ARC, the Advanced RPG Creator

[ForeverZer0 44]

What is ARC?

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Introduction

 

So many of you may have some questions regarding exactly what ARC is. ARC is an acronym which stands for Advanced RPG Creator. It is exactly that, a new and powerful tool that can be used to design and play 2-dimensional games. Although it will be primarily designed for RPG creation, other genres are very possible to make other than role-playing games, it will be held back only by the imagination of the user. ARC is being built from the ground up in C++, with Ruby 1.9.2 embedded, which is about 30 times faster than the Ruby 1.8.1 RMXP uses. What does this mean for you? Far less lag and a higher frame-rate, resulting in smoother gameplay. In fact, ARC's default frame-rate will be 60 FPS, as opposed to RMXP's 40 FPS. You can get a feel for what 60 FPS feels like by trying out the current development build, which you can find the link to at the bottom of the post.

 

ARC doesn't stop with just the core engine, though. A brand new editor and Run-Time Package will be included in the bundle. The editor, written in Python, will be a brand new intuitive interface that has not yet been seen in the RPG creator community. It will be more like an advanced IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that you may see for programming, such as what can be found in Visual Studio, Eclipse, or NetBeans. The entire editor will be able to be customized by what windows are displayed, where they are located, and how they behave. This way, you can set your editor up exactly as you prefer that allows you to be the most productive, without the need to navigate through clunky menus. It is also going to be very extensible, allowing for various add-ons, whether they be future updates, or menus for configuring custom scripts. It will take no more than dropping a file into the Plug-Ins folder, and starting the editor up.

 

The RTP will be a large set of custom graphics and audio files packaged together and distributed alongside ARC. All the resources are being created by the talented RPG making community for free of charge. Unlike other RPG creating engines, you will never have to worry about legal issues using the RTP in a commercial game if you plan to sell it, they are made by the community, for the community.

 

And now, saving the best for last: ARC IS FREE!

There is a small disclaimer to this. ARC, although absolutely free for private use, will require a one-time per game purchase of a license to sell your final creation commercially. The fee is nominal (approx. $400 USD), and will not require any type of royalty payment, even if you managed to make millions from your game, it will only ever be the single flat-rate payment. Other than commercially, though, ARC is absolutely free for the everyday, casual game creator.

 

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Summary of Features

 

• Can convert RMXP projects into ARC ones
  
• Cross-Platform. Whether you use a Mac, Unix, or Windows operating system, ARC will work just as well
  
• High Performance. Much faster than and more powerful than RPG Maker XP or RPG Maker VX
  
• Ruby 1.9.2. A new version of Ruby and it's included libraries for scripters to take advantage of
  
• Completely new editor for easier game creation
  
• Free Run-Time Package included so you can get started right away
  
• And much, much more! For a fuller list of features, please be sure to check out the ARC Community Feedback, and let us know what you think, or feel free to post ideas of your own that you would like to see!
  

 

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Links

 

• Want to try it out? Take a look at the Current Development Build.
  
• To see progress of the RTP, or to make any contributions, please check out the ARC Run-Time Package
  
• To visit ARC or give feedback by email, Facebook, Twitter, or You-Tube, go here.
  
• Or you can browse the main ARC Forum
  

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Question: Why does ARC not support MP3 audio files?

Answer: The use of the MP3 decoder is protected by US patent law and adding it would require that the developers of ARC buy a license which is not cheap. That way ARC could not be free software. It also would require you to buy a license for using mp3 files and you probably don't want that. Instead ARC offers a range of alternative formats including the popular OGG and FLAC formats, along with various others. Current MP3 files that you may have can be easily converted into any of these with a range of free software. For more information about the usage of the MP3 format, please go here.

 

Question: Can I use my scripts and graphics that game with RPG Maker XP?

Answer: Yes and No. All graphics, audio, and scripts that are part of RMXP's RTP and engine will work perfectly well with ARC, but they are copyrighted materials. This means that if you decided you want to sell a game that you created with ARC and use them materials, Enterbrain would have the right to legal action against you. For this reason, ARC is no way affiliated, nor uses any resources or materials from any of Enterbrain's products.

 

Question: How much does the ARC RTP cost?

Answer: The RTP is free for use in ARC and outside of ARC without limitations. Only credit to the ARC RTP is due. ARC is being shipped with the RTP for convenience, you can get just the RTP if you want and use it with other game making software (such as RPG Maker XP, Game Maker, etc.). or with your own game engine.

 

Question: Do I have to credit every person that worked on and contributed to the RTP?

Answer: No. You only have to credit "Advanced RPG Creator Run-Time Package Standard".

 

Question: How much do I have to pay for using ARC?

