We seem to forget the reason why we're here, or at least what brought us here: Making RPGs.

Maybe because it's a long and tedious road to make one, or maybe the community doesn't care.


What I want to know is, how do we reverse the situation?

Well, people do lose motivation to work on their game. .

Heh... I've been working on one just as much as the day I joined. Actually, I started it two years before I joined the Mag. And actually, there's alot of people who have things going on right now. It's just a matter of time.

Interesting 1ce, this time you anticipated me.

The first game that I ever began working on for RPGM3, which means the first game that I ever meant to submit to this site when completed is titled, "A Lost Cause". In many ways it parallels theoretically what you say is "our lost cause".

Much of what I have been intending to express in my games I have instead expressed at this site in posts.

But I too have been working on a number of games in my mind. In some ways that is really what RPGMs are meant for, to stimulate the mind with what can be made, not with what is actually made.

Don't worry, I'll have games posted soon.

I think.

I posted it today, and not tomorrow, that's why

I'm not concerned about our making games, since there seems to be enough of that. I'm concerned about how so few people seem to look forward to or play the titles made.

@1ce

Oh. Yeah, I really do want to play other people's games. Very much so actually, but when you factor in that I am also trying to make my own games, let alone play professional games, there really isn't much time.

That having been said, it is my goal (if my Maxdrive works, I still haven't tried it out) that once I submit my first game, then I will start playing RPGM3 games on a regular basis. I hope to play all RPGM3 games (at least to try) submitted to this site, and select RPGM2 if I can get my disc working again. I can only play RPGM1 if the file transfer by mail can still be made available.

I've always found it amusing that there are more total posts in the general chat areas of the Pavilion and Mag than there are posts in the RPG Maker sections.

It is a lost cause. It's not about the games. It's about the community. There's more net interest in a chat post about the latest movie you've seen than there is in Joe Shmoe's latest project.

I'm still working on my second game, and I have ideas for at least eight more. I imagine I'll be busy for years to come.

It's much easier to veg out and post in a bunch of social forums than it is to turn off the computer, load up your RPG Maker of choice, and get some real work done. And it is work. You're right about that. It's also easier to kick back and play a commercial game.

As for playing games made with RPG Maker... it's mostly the lurkers who do that.

I'm pretty sure 2008 will be a good year for the Mag though. There are quite a few people here who have games with release dates in 08. With that said, we'll have new games to talk about once we've experienced them.

But, Cythania, you talk about that community as if it's almost a bad thing. I think it's wonderful that we are all under one banner. And to be honest... the game I'm working wouldn't be as good as it is now (not saying it's the greatest) if it wasn't for the Mag. A good example of this would be days of code talk with Dray in the chat room.

In fact, the Mag is really the only outlet I'm really using to get my game out there... so the community means alot to my game and RPG Maker in general.

What is disappointing though (and I myself am guilty of this) is that most of the people who post recently don't seem to have any completed games (or at least not for RPGM 3 (and 2?)) and also those who have submitted games already never seem to hang around the Mag.

You know, I've been thinking of that. The reason I came to the mag was to improve my RPG making skills, and hoping to actually finishing one.
But I don't even touch the RPG Maker side of this site. (Not frequently)
But I have not lost hope yet. I want to finish the last project I was working on, and at least. I actually want to care a bit more about other people's projects too, see what they are making and stuff.

i guess the rpg making part has gotten old. unless there is a renaissance then things will pretty much stay this way. as long as there is a place where those who care about rpg make can post and get help/advice then its ok. like the pavi its not so important that everyone worship the original intent of the site. hell, its even better now that everyones friends and not so focused on making another game.

as for those with release days of next year i will take a guess that those will keep being pushed back for the rest of eternity like my games finish date.

I am starting to feel an oncoming Renaissance, myself.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a Renaissance could help. I'm just wondering how?

thats all we need, an increase in the amount of awful games here just because some p stars think that because they havent touched the game for a year that they actually should be better then when they first said forget it.

people begin with gusto, driven to make a crappy demo, then realize why they put it away to begin with. at least it makes the good games appear like shinny jewels. we dont need anymore legend games!

i think this cycle usually takes about a year to go through, at least it does for me. i am however working on my game slowly and wont release it till i feel its better then a punch in the face.


a full renaissance usually occurs several years after the place has died down, sometimes sparked by a contest or some great new contribution. we need people to constantly work on their games if we want to raise the bar of good games. of course not all of us has hundreds of hours to plan and build and its not a very exciting task building that 4000 page event.

First thing I would do is post your stat information in your RPGM/RP Mag Card at:

http://www.rpgmmag.com/forums/viewtopic ... 2273#92273

Use it as a way to keep yourself motivated to complete making games and playing other people’s games. This way you can also see who has played your own games and let game makers know you played theirs.

In addition, Sequelpalooza is almost over, so there will be some discussion of RPGM games involving that.

Finally, I will soon be playing other people’s games and will be happy to give them feedback if they ask me for it, once I post that I’ve played their games.




@ Karr Lord of Chaos
While we all want to make the best game possible, it is not only about raising the bar. Respectfully, this is not a professional gamemaking site, so all attempts are welcome attempts. If some only create the idea, so be it, a demo is better, and a completed game even better.

The important thing is that we play each other's games and give each other feeback if desired.

that link is a good idea. hopefully it will motivate people to finish their games.

i agree that feedback is more important, but id like to see people at least attempt to rise the bar by doing the simple things (bug testing, making the game fun, reducing the cliches and polishing the final copy). the point i was trying to make was not that every game should have custom sprites, have endlessly fun mini games and be ground breaking and award winning but rather that people put the time and energy into making their game something more then a half assed attempt.

i was reading reviews yesterday and saw a lot of similar comments. new rpg folks shouldnt feel embarrassed to post their first game here for a peer review, but i would expect people to at least be mindful of the pitfalls that will sink a game and to at least put the care and time to test the game to make sure it isnt going to kill the player.

thats what raising the bar is, by putting the time into the game to make sure its actually playable. leave the exceptional games to the experts or wait till your ready to make one, but for god sakes please go through your game and make sure we can actually finish it without blood, sweat, and tears.

Hey Karr:

I can't help but think you've got a particular game in mind.

it sounds like a plug to my game but it honestly isnt. i really wish people would at least do as ive described here. it takes only a few hours at best and makes the difference between a game that gets played and a game that people fear like the plague. if i get time ill do a few reviews myself.

@Karr Lord of Chaos

You have a good point about testing, debugging, etc. because it is only fair to others to make sure that one's game is playable, of reasonable difficulty, and hopefully interesting and/or fun.

I'm glad Pagerron mentioned these topics in chat tonight (this and Anon Bo's topics)....makes some interesting reading, even though I've not got a lot to contribute. I will concur, though, that 2008 will be a very good year for RPGM3, at least, with Daniel's Quest III, Tree of Life, and The God Gene all planned for the coming year. Glad I just bought that 7th PS2 memory card today.