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Game Development · head to head

LÖVE vs RPG Maker MV

LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Game Development

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPG Maker MV logo

RPG Maker MV

Game Development

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

From
$79.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only LÖVE has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline; RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: LÖVE covers Lua scripting, RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where LÖVE and RPG Maker MV differ
AttributeLÖVERPG Maker MV
Starting priceFree$79.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20081945

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web), 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 LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

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

  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Web deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot RPG Maker MV
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot RPG Maker MV
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot RPG Maker MV

RPG Maker MV

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

Where each one falls short

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

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

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

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

RPG Maker MV

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

Which should you pick?

Choose LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE 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 LÖVE or RPG Maker MV better?
Neither clearly leads. LÖVE 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, LÖVE or RPG Maker MV?
LÖVE has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for LÖVE and $79.99/one-time for RPG Maker MV.
Does LÖVE or RPG Maker MV run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use LÖVE for free?
Yes. LÖVE has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time.
What is LÖVE best used for?
LÖVE is most often used for making 2d games in lua, rapid prototyping of 2d gameplay, shipping small 2d games to desktop and mobile from one lua codebase. Of those, making 2d games in lua and rapid prototyping of 2d gameplay are not what RPG Maker MV is typically brought in for.
What can LÖVE do that RPG Maker MV cannot?
LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Database editor, Tilemap editor, Sprite animations. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Web deployment, Mobile deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

RPG Maker MV: How much does RPG Maker MV cost?

RPG Maker MV pricing is not listed on the product overview page. The software can be purchased through the Official Store or Steam platform, both of which would display current pricing.

Source
RPG Maker MV: Does RPG Maker MV offer a free trial?

Yes, RPG Maker MV offers a free trial download available on the product page.

Source
RPG Maker MV: What does an RPG Maker MV purchase include?

Your RPG Maker MV purchase includes the stand-alone version for Windows, a complimentary Steam key for Windows/Mac/Linux, and free bonus materials.

Source
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