This isn't another same old "what do you want to see in the next RPG maker" kind of thread. It's more broad.

I've been wondering a lot lately about the future or RPG making in general. As you know, I posted a thread proposing the possibility of creating a community developed RPG Maker title for a next-gen console not long ago. And with the translation effort of RPGT4, that sort of fell by the way-side. Unless agetec gets back to us and says that they don't want the translation effort to continue. Then I may start taking the community developed RPGM more seriously.

Then there's RPGM DS, and we have no idea what's going to happen with that. And we don't know if there is any company is interested in developing a maker.

It makes me think about what the future of RPGM will be (not necessarily by agetec, just RPG making software in general), and not just console titles, but all makers. Now, this really isn't the thread to speculate about the future of all video games, so I won't linger on that.

But I wonder what people think about the idea of taking RPGM in new directions - for example, an RPGM title for the iPad/iPhone.

Given that I'm going to be working on developing Apps for the iPad at my new job (and certainly when I get the free time, eventually), I can't help but think of how cool having an RPGM on the iPad would be.

Using your fingers to manipulate characters, draw maps, make custom sprites, download new content packs, maybe take advantage of the MapKit to create really cool interactive game maps that appear on the 3D globe, upload your game directly to a central server that anyone else can download onto their device, and do all sorts of things that aren't possible on any game console or traditional computer.

This certainly isn't coming from a Mac person btw, but I use the iPad as an example since I will be working with the platform.

Are there other technologies/platforms out there (or future technologies, etc.) that you think that a future RPGM could use/integrate with? What kinds of technologies/stuff would you like to see a future RPGM use? What kinds of things do you think that it should be able to do (e.g. wirelessly connect to a central server to upload/download games)?

I only own a Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and PC. If any RPGM comes out on something other than those, I'm pretty much skrewed over. Unless it's for PSP, 'cause I've been wanting one of those things for quite some time.

Personally, I'm surprised RPGM is even still around. By all logic, RPG Tsukuru DS shouldn't have happened. And if we don't get it, that might as well be the case.

Well, not that I want this personally, but you don't see turn based RPGs very much anymore so the "future" of RPGM should probably involve real-time or action RPGMaking.

reposting what I said over at the pav.

RPG Tsukuru DS seems to be doing well, and I really like it.

Enterbrain has shown in the past that they really, really love the RPG Maker franchise. They put out both 2003 and XP during a time where the software wasnt selling anywhere on the planet due to mass piracy. The people responsible for it just have a very obvious passion for giving people the tools they need to tell their stories, create worlds, and share them with others. This isn't something I think will go away. If the worldwide piracy of 2K and 2K3 making the series almost completely unprofitable couldnt kill it, what the hell could?

The series may not get new installments as frequently as it used to, but I don't see it ending. It may not be back on consoles due to budget concerns, but I think it can thrive on handhelds. the GB and GBA titles were decent, but very limited and hard to take seriously. Having played every installment in the series, I can very safely say that this is no longer the case with RPG Tsukuru DS. It's on the level of RPG Maker 3. Which while limited, is very popular.

But yeah, we need a localized version. It'd be nice if Agetec would drop in and tell us either "yes" or "no" or even a "maybe". Not knowing is killing me.

Maybe. I do need money. But, that all depends on how things go at my new job. I'm working on a very special project with a friend & colleague and we've got big plans brewin'. The future should be most interesting. End of July I'll have more info on that, which will certainly impact Kupid 2.0 & DDR, and all other projects I'm working on.

I've been researching app development for work, and read about an SDK which allows you to write a single program which can be compiled to be compatible with the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Windows PC, Mac, and Linux. And it lets you program using web-based languages (which I already have experience with).

So, after more research and testing, I may consider doing something like that, if it's feasible. A universally compatible RPG Maker that all connects to a central server on which people can trade (maybe even sell?) their games.

I like the idea of putting on RPG Maker on a mass market device like the Iphone\Ipad and sharing your creations worldwide, but I really don't like the idea of putting the franchise in the hands of Apple, who have lately been showing that they are becoming just like another computer giant (cough)(Microsoft)(cough), especially with a closed source of a design suite and the fact that their secret police makes apps "disappear" whenever another app competes with a official one they put out or adds features that you should feel the honor in paying 100s in upgrades fees for.

Personally I abhor the idea of another console based RPGM. The limited scope and ability of console designed makers have always made me ill. What I want to see is a new PC RPGM that includes a vast array of ready to use preset data far exceeding anything previously offered with the built in support to import custom models, textures, sounds and movies. RPGM games should always offer a nice simple premade easy to use set of presets, but offer as much limitless potential as the coding and relatively modern PCs can afford.

Too bad the PC RPGMs are so dang expensive. Downloadable content should never be more expensive than the console alternative.

I actually kinda prefer the console makers, although I admit I haven't tried a PC RPG Maker. Yes, there are limitations, but then you have the chance to work around those limitations and make something really interesting.

For the advanced programmer I agree that having more freedom on the PC but still having all databases, etc. packaged together would be very helpful. I just know that I would never finish anything because I'd always be trying to do everything perfectly because I could control everything. Like what Draygone and 1ce said what I personally prefer is modestly priced software that allows one to use their console and to enjoy seeing what they could do within the limitations imposed so that they can just have fun making a reasonable game and not necessarily a masterpiece.