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Game Development · head to head

Defold vs RPG Maker MZ

Defold logo

Defold

Game Development

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Game Development

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Defold has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and RPG Maker MZ actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and RPG Maker MZ differ
AttributeDefoldRPG Maker MZ
Starting priceFree$99.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam
Founded20051945

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Game Development).

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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

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
  • Web deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot RPG Maker MZ

RPG Maker MZ

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

Where each one falls short

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

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

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

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

RPG Maker MZ

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold 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 Defold or RPG Maker MZ better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold 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, Defold or RPG Maker MZ?
Defold has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Defold and $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ.
Does Defold or RPG Maker MZ run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
Can I use Defold for free?
Yes. Defold has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what RPG Maker MZ is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that RPG Maker MZ cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Web deployment.
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