FAQ for RPG Maker VX Ace (Check here first!)

[Hatsukuro]

I have begun compiling a few of the frequently asked questions with a few common answers. These answers should cover most topics and variations of these questions. If any more in depth information is required or there are any questions on the answers, I or another user will be happy to answer and help in any way we can.

Covered Questions:

• I can't find this game/program in my library.
  
• Where are my DLCs?
  
• Can I make a multiplayer game?
  
• Does this run on Mac/Linux?
  
• What platforms can I export to? / Can I make games that run on _______?
  
• Can I make games other people can play?
  
• Can I sell my game? / Where is the EULA?
  
• Why is this so expensive?
  
• Why am I getting an "RTP not installed" error?
  
• What is the RTP? / Can I use the pre-packaged resources commercially? / Can I use the Ace RTP with other engines?
  
• My workshop items are not showing up in Newly Submitted or not showing up for other people.
  
• How do I access content/games/resources I have subscribed to?

I can't find this game/program in my library.

This is the most common variation of this question and a good place to start. Since this is not a game it is not listed with your games. Rather, this is listed under "software". To find the program simply hover the mouse over "Library" at the top of the Steam window and select "All Software". RPG Maker will be listed in this list. I have not found a way to find this program under Big Picture mode without checking recent apps.

Short answer: Hover over "Library" and select "All Software".

Where are my DLCs?

The name DLC is slightly misleading. The "DLC" are actually resource packages with graphics, musics, and other resources to be imported to the program. I will be writing up a larger tutorial all about resource packs, however there is a short answer to this question. When DLC are downloaded after purchased they are put into game folder inside the Steam folder on your computer. First, navigate to your Steam folder (default path "C:\Program Files\Steam" or "C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam" depending on your OS). After navigating to the Steam folder, you will find the RPG Maker folder under "steamapps\common\RPGVXAce". The DLC should be in a folder titled "dlc" and will then be listed under the resource pack's name, for example, "Futuristic Tiles". You can copy then or import the resources from this folder to your project.

TIP: To find the install folder, go to Steam > Settings on the menu bar up top, go to the "download" tab, and click "Steam library folders". This will tell you where everything is being installed to.

Short answer: "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\RPGVXAce" or "C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\RPGVXAce"

Can I make a multiplayer game?

Multiplayer games require a lot of work. Aside from setting up the game, you would need to have a decent server set up capable of handling the workload of any number of clients connecting to it at a given time. A slight bit easier to do would be a Peer to Peer game (such as anything with LAN play) but even this requires a large amount of scripting. Though the RGSS3 library does include several built in Ruby classes, Socket and other similar network related classes are not included in the built in classes. This means such a class would need to be built from scratch using Win32API or similar commands. This is a LOT of work and almost no one would want to do it for you. This does not mean it hasn't been done. There are kits built for network games in older versions of RPG Maker and there are some scripts that can connect to the internet for things like a trophy system or online leaderboards. The amount of work required is still insane and even with a lot of experience, very few people will ever have the required skills to pull it off.

Short answer: No

Does this run on Mac/Linux?

The program was made to run on a Windows operating system. The games it creates were made to run on Windows operating systems. While there are ways to run Windows only programs in Mac and Linux (such as WINE for example) the programs are not made to run on these operating systems.

Short answer: No

What platforms can I export to? / Can I make games that run on _______?

As mentioned in the last answer, the games created with this program are only made to run in Windows. In order to run these, you would need to recreate the entire libraries used to run these in a language that is readable by whatever device or OS you are trying to run them on. Since RGSS relies heavily on Win32 API, you would need to recreate every call used in order for it to work. Despite this, there have been mentioning of converters that would be used to convert the program to formats that will run on certain gaming systems and other devices. No solid timeline has been set for those yet.

Short answer: No

Can I make games other people can play?

Yes! The whole premise of this program is to be a simple tool used to make games which you can distribute or sell at your own leisure. The other person doesn't even need to have the program installed as long as all the resources being used are properly imported (see my DLC import guide as well). To package a game for distribution, simply open the "File" menu on the top left of the program, and click on "Compress Game Data...". A window will pop up. Select the path where you would like to save the compressed file to. There are two check boxes below. The first one, "Create Encrypted Archive", will pack all resources into a single file so that people will not have access to your project and will not be able to edit it in RPG Maker. The second option, "Include RTP Data", will package all the graphics, sounds, and musics from the Runtime Package used with Ace. There is a trick to making it so people without the RTP can play which not including the RTP, as seen here: http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/3799-releasing-games-without-needing-rtp-lightweight-and-easy/

Short answer: Yes

Can I sell my game? / Where is the EULA?

Taken directly from the EULA:

E. Distribution rights
Licensee may, at its sole discretion and its own risk, distribute the game (“Game”) originally created by Licensee by utilizing the Software with the following conditions;

Only Licensee who properly completed the user registration may distribute its own Game;

The Game that may be distributed by Licensee shall be legally created and shall not infringe third party’s rights, including, but not limited to, privacy, copyright, trademark, and/or any other intellectual property rights. Licensee shall, at its own expense, indemnify, defend and hold ENTERBRAIN harmless against any claim/suit/proceeding brought against ENTERBRAIN arising out of or in connection with the Game on the issue of infringement of any patent, copyright and/or any other intellectual properties of any third party; and

Licensee shall be fully responsible for the Game, its contents, including, but not limited to, character, story, scenario, plot, map, music, sound, design, name, the Game’s distribution method, and/or any other items created or added by Licensee.

