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RPG Maker MV vs Aseprite

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
Aseprite logo

Aseprite

Software

Animated sprite editor and pixel art tool

From
$19.99/once
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only; Aseprite a one-off purchase with no free tier, only a trial
  • They diverge on capability: RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Aseprite covers Pixel art tools.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where RPG Maker MV and Aseprite differ
AttributeRPG Maker MVAseprite
Starting price$79.99/one-time$19.99/once
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux
Founded19452001

Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 RPG Maker MV

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

Only in Aseprite

  • Pixel art tools
  • Animation timeline
  • Onion skinning
  • Layers
  • Color palettes
  • Sprite sheets
  • Scripting (Lua)
  • Unity

Both cover

  • Tilemap editor
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

RPG Maker MV

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

Aseprite

  • Pixel art creation for gamesnot RPG Maker MV
  • Frame-by-frame sprite animationnot RPG Maker MV
  • Exporting sprite sheets and GIFsnot RPG Maker MV
  • Scripting repetitive export tasks through the command linenot RPG Maker MV

Where each one falls short

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

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

Aseprite

  • A one-off purchase with no free tier, only a trial
  • Deliberately narrow: a pixel art and sprite animation editor rather than a general image editor
  • The site does not state supported platforms or licence terms, which are on GitHub instead

Pricing, plan by plan

RPG Maker MV

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

Aseprite

$19.99/once
  • License$19.99/once
    • Full feature set
    • Free updates
    • Commercial use

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Aseprite if

  • You need pixel art tools.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want animation timeline.
Aseprite review

Questions people ask

Is RPG Maker MV or Aseprite better?
Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time and Aseprite at $19.99/once, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, RPG Maker MV or Aseprite?
RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time and Aseprite at $19.99/once.
Does RPG Maker MV or Aseprite run on more platforms?
RPG Maker MV runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Aseprite runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
What is RPG Maker MV best used for?
RPG Maker MV is most often used for making 2d role playing games and exporting to windows, macos, android, ios and html5, beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editor, side view battle system rpgs with mouse and touch input. Of those, making 2d role playing games and exporting to windows, macos, android, ios and html5 and beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editor are not what Aseprite is typically brought in for.
What can RPG Maker MV do that Aseprite cannot?
RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Database editor, Sprite animations, JavaScript support. Aseprite covers Pixel art tools, Animation timeline, Onion skinning, Layers. Both handle Tilemap editor, Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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