Should i get RPG Maker MV while having little coding experience?

[hit my pants]

I got enough money to buy RPG MAKER MV and its bundle, and i really wanna make a basic game with it, i do know it uses java which i really wanna learn about and get into, but rn i only got like some understandings on html 5 and css, so would it be a good idea to buy this game and learn java with it?

[Prinny]

You do not need to know how to code to make a game with this program. However, knowing JavaScript, not Java, is what you would use to make plugins to enhance whatever game you make with it. It is okay to learn JavaScript while using the software.

[Moga CMDR]

Personally, I would skip MV at this point for MZ.

And yes, its JS and not Java. That is important. JS is actually far more widely used these days compared to Java...

You don't need to know HTML or CSS or JS to make a basic game. If you want to make games, then I would suggest against worrying too much about the engineering part and focus on game design anyway. (initially)

But, that is a long discussion it it's own.

MV is not supported as well as MZ by plugin devs at this point. (MV may have a ton of plugins, but they no longer get updated, basically. Some don't work with the most recent MV release...) And I do think that is of a huge value. Unless you are a capable with JS. But core MZ has improvements that you can't get around with out a ton of work, even if you have skillz.

TDLR: You don't need to be an engineer (aka "programmer") to use RPG Maker to make games. JS knowledge is not required but can be a plus. But I would use MZ over MV at this point if you are completely new, as the plugins for MZ are still being supported and many abandoned MV years ago. Even though many plugins now have an entry fee...

EDIT: I just realized there is still a pretty sizable price difference in MV vs MZ. If price is a concern, then MV is still a valid option.

[Elriadon]

I'd recommend MZ if you can afford it, it should still be on discount. And yes, it's Javascript, not Java (completely different language).

And you don't even necessarily need Javascript, just the event commands allow you to do a lot. Not to mention that in MZ plugins are much more user friendly.

[Komuroto]

RPG maker is a limited use software that can only really reach its potential if one knows javascript or imports plugins. That said, its a good entry level to start understanding the basics of how elements interact with one another and you can still make some pretty interesting content with limited knowledge. However, eventually the next step once mastering this would be something like Unity, Unreal Engine, GameStudio, etc.

[hit my pants]

Originally posted by Guild Sweetheart:

Personally, I would skip MV at this point for MZ.

And yes, its JS and not Java. That is important. JS is actually far more widely used these days compared to Java...

You don't need to know HTML or CSS or JS to make a basic game. If you want to make games, then I would suggest against worrying too much about the engineering part and focus on game design anyway. (initially)

But, that is a long discussion it it's own.

MV is not supported as well as MZ by plugin devs at this point. (MV may have a ton of plugins, but they no longer get updated, basically. Some don't work with the most recent MV release...) And I do think that is of a huge value. Unless you are a capable with JS. But core MZ has improvements that you can't get around with out a ton of work, even if you have skillz.

TDLR: You don't need to be an engineer (aka "programmer") to use RPG Maker to make games. JS knowledge is not required but can be a plus. But I would use MZ over MV at this point if you are completely new, as the plugins for MZ are still being supported and many abandoned MV years ago. Even though many plugins now have an entry fee...

EDIT: I just realized there is still a pretty sizable price difference in MV vs MZ. If price is a concern, then MV is still a valid option.

[Moga CMDR]

Originally posted by Komuroto:

eventually the next step once mastering this would be something like Unity, Unreal Engine, GameStudio, etc.

Not necessarily. Though, it is important to say that I do think some users move on. Which is good. But if RPG Maker fits your needs it may still be a better fit than the others especially once you "master" it because of simplicity and time savings.

I released a handful of games with Gamemaker (10+ years ago) and one in Unity (6+ years ago) before i moved to RPG maker. I've also spent nearly 2 decades fussing about in Unreal. One day I might go back to Unity (especially if I make another action game). Just depends on what you want to make.

And none of my RPG maker games, cept 1, has been particular RPG makerish. Of course, everyone's mileage will vary. If I didn't have a day job, I'd prolly use Unity again. ^_^

I think it also depends a lot on if you work solo and what your specialty is. But I've already dragged on long enough. So I'll stuff it.

[Elriadon]

Originally posted by Komuroto:

RPG maker is a limited use software that can only really reach its potential if one knows javascript or imports plugins. That said, its a good entry level to start understanding the basics of how elements interact with one another and you can still make some pretty interesting content with limited knowledge. However, eventually the next step once mastering this would be something like Unity, Unreal Engine, GameStudio, etc.

I'd also advise Godot, since it's free and has a great community.

Originally posted by Guild Sweetheart:

Originally posted by Komuroto:

eventually the next step once mastering this would be something like Unity, Unreal Engine, GameStudio, etc.

Not necessarily. Though, it is important to say that I do think some users move on. Which is good. But if RPG Maker fits your needs it may still be a better fit than the others especially once you "master" it because of simplicity and time savings.

I released a handful of games with Gamemaker (10+ years ago) and one in Unity (6+ years ago) before i moved to RPG maker. I've also spent nearly 2 decades fussing about in Unreal. One day I might go back to Unity (especially if I make another action game). Just depends on what you want to make.

And none of my RPG maker games, cept 1, has been particular RPG makerish. Of course, everyone's mileage will vary. If I didn't have a day job, I'd prolly use Unity again. ^_^

I think it also depends a lot on if you work solo and what your specialty is. But I've already dragged on long enough. So I'll stuff it.

This 100%

[JohnDoeNews]

I personally prefer MV over MZ, specially if you have an older PC.

No real coding experience is needed, but you will need to spend some time in the engine before you can actually make something worth playing. While you work on your pirst projects, you'll learn exactly those parts of scripts you need to make your dream game.

I have about 10 script calls I use all the time, and the rest I figure out when I need them. I hardly know anything about javascript, but what I need, I can figure out. Some times with a little help. But every time I figured something new out, I learned a bit more.

Everything you already know about coding is an absolute bonus. But 90% of it, you'll never use in RPG maker. Maybe if you want to make plugins. But then you need more then just a little coding experience.