EULA can be found here: http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/support/information/eula

Short answer: Yes

Why is this so expensive?

This program is NOT a game. This program is a utility used to speed up the game creation project. The EULA allows you to use all the scripts and resource packaged in the program and the RTP commercially and royalty free in your game. The program itself also allows you to create as many games as you want in the engine and do whatever you want with them. Just the license for the maker itself is a steal at 70$ since similar licenses for other programs might cost a MINIMUM of 100$+ and actually require some knowledge of code. Taking away from the maker, the graphics in the RTP have been valued by artists at $500+. I personally would charge around $1,000 for the scripts included in the maker. Even if you replace some of the scripts in the maker or add on to them, you already have a working framework for the system which puts you months ahead of someone starting from scratch. If you still believe 70$ is too much for the system, Steam often has sales on the maker which have gone from 33% to up to 75% off. Personally, I and many other people paid the original price of 90$ for this sortware and have not looked back. Even seeing the price getting as low as 18$ we have had no regrets.

Short answer: Royalty free graphics, music, code, and commercial rights.

Why am I getting an "RTP not installed" error?

Quite honestly I am not sure other than that the RTP did not install. Discussion and a fix is located in this thread. More information about the RTP is in the next question.

What is the RTP? / Can I use the pre-packaged resources commercially? / Can I use the Ace RTP with other engines?

The RTP, or Runtime Package, is a collection of pre-packaged graphics, sounds, and musics available for use with the RPG Maker and IG Maker series of software. The RTP was created specifically with the program in mind and all graphics are sorted and set up to work in the software. The RTP itself has it's own license that covers the use and distribution of the RTP. The RTP can be used in ANY of the RPG Maker or IGM series products as long as you own both RPG Maker VX Ace and the maker you want to use it in. Directly from the license:

The materials included in RPG MAKER VX Ace RTP can be used with other RPG MAKER products from Enterbrain as long as you own both RPG MAKER VX Ace and other RPG MAKER products. For example, if you already own RPG MAKER VX and you want to use any materials included in the VX Ace RTP with RPG MAKER VX, you need to purchase and own RPG MAKER VX Ace also.

The files from the RTP may ONLY be used in legal RPG Maker products, such as RPG Maker XP, RPG Maker VX, RPG Maker VX Ace, and IG Maker. They may not be used in other non-RPG Maker products.

Short answer: The RTP is pre-packaged graphics that may be used with any RPG Maker products you own.

My workshop items are not showing up in Newly Submitted or not showing up for other people.

Submitting items on the Steam Workshop requires that you accept the most recent version of Steam Subscriber Agreement. If content uploaded to the workshop is hidden from other people you will need to navigate to the agreement, review it, and accept it. Specifically we are worried about section 6.B, mostly the bullet points there.

Workshop Contributions are Subscriptions, and therefore you agree that any Subscriber receiving distribution of your Workshop Contribution will have the same rights to use your Workshop Contribution (and will be subject to the same restrictions) as are set out in this Agreement for any other Subscriptions.

This just means that you have the rights to upload whatever it is you're uploading, similar to if you were to sell the game on the marketplace. Steam Subscriber Agreement can be found here: http://steamcommunity.com/workshop/workshoplegalagreement

Short answer: Agree to the Steam Subscriber Agreement.

How do I access content/games/resources I have subscribed to?

Content you subscribe to from the workshop can be viewed or played from the "Manage Projects" section of the editor. First open up RPG Maker VX Ace from Steam and navigate to File > Manage projects. The project menu will open with a list of all your projects and workshop items you have subscribed to. Workshop items still downloading will display the completion rate here. From this menu you can open workshop items, play them, or even edit them.

Short Answer: Navigate to File > Manage projects to access your subscribed items.

[Peepee Poacher]

I can`t find mine at all. I paid 95$ for this can someone please help it is not in the steam libarary i really want to play this. P.S: sorry if this is a noob question but, i honestly can`t find it.

[Cyrix]

A point... the EULA is not going to be legally enforcable if it isn't included with the software. You can't tell someone "oh, by buying this thing, you implicitly agreed to a secret contract I never showed you and have stored somewhere else." A court would never enforce that. (The EULA is not included with the Steam version of the game)

I'm not sure what legal area you'd be getting into if you released/sold an RPG Maker game without following the EULA - at the least you'd possibly run into copyright law without agreeing to the RTP license.

(Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer)

[Cyrix]

Автор сообщения: LordGambling

I can`t find mine at all. I paid 95$ for this can someone please help it is not in the steam libarary i really want to play this. P.S: sorry if this is a noob question but, i honestly can`t find it.

You paid $95 for a program that costs $70? Where did you buy it?

