■Greetings

Japan is being hit by a sudden cold snap!

But we'll still show you our fiery AGMaker spirit!

We're posting promotional content on Japan's official X account.

■How to Set Up Anime Tiles

Anime tiles currently available on GUILD[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com] (Japanese only for now).

The water effects are nice, but this hand-drawn animation is also great!

Multilingual articles are in preparation, so please wait a little longer.

I absolutely love seeing cool magic circles spinning around!

The project and free magic circle materials are now available in the GUILD[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com] article.

Feel free to try them out, customize them, and make use of them.

The fine parts rotate with a time delay!

Shirokishi generously shares technical know-how, and this time

has released a sample of “Wrapping Tentacles” on GUILD[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com].

But the image is huge, isn't it...

It seems to be using a feature called PathRibbonMesh2D.

We've prepared everything from the sample project to the assets, so if you're interested, check it out now.

■Bonus Corner

This is a project where I finally decided to tackle bone animation—something I'd been putting off for so long.

This is truly my first time, and I find myself wishing I could create anime like the protagonists in sample games.

First, I prepared a simple image to calm my nerves.

■Summary

Once you take that first step, you'll see the light.

That's ACTION GAME MAKER.

• Fixed an issue where the game could crash when multiple bullets hit an enemy simultaneously.

• Fixed an issue where “Invoke Script” did not work correctly in HTML5 exports.

• Fixed an issue in HTML5 exports where wall contact detection sometimes did not work correctly on the first trigger.

• Fixed an issue where the “Parent is not affected by attack area” property in ChildSettings did not function correctly.

• Fixed an issue where ChildSettings properties could not be modified using the “ChangeObjectProperty” action.

• Fixed an issue where connection point references were not resolved correctly during the first execution of “MoveObject” after a scene started.

■Greetings

While it ranks among the most challenging in the MAKER series,

the tool itself evolves alongside its growing users. By interacting with and understanding AGMaker, we promise further growth.

We look forward to your continued support in 2026!

We post promotional content on the official Japanese X account.

Producer Letter #17 has been released!

Lightweight objects are scheduled for implementation, offering a glimmer of hope for bullet hell game creation. Having grown alongside you all this year, ≪ACTION GAME MAKER≫ will continue developing into an even better game engine!

Of course, this is still at a basic implementation stage,

so we'll eagerly accept your requests to refine it into a great system!

From ≪Shirokishi≫

A sample using virtual pads/buttons has been released. Project data is also available for download, so you can use it to swap out graphics or incorporate elements. Explanations are provided by GUILD. Learn pseudo-vehicle movement and physics-based wall destruction mechanics.

Controls: \[Z]\[X] or touch on mobile.

※When using touch, aim for the center area.

Features I incorporated:

・Multi-level scrolling

・Player movement controlled via virtual buttons

・Cool particles

・Score bonus for collecting gifts of the same color

・Meteor hit means game over!

I'm also distributing the project data, so I hope you can use it for your own game development.

This year, I'm aiming to exhibit at indie events and will give it my best shot!

My goal for this year is “Exhibiting at AGM”.

As a creator myself,

I hope to move forward with users on the same level, at the same pace.

Let's not be afraid of tools, but understand each other.

ACTION GAME MAKER!

Happy Holidays! This is Producer Morino again, with the last letter for 2025!

In this 17th Producer Letter, I would like to provide you with some information about the upcoming “lightweight” game objects that are currently under development.

Currently, all game objects in ACTION GAME MAKER are created based on the CharacterBody2D node from the underlying Godot Engine.
This node performs real-time collision handling and pseudo-physics processing, enabling advanced behaviors such as velocity-based pushing against other objects or sliding along walls according to inertia.

Because it offers so many capabilities and makes issues like passing through walls at extremely high speeds less likely, it is ideal for player characters and enemies in side-view experiences. However, it has the drawback of being relatively ‘heavy’ in terms of processing costs.

As a result, when using these objects for things that are needed in higher numbers, such as shotgun bullets, items, UI elements, and other objects that do not require collision processing, this approach has proven to be overly expensive.

To address this issue, we plan to implement two new types of game objects:

• A lightweight game object based on Area2D

• A FireBarrageBullet object that performs only the minimum required processing needed for bullets

As stated above, this is a game object based on Area2D, one of Godot’s default node types.