Answer: ARC is free software. No fees are being charged for just using ARC. Fees only apply for the distribution of finished games.

 

Question: How much do I have to pay to distribute my game.

Answer: If your game is free software, there is no fee. If your game is commercial (meaning that you want to make money by selling copies of your game), there is a one-time fee of $400 USD before you distribute. Updates, patches, expansion and extensions of any kind on an already existing and paid game are not being charged.

 

Question: How do I properly credit ARC?

Answer: Include in your game either in the title screen or in the credits (or anywhere else reasonably visible and accessible) the text "Developed with Advanced RPG Creator" or "Created with Advanced RPG Creator". That is all the credit you have to give for using ARC.

 

Question: Will ARC use scripts from RMXP or RMVX?

Answer: Most definitely not. Due to legal reasons, ARC will in no way use any scripts that were written by the developers at Enterbrain or anywhere else. It will come with a brand new set of 100% original scripts written by the developers just for it. ARC will be able to run with any existing RMXP script if the user were to place them in the script editor, but the creators of ARC take no responsibility for any copy-right infringement against Enterbrain if this was done.

 

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Development Team

 

• Eric "ForeverZer0" Freed
  
• Boris "Blizzard" Mikic
  
• Ronnie "game_guy" Mooney III
  
• Benjamin "Ryex" Powers
  

Edited May 16, 2011 by ForeverZer0

[FranklinX 37]

I have a few important questions. I just checked out the youtube site. Will the final release version have XP RTP? If so then how can you legally charge someone for making a commercial game with the ARC?

[ForeverZer0 44]

No, that is just an example of an RMXP game running to show a stable build.

 

Due to obvious legal issues, RMXP will have absolutely no link with ARC whatsoever, hence the custom RTP that will be distributed with it and the complete new set of scripts. If someone chose to use Enterbrain's RTP graphics, audio, or scripts, they would have to take that up with Enterbrain, we have nothing to do with it.

[Broken Messiah 20]

The framerate isnt that new, I mean rmvx is 60 fps

 

Is there to be rmvx to arc compatibility? Oh and love the name :alright:

 

 

[ForeverZer0 44]

The framerate isnt that new, I mean rmvx is 60 fps

 

Is there to be rmvx to arc compatibility? Oh and love the name :alright:

 

Maybe not new in VX, but neither does VX support other resolutions, let alone at a stable 60 FPS.

As of right now, there is not RMVX compatibiity, but it may be looked into. We still have a lot more development to do. The basic emulation of an RMXP game, without all the extras, is almost done as of right now.

[kellessdee 48]

*SHAKES FIST* Why isn't this finished yet!?

 

hehe j/k can't wait til this is done.

 

IDE? Ruby 1.9.2? YES

 

Are you guys using a different graphics library than rmxp? (like openGl or direct X) (sorry if you already mentioned this)

 

EDIT: XD i meant direct x

[ForeverZer0 44]

*SHAKES FIST* Why isn't this finished yet!?

 

hehe j/k can't wait til this is done.

 

IDE? Ruby 1.9.2? YES

 

Are you guys using a different graphics library than rmxp? (like openGl or direct X) (sorry if you already mentioned this)

 

EDIT: XD i meant direct x

 

Both. A different one will be used depending on the platform.

[Broken Messiah 20]

I wish this was BASIC programming, I have some decent knowlegde(imo) of it

[ForeverZer0 44]

I added a "Frequently Asked Questions" section. I will update that as the need arises.

Thanks for all your support!

[Ryexander 0]

I wish this was BASIC programming, I have some decent knowlegde(imo) of it

 

e are sticking with ruby because of the substantial RMXP community that already knows ruby and the fact that for the most part a lot of RMXP scripts will work or be easily convertible to work with ARC

[Noob Saibot 38]

e are sticking with ruby because of the substantial RMXP community that already knows ruby and the fact that for the most part a lot of RMXP scripts will work or be easily convertible to work with ARC

 

Ye can't hold the hair of every woman when they puke....

 

 

I understand the reasoning and it is okay, but I think your own would work.

[ForeverZer0 44]

Ye can't hold the hair of every woman when they puke....

 

I understand the reasoning and it is okay, but I think your own would work.

 

It will have 100% original scripts in it. Due to legal reasons, it has too.

He's just saying that RGSS scripts WILL work in it.

[Noob Saibot 38]

It will have 100% original scripts in it. Due to legal reasons, it has too.

He's just saying that RGSS scripts WILL work in it.

 

 

No, I was referring to what you will use due to "people knowing/familiar with RPG Maker Scripting. So will you be making your own scripting in ruby cause even using the same formulas is breaking the law.

