasks through the command line. Of those, pixel art creation for games and frame-by-frame sprite animation are not what RPG Maker MV is typically brought in for.
What can Aseprite do that RPG Maker MV cannot?
Aseprite covers Pixel art tools, Animation timeline, Onion skinning, Layers. RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Database editor, Sprite animations, JavaScript support. Both handle Tilemap editor, Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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