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DragonBones vs RPG Maker MV

D

DragonBones

Software

Free 2D skeletal animation solution

From
Free
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

  • Only DragonBones has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where DragonBones and RPG Maker MV differ
AttributeDragonBonesRPG Maker MV
Starting priceFree$79.99/one-time
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsEgret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos CreatorWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20141945

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 DragonBones

  • Skeletal animation
  • Mesh deformation
  • IK system
  • Texture atlas
  • Animation blending
  • Bone constraints
  • FFD
  • Multi-resolution

Only in RPG Maker MV

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

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

DragonBones

  • 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot RPG Maker MV
  • Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot RPG Maker MV
  • Animation creation with LoongBones editornot RPG Maker MV

RPG Maker MV

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

Where each one falls short

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

DragonBones

  • JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)

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

DragonBones

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.

RPG Maker MV

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

Which should you pick?

Choose DragonBones if

  • You need skeletal animation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
  • You also want mesh deformation.
DragonBones 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 DragonBones or RPG Maker MV better?
Neither clearly leads. DragonBones starts at Free 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, DragonBones or RPG Maker MV?
DragonBones has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DragonBones and $79.99/one-time for RPG Maker MV.
Does DragonBones or RPG Maker MV run on more platforms?
DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. RPG Maker MV runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use DragonBones for free?
Yes. DragonBones has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time.
What is DragonBones best used for?
DragonBones is most often used for 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines, cross-engine animation library for indie game development, animation creation with loongbones editor. Of those, 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines and cross-engine animation library for indie game development are not what RPG Maker MV is typically brought in for.
What can DragonBones do that RPG Maker MV cannot?
DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Database editor, Tilemap editor, Sprite animations. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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