Area2D is the same node type used for hit areas and attack areas. Unlike CharacterBody2D, which is used by ACTION GAME MAKER’s existing game objects, it does not have a physical body. Instead, it functions like a sensor that detects when objects or other areas enter its region.

Depending on how visual scripts are used, this can reduce processing load by approximately 20% to 40% compared to the existing game object type. However, there are some limitations.

• It cannot use Godot’s physics-based 2D collision system.

• Certain node and visual script properties that require collision do not function, specifically:

  • “Slide on slopes”

  • “Corner Correction” in MoveAndJumpSettings

• Certain visual script action settings that require collision do not function, specifically:

  • “Bound”

  • “Can’t Fall Off Ledges” in MovementTemplates

• Other than the listed demerits, can access the same functions as the current GameObjects.

• Although Godot’s collision system cannot be used, contact with tiles and objects can still be detected. By creating visual script with conditions like “stop when touching a tile,” it is possible to simulate collision behavior.

• Existing GameObjects can be converted directly into the new Area2DGameObjects by using Change Type. The reverse is also possible.

For characters that need some presence, such as players and enemies, we recommend continuing to use the existing full power GameObject.
However, for top-view characters that do not require complex collision behavior such as being pushed by moving objects, Area2DGameObject may work without issue.

For items, bullets, UI objects, and other objects that do not require character-level collision, use of the new Area2DGameObject is strongly recommended.
But if you need blocks that can be ridden on or pushed, or bullets that need to bounce/reflect, the GameObject type should still be used.

Give that in most games the doodads like collectibles are the most common game objects, and most of those can be changed from GameObject to Area2DGameObject, we expect that many games will see a noticeable reduction in processing load.

Rather than being a new type of game object, this is a new visual script action that fires very simple bullets with extremely minimal processing.

These new bullets cannot have a custom visual script assigned to them, but their behavior can be controlled to some extent through the visual script action that creates them.

Here is a video showcasing the new system in action:

In this example, 30 bullets are fired simultaneously, repeated 20 times every 0.3 seconds, for a total of 600 bullets on screen.
Please note that since this system is still under development, the final performance at release may differ.

Movement patterns are created by combining the firing method with the bullet’s behavior after being fired.

• Firing Methods

  • Omni-directional

  • Rapid Fire

  • Shotgun

• Bullet Behavior

  • Straight

  • Curve

  • Direction Change

  • Homing

  • Division

In the example video, the barrage uses the Omni-directional firing method with bullets spaced every 24 degrees. After firing, two types of Curved bullets are generated simultaneously: one curving by +0.3 degrees per step, and another curving by −0.3 degrees per step.

As mentioned earlier, visual scripts cannot be assigned, so fine-grained control is not possible.
And also unlike existing bullets, barrage bullets also cannot be edited directly by modifying a specific bullet node.

As a result, it is not possible to attach particles to bullets or apply animations.
So while this system is extremely lightweight in performance terms, it comes with soime strong limitations.

Area2DGameObject and the barrage system (FireBarrageBullet) are currently under testing, and we plan to release them as Version 1.2.0 in the early part of the coming year.

It has been six months since release, and we understand that there are still areas where we inconvenience our users. However, we remain committed to continue our updates the coming year, so please stay tuned!

And that’s all for this letter. Happy New Year’s to you all, and we’ll chat again in the new year!

■Greetings

Only a few days left this year... just a few days!?

I'm confident that AGMaker's first year is progressing steadily, if slowly.

We're posting promotional content on Japan's official X[x.com].

1.1.12 Patch Notes

Improved debugging environment for easier object inspection

Variables and state conditions can now be observed.

Non-unique copies (synced with original links) will be marked with a “chain” icon!

Colors will also sync, so use dedicated color schemes for better visibility.

Announcement on the 18th! Complete and release your game by the 24th!?

※Images are in Japanese only

Of course AGMaker will participate in this seasonal event!

That said... designing the system, creating the art, and implementing it is quite a lot of work.

Create multiple scrolls

Implement virtual button support for player movement controls

Adding more particles. We're working hard to unveil it tomorrow!

This is the last update of the year.

I'm thinking of trying AGMaker prayers at a shrine for the New Year.

Bringing ideas to life.

You can make games this quickly (planned)!

ACTION GAME MAKER!

