Software · head to head
RPG Maker MV vs RPG Maker MZ
RPG Maker MV
Software
Create 2D RPGs with ease. The perfect tool for indie developers
- From
- $79.99/one-time
- Rated
- -
RPG Maker MZ
Software
The next generation RPG creation software
- From
- $99.99/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only; RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only
- They diverge on capability: RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which RPG Maker MV and RPG Maker MZ actually diverge.
| Attribute | RPG Maker MV | RPG Maker MZ |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $79.99/one-time | $99.99/one-time |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (1945).
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
- Tilemap editor
- Sprite animations
- JavaScript support
- Plugin system
- Built-in music library
- NPC dialogue system
- NPM Packages
Only in RPG Maker MZ
- HTML5 rendering
- Event system
- Pixel art support
- JavaScript plugins
- Voice acting support
- Touch controls
- Cross-platform
- Steam
Both cover
- Database editor
- JavaScript
- Node.js
- GitHub
- Game encryption
- Local deployment
- Web deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos 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 RPG Maker MZ
- Beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editornot RPG Maker MZ
- Side view battle system RPGs with mouse and touch inputnot RPG Maker MZ
RPG Maker MZ
- Making 2D tile based role playing games without programmingnot RPG Maker MV
- Building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generatornot RPG Maker MV
- Event driven game logic through menu based scriptingnot 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
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
RPG Maker MV
$79.99/one-time- Standard$79.99/one-time
- Full editor access
- Unlimited projects
- Asset library
RPG Maker MZ
$99.99/one-time- Standard$99.99/one-time
- Modern HTML5 engine
- Enhanced graphics
- JavaScript plugins
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 tilemap editor.
Choose RPG Maker MZ if
- You need html5 rendering.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
- You also want event system.
Questions people ask
- Is RPG Maker MV or RPG Maker MZ better?
- Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time 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, RPG Maker MV or RPG Maker MZ?
- RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time and RPG Maker MZ at $99.99/one-time.
- Does RPG Maker MV or RPG Maker MZ run on more platforms?
- RPG Maker MV runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
- 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 RPG Maker MZ is typically brought in for.
- What can RPG Maker MV do that RPG Maker MZ cannot?
- RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Tilemap editor, Sprite animations, JavaScript support. RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Pixel art support, JavaScript plugins. Both handle Database editor, JavaScript, Node.js, GitHub.