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RPG Maker MZ vs Unity

RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Software

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Unity logo

Unity

Software

Create beautiful interactive content with the world's leading real-time engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Unity has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only; Unity unity Personal is free only for businesses with under $200,000 in funding or annual revenue; above that a Pro subscription is required
  • They diverge on capability: RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Unity covers Visual editor.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where RPG Maker MZ and Unity differ
AttributeRPG Maker MZUnity
Starting price$99.99/one-timeFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, SteamWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl
Founded19452004

Identical on both: 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 Unity

  • Visual editor
  • Physics engine (PhysX)
  • Animation system
  • Particle system
  • Built-in audio engine
  • Scripting with C#
  • Asset Store
  • Version control integration

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • Local deployment

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 Unity
  • Building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generatornot Unity
  • Event driven game logic through menu based scriptingnot Unity

Unity

  • Building 2D and 3D games for desktop, mobile, web, AR and VRnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Shipping console titles under a Pro or Enterprise licencenot RPG Maker MZ
  • Real time 3D for manufacturing, automotive and retail visualisationnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Live operations and in-app purchase management for mobile gamesnot 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"

Unity

  • Unity Personal is free only for businesses with under $200,000 in funding or annual revenue; above that a Pro subscription is required
  • Unity Pro costs $210.00 per month or $2,310.00 per year per seat
  • Businesses with more than $25M in annual revenue are required to be on Unity Enterprise, which is custom priced and requires contacting sales
  • Deploying to game consoles and to Apple Vision Pro requires Unity Pro or above
  • Splash screen customization is not available on Unity Personal
  • Unity Personal is licensed for gaming and entertainment applications only
  • Read-only engine source code access is an Enterprise feature and carries an additional cost
  • Asset Manager storage on Personal is capped at 10 GB per organization
  • Unity AI tools are free for a 14 day trial on Personal, after which a paid subscription is required
  • Enterprise terms note that minimum subscription or spending commitments may apply

Pricing, plan by plan

RPG Maker MZ

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

Unity

Free
  • PersonalFree
    • Full engine access
    • Asset Store access
    • Community support
  • Professional$399/month
    • All Personal features
    • Priority support
    • Advanced analytics

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 Unity if

  • You need visual editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl.
  • You also want physics engine (physx).
Unity review

Questions people ask

Is RPG Maker MZ or Unity better?
Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time and Unity at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, RPG Maker MZ or Unity?
Unity has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ and Free for Unity.
Does RPG Maker MZ or Unity run on more platforms?
RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam. Unity runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl.
Can I use Unity for free?
Yes. Unity has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time.
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 Unity is typically brought in for.
What can RPG Maker MZ do that Unity cannot?
RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Unity covers Visual editor, Physics engine (PhysX), Animation system, Particle system. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment.
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