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Game Development · head to head

Godot Engine vs RPG Maker MZ

Godot Engine logo

Godot Engine

Game Development

Free and open-source 2D and 3D game engine

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 Godot Engine has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Godot Engine no royalties or licensing fees, but requires self-hosting and maintenance of the engine builds; RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: Godot Engine covers Scene system, RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Godot Engine and RPG Maker MZ differ
AttributeGodot EngineRPG Maker MZ
Starting priceFree$99.99/one-time
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, ConsolesWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam
Founded20071945

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 Godot Engine

  • Scene system
  • GDScript language
  • Visual shader editor
  • 2D and 3D rendering
  • Physics engine
  • Built-in animation tools
  • Debugging tools
  • Asset library

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
  • Web deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

Godot Engine

  • 2D game developmentnot RPG Maker MZ
  • 3D game developmentnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Cross-platform game deploymentnot RPG Maker MZ
  • VFX and simulation projectsnot RPG Maker MZ

RPG Maker MZ

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

Where each one falls short

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

Godot Engine

  • No royalties or licensing fees, but requires self-hosting and maintenance of the engine builds
  • Console export support exists but requires additional SDK setup and licensing with each console manufacturer separately

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

Godot Engine

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Godot Engine review.

RPG Maker MZ

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Godot Engine if

  • You need scene system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles.
  • You also want gdscript language.
Godot Engine 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 Godot Engine or RPG Maker MZ better?
Neither clearly leads. Godot Engine 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, Godot Engine or RPG Maker MZ?
Godot Engine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Godot Engine and $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ.
Does Godot Engine or RPG Maker MZ run on more platforms?
Godot Engine runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles. RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
Can I use Godot Engine for free?
Yes. Godot Engine has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time.
What is Godot Engine best used for?
Godot Engine is most often used for 2d game development, 3d game development, cross-platform game deployment, vfx and simulation projects. Of those, 2d game development and 3d game development are not what RPG Maker MZ is typically brought in for.
What can Godot Engine do that RPG Maker MZ cannot?
Godot Engine covers Scene system, GDScript language, Visual shader editor, 2D and 3D rendering. RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Web deployment, Windows support.
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