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RPG Maker MZ vs Aseprite

RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Software

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/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 MZ 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 MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Aseprite covers Pixel art tools.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where RPG Maker MZ and Aseprite differ
AttributeRPG Maker MZAseprite
Starting price$99.99/one-time$19.99/once
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, SteamWindows, 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 MZ

  • HTML5 rendering
  • Event system
  • Database editor
  • Pixel art support
  • JavaScript plugins
  • Voice acting support
  • Touch controls
  • Cross-platform

Only in Aseprite

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

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

RPG Maker MZ

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

Aseprite

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

Where each one falls short

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

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"

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 MZ

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

Aseprite

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

Which should you pick?

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

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 MZ or Aseprite better?
Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/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 MZ or Aseprite?
RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time and Aseprite at $19.99/once.
Does RPG Maker MZ or Aseprite run on more platforms?
RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam. Aseprite runs on Windows, Macos, Linux.
What is RPG Maker MZ best used for?
RPG Maker MZ is most often used for making 2d tile based role playing games without programming, building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generator, event driven game logic through menu based scripting. Of those, making 2d tile based role playing games without programming and building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generator are not what Aseprite is typically brought in for.
What can RPG Maker MZ do that Aseprite cannot?
RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Aseprite covers Pixel art tools, Animation timeline, Onion skinning, Layers. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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