[Hatsukuro]

Автор сообщения: LordGambling

I can`t find mine at all. I paid 95$ for this can someone please help it is not in the steam libarary i really want to play this. P.S: sorry if this is a noob question but, i honestly can`t find it.

Hover over Library and select "All Software". The program is listed there.

Also added this question to the FAQ.

Автор сообщения: Cyrix

A point... the EULA is not going to be legally enforcable if it isn't included with the software.

I'm not sure what legal area you'd be getting into if you released/sold an RPG Maker game without following the EULA - at the least you'd possibly run into copyright law without agreeing to the RTP license.

I'm not 100% sure about this since I'm not a lawyer. I am pretty sure downloading the installers off the main site forces you to download the EULA with them in a .zip. I do not remember right off hand what was on the disk in the box copy (and don't have it handy). And I just deleted and re-installed the Steam version to double check if it had the EULA when you installed it and it does not. I am pretty sure of the three though Steam is the only one that does not have a EULA readily provided. However I have two thoughts on this.

1. I always imagine that is it the user's job to ensure that they know the terms and conditions of a particular piece of software. The website has the EULA in an easy location to find. I could understand if they didn't have them someplace that was easy to find, but they are literally accessible from any page on their website by hovering over support and selecting EULA. A cannot comment as to why they are not included with the installer, though.

2. Considering they EULA is pretty much your license to sell anything you make, I wouldn't want to pass up reading and agreeing to this.

[Peepee Poacher]

thanks i feel stupid now and i bought dlcs with the software that added to a total of 95$.

[Hatsukuro]

No problem. :D Honestly, I was a little confused the first time I installed it because I didn't realize that page existed. And I figured personally either you were in a different country and had a different currency, or you bought resource packs. I added your question to the FAQ since it was just one I overlooked. And if you have any issues with the resource packs, there is a section in the FAQ for them.

Also, Cyrix, I've commented a little about your point in my post above, but I'm neither able nor qualified to give an "official" answer. It is merely my thoughts on it.

[Cyrix]

LordGambling: Oh yeah, don't feel bad about that, I forget about switching to the software tab all the time.

CP: I know your word isn't the "official" word. Just expressing my thoughts on the subject (which, you are right, only applies to the Steam version).

It is the user's responsibility to read any license agreement they are presented with at the time of purchase or installation. It is entirely different to have the license agreement on a website and not included with the game. In this case it's not a big deal since the EULA is heavily weighed in favor of the end user (although I wouldn't feel bad ignoring the "only one computer" clause since Steam favors installing on any computer you want, provided you do not share your account) and possibly necessary to actually distribute any game you make.

However, consider if the EULA was bad for the user. What if the EULA said that any game you make in RPG Maker was sole property of Enterbrain and they could sell it themselves or claim all of any profits you made from selling it? Do you think a court would uphold that under the logic "you should have looked for it online"? EULAs are already a shaky ground in the US - some courts will not uphold EULAs that are only accessible after purchase (e.g. ones inside the box or software) since the user couldn't and didn't agree to the terms before purchase.

I'm not how the Toyko District court would rule in a case like this, or how their jurisdiction would apply to U.S. citizens. Anyway, the terms are pretty brief and favorable, so it's not a big issue regardless.

[Hatsukuro]

The 3 big things the license covers are these:

1. No concurrent use on more than one computer. More or less I pretty much just think they don't want more than one person using a single license, so Steam DRM more or less takes care of that.

2. No reverse engineering. This is the big one that screws them and I don't know if this is somehow protected by Steam's terms.

3. Allowing the user to sell the game as already explained.

Obviously there's nothing that really screws the user like you said, so not a big deal. My real point about the EULA being available online is that ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to conditions in some cases. This could certainly be a time when that might not hold up, like you said. Of course, concerning what you said about EULA not available before purchase, that would seem to imply that it IS the user's job to at least attempt to find the EULA before buying. Not sure if there's anywhere on the store page the developer could put terms or an EULA, but assuming there is not, just about everything on Steam would kinda be in violation of that.

Don't get my wrong, I'm agreeing with you. Having the terms during the download and install process would be great. Just putting my thoughts on everything.

[76561198071074302]

Hey there, the EULA should be readily accessible when you first install it. You can access it on this page, anytime: http://store.steampowered.com/eula/220700_eula_0

[Hatsukuro]

Yep, the EULA is available on install now. So in other words, consider this matter settled. Thanks for pointing it out.

[Dawn Marshal]

Great info here, thanks for the awesome FAQ!

[milky]

Someone traded me a 4 pack of vx ace and i opened it and never got the other three. ????

[Ahiru]

Couldn't find confirmation for this.

Will RPG Maker VX Ace get Steam Workshop? Or has it been implemented already? If it has been implemented already, is there a way for me to view it? I don't own RPG Maker VX Ace yet, but I'm debating whether I should get it because Steam Workshop would be a big plus for me. I want to play other's games too, especially since the games would be from the Steam community. I also know about the RPG Maker forums elsewhere, but this would give me more options and games to choose from C:

[Hatsukuro]

Workshop integration is in progress, but no set date has been announced for it's release.

[Ahiru]

Great! Thanks for the clarification!