Softwr

Software · head to head

Cocos2d-x vs RPG Maker MZ

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Software

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Software

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Cocos2d-x has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Cocos2d-x cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.; RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cocos2d-x and RPG Maker MZ actually diverge.

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and RPG Maker MZ differ
AttributeCocos2d-xRPG Maker MZ
Starting priceFree$99.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam
Founded20101945

Identical on both: 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 Cocos2d-x

  • 2D rendering
  • Physics engine (Chipmunk)
  • Particle effects
  • Animation system
  • Audio engine
  • Touch input handling
  • Tilemap support
  • Sprite batching

Only in RPG Maker MZ

  • HTML5 rendering
  • Event system
  • Database editor
  • Pixel art support
  • JavaScript plugins
  • Voice acting support
  • Touch controls
  • Cross-platform

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Mobile game developmentnot RPG Maker MZ
  • 2D gamesnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Lightweight gamesnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Cross-platform gamesnot RPG Maker MZ

RPG Maker MZ

  • Making 2D tile based role playing games without programmingnot Cocos2d-x
  • Building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generatornot Cocos2d-x
  • Event driven game logic through menu based scriptingnot Cocos2d-x

Where each one falls short

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.

RPG Maker MZ

  • The free version is a 30 day trial only
  • The software cannot be launched or used unless network authentication completes
  • Installation is limited to two user devices, and installing on three or more is prohibited
  • Company support is not offered to any user who has not completed user registration
  • The licence restricts bundled assets to games produced with RPG Maker MZ and prohibits distributing individual assets
  • Distributed games must state in attached documentation that they were made with the software and must display the notice "(c)Gotcha Gotcha Games Inc./YOJI OJIMA 2020"

Pricing, plan by plan

Cocos2d-x

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine source
    • MIT License
    • Community support

RPG Maker MZ

$99.99/one-time
  • Standard$99.99/one-time
    • Modern HTML5 engine
    • Enhanced graphics
    • JavaScript plugins

Which should you pick?

Choose Cocos2d-x if

  • You need 2d rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (chipmunk).
Cocos2d-x review

Choose RPG Maker MZ if

  • You need html5 rendering.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
  • You also want event system.
RPG Maker MZ review

Questions people ask

Is Cocos2d-x or RPG Maker MZ better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x starts at Free and RPG Maker MZ at $99.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cocos2d-x or RPG Maker MZ?
Cocos2d-x has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Cocos2d-x and $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ.
Does Cocos2d-x or RPG Maker MZ run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
Can I use Cocos2d-x for free?
Yes. Cocos2d-x has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time.
What is Cocos2d-x best used for?
Cocos2d-x is most often used for mobile game development, 2d games, lightweight games, cross-platform games. Of those, mobile game development and 2d games are not what RPG Maker MZ is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that RPG Maker MZ cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Cocos2d-x

More on RPG Maker MZ

Keep looking

Other head to heads