• Added four new debugger object templates for displaying variables and switches on screen:
  VariableLabel, SwitchLabel, ProjectVariableLabel, and ProjectSwitchLabel.
  These can be added by selecting [c]debugger[/c] in the Create New Object template window.

• Added a chain icon to visually indicate non-unique links, conditions, and actions, making them easier to identify at a glance.

• Changed the default value of the [c]hit_attack_area[/c] property in InvincibleData to Off.

• Fixed an issue where RandomDungeonSample could not be downloaded correctly.

• Fixed an issue where save slots could not be properly specified when using Copy Save Data actions.

• Fixed an issue where certain settings, such as game speed, were not saved during save/load operations.

• Fixed an issue where group assignment did not work correctly in tile effect overlap (Overlap) settings.

■Greetings

We've reached the point where only half a month remains this year!

I'd like to create at least one sample project...

We're posting promotional content on Japan's official X[x.com].

1.1.11 Update

New property “Transition to Same State” added to links from AnyState

We fixed it, but the original specification also had good points, so you can now choose either option.

Virtual button support!

You can now experience running your own games on smartphones and other devices.

Check out the ≪Sample Operation≫[gotchagotchagames.itch.io] to see it in action.

The main HTML methods are explained on YOUTUBE.

Virtual button explanations are on GUILD[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com]!

1. By the way, where are AGMaker's assets located?

That's right, the default assets are all here!

① Load the sample project ≪Platformer Tutorial≫

② Find the folder (default location: Documents\\ActionGameMaker)

③ Search for *.png files Use them for system ideas or other creative purposes!

Shirox's technical disclosure has been uploaded to GUILD.

★Audio Bus Setup Script[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com]

★Virtual Pad Explanation[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com]

If anything catches your eye, go check it out.

■Bonus Corner

I'm feeling the urge to create some kind of mini-game for Christmas.

Stay tuned for a simple ≪something≫ you can play with touch!

A future-oriented creation tool that answers your passion for game development

Whether you can code or not (like me), you can do it!

That's right—with ACTION GAME MAKER!

• Added a new property to AnyState links: “Can Transition to Self.”
  In versions prior to 1.1.6, once a state was transitioned to from AnyState,
  the AnyState conditions would not trigger again, preventing re-transition.
  However, in 1.1.7 and later, AnyState conditions could trigger repeatedly,
  enabling re-transition into the same state.
  Although this was unintended, the new behavior also provided useful applications,
  so a new property has been introduced to allow users to choose between the old and new behavior.

• Fixed an issue where loading under specific conditions could break the scene tree structure.

• Fixed an issue where saving/loading while an enemy was in a “removed” (despawned) state could cause a crash.

■Greetings

It's getting colder now.

We're posting promotional content on Japan's official X[x.com].

Version 1.1.10 Update

Conditions for wall collision detection have been expanded,

and an issue where text for certain actions became invisible for some users has been resolved.

1. How do you handle spaghetti code?

Starting from the Start action to the basic actions was fine,

but links keep growing with each added branch...

To motivate yourself to tidy up, I recommend color-coding them from the start.

・Place links where their direction is clear

・Use state size to indicate importance

・Shortcuts are convenient, but overuse makes links hard to follow visually, so plan carefully

2. Enemies want to collide, but I want to pass through them... yet I want to try various things!

This seems best explained by looking at the X post[x.com]

The ≪Layer≫ for where you belong

The ≪Mask≫ for where you interfere

You can adjust various things with this combination.

2. I want to sneak images A through Z into the file system and arrange them haphazardly! (Is it just me?)

If you want to see it in a video, check it out here[x.com].

Introduced as a sticker feature, it lets you pop and place lively images.

We're giving away free fonts here at GUILD[guild.rpgmakerofficial.com]!

How about a clean, uncomplicated font like this?

2. Infinite scrolling made easy!?

To continuously scroll the background during falls or movement

DistantView (Far View)

MiddleView (Mid View)

NearView (Near View) can be adjusted (additional views can also be added)

The DistantView with a small Scroll Scale moves slowly.

You can also automatically scroll the background, making the visual effects look really cool!

■Bonus Corner

Shirokishi Info

For advanced users (those who understand code), shader testing seems to be underway.

Work is also progressing to enable touch-compatible controls!

Just seeing characters move is fun—it feels like it might run on smartphones soon!?

That's ACTION GAME MAKER.