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Can someone clarify this?

A topic by Nim_Lorekeeper created May 22, 2022 Views: 409 Replies: 10

Viewing posts 1 to 5

Nim_LorekeeperSubmitted2 years ago

I just had a realisation, and I'm worried I won't be allowed to submit my project. If anyone can enlighten me on the subject, I'd appreciate that very much.

So for context, I am using the RPG Maker MV software for my game, a 20 day trial to be precise. Thing is, the software is normally not free, like Unity or Unreal, so am I even allowed to use it? I am technically using the assets for free as this is a trial, but I know I wouldn't be able to commercialise anything in this state, and I'm not sure whether a submission counts as commercialising it or not.

But anyway, does this mean I inherently am not allowed to submit any game made with RPG Maker?

Ranger PeepsSubmitted2 years ago

I would think that you are fine. I know some others are using it too but I don’t think the judges are that harsh. I wouldn’t sweat it

Nim_LorekeeperSubmitted2 years ago

That is great to hear! Thank you so much!

MarkBuitenwerf2 years ago

A lot of people are working with Game Maker, which is paid software. You'll be fine.

Max FrymarkSubmitted2 years ago

In the Livestream they specifically said that paid tools are allowed so you should be good.

TiaraliSubmitted2 years ago

Paid tools are allowed. It's the assets (graphics, sound effects, etc.) that need to be freely available.

Nim_LorekeeperSubmitted2 years ago

I'm only using the RTP assets that come included in the software, so by my logic, if the software is paid, then so must be the assets. It's why I was so worried.

Glad to know it's not an issue like I thought it was :))

KepFoxSubmitted2 years ago

The way I understood is that you can't keep paid tools in the source code when uploading it for people to use. For example, if you use a paid Unity plugin and you upload the project source, people could take thid plugin for free hence it needs to be removed from the source upon uploading. Posting an RPG maker project won't allow people to steal the engine got free so I guess you're good!! :D

Nim_LorekeeperSubmitted2 years ago

I like this logic! :D

David Wu SoftDevSubmitted2 years ago

If I were you, I'd check what's RPG Maker's policy regarding redistributing those RTP assets.

Some free to use assets can be shipped with a game build but may not be licensed to be redistributed as assets (as is required per the Jam's rules).

CMaxoSubmitted2 years ago

I mentioned it in another post.

If the assets are coming with the game engine internally and are not part of the source files you share with the project, you can use those assets. Some version of the RPG Maker use internal assets like that: The actual images and sound files are stored in the install folder of the engine and loaded from that location. Hence, nobody can access those assets without having the game engine and, also, those can't be used in another engine due to their limited license.

If the version of RPG Maker you're using includes those images or sound files IN the project folder (a.k.a. source files), then you can't use those as those are actually restricted from being freely shared online. Redistribution of the RTP assets is restricted with every version of RPG Maker that gives free access to the included images and sound files.

In other words, if you can open the source project file in RPG Maker just fine "as-is" without those RTP assets on a separate PC, it's ok.
If you try to open that project on another PC and it tells you that some files are missing, then you're out of luck for those RTP assets as they can't be openly distributed like that.

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The GameDev.tv Game Jam 2022 - Free Course For All Submissions!

Can someone clarify this?