[ForeverZer0 44]

No, I was referring to what you will use due to "people knowing/familiar with RPG Maker Scripting. So will you be making your own scripting in ruby cause even using the same formulas is breaking the law.

 

Its all still scripting. The there will be different classes, and the scripts will obviously be structured differently (RMXP needed that anyway), but anyone who used RMXP will be able to pick up right into it after they become a little familiar with the new scripts. No different than although I only write scripts for RMXP, I know I could easily write a RMVX scxript after about an hour or less of reviewing the differences.

[rgangsta 43]

O.o Kage has a good point. Since using XP scripts is a feature, won't the codes need to be the same overall?

[ForeverZer0 44]

It will have 100% original scripts in it. Due to legal reasons, it has too.

He's just saying that RGSS scripts WILL work in it.

 

* Adds to FAQ list

Edited May 16, 2011 by ForeverZer0

[Ryexander 0]

Conversion of RMXP projects to ARC will not convert scripts. it will import data like actors and their stats, items, ect. and do it's best to convert maps and events to work in ARC with possible holes that will have to be filled by the user but the underlining scripts will, while similar in end result, not be the same.

[Noob Saibot 38]

Conversion of RMXP projects to ARC will not convert scripts. it will import data like actors and their stats, items, ect. and do it's best to convert maps and events to work in ARC with possible holes that will have to be filled by the user but the underlining scripts will, while similar in end result, not be the same.

 

 

It still poses legal issues. You can sugar coat this all you like, but you should leave out any type of converting system unless you have contacted Enterbrain and asked if you can have your software either DO or TRY to convert ANY thing related to RMXP.

Edited May 16, 2011 by Kage Kazumi

[ForeverZer0 44]

It still poses legal issues. You can sugar coat this all you like, but you should leave out any type of converting system unless you have contacted Enterbrain and asked if you can have you software either DO or TRY to convert ANY thing related to RMXP.

 

No, not really. We've done our homework.

Point me to the law book that you read that in, or some examples of court cases, and we may change our minds, though.

 

Any software we use will in no way alter, modify, or use Enterbrain's software in any way that is not specified in the End User's Licensing Agreement. In fact, it has absolutely nothing to do with Enterbrain's software or RTP. It will not touch it.

 

Notepad++ does not break any laws when it opens a text document that was created in Microsoft Word. Were not even doing that much with the converter. It doesn't even open up the same "text" in a manner of speaking.

Edited May 16, 2011 by ForeverZer0

[Noob Saibot 38]

No, not really. We've done our homework.

Point me to the law book that you read that in, or some examples of court cases, and we may change our minds, though.

 

Any software we use will in no way alter, modify, or use Enterbrain's software in any way that is not specified in the End User's Licensing Agreement. In fact, it has absolutely nothing to do with Enterbrain's software or RTP. It will not touch it.

 

Notepad++ does not break any laws when it opens a text document that was created in Microsoft Word. Were not even doing that much with the converter. It doesn't even open up the same "text" in a manner of speaking.

 

Clearly you have not done your homework. You said that it would try to convert if it could. In order to do that it would have to touch a RMXP game file in some fashion or form!!!

Edited May 16, 2011 by Kage Kazumi

[ForeverZer0 44]

Clearly you have not done your homework. You said that it would try to convert if it could. In order to do that it would have to touch a RMXP game file in some fashion or form!!!

 

That is not illegal. If it was, I will supply you with a long list of programs that are illegal. Actually, it would be much easier and a shorter list for ones that are not, if this is your line of reasoning.

 

I buy Adobe Acrobat.

I create PDF document.

I then use Foxit to read the PDF document.

According to your logic, laws were just broken.

 

That is all the more ARC will do to a RMXP project. Under what law exactly is that a crime, other than "I said so, because that's what I think.".

Regardless, you need not be so concerned with the possible legal ramifications we may suffer, though we appreciate that you care so deeply.

[Midnite Reaper 2]

I would rather this not turn into a flame war, people.

[ForeverZer0 44]

I would rather this not turn into a flame war, people.

 

Agreed. I apologize for my sarcastic response. I am not here to make any enemies.

Be assured that we will look into the legal issues further before anything is created, so as to be sure we are not breaking any laws.

[Chief 30]

lol, Not illegal. Also, $400 is far too steep, and I'm not even a prospective customer. I am into other things now, so I won't be needing this, but if I were, $400 is way too much for a commercial license for this. For a 3D engine I am now familiar with (and is pretty impressive), the license for it is 500, and I assure you, your tech doesnt compare to theirs.

 

That being said, from what I read, this does seem pretty cool. I might at least download it and play with it.

[FranklinX 37]

No, that is just an example of an RMXP game running to show a stable build.

 

Due to obvious legal issues, RMXP will have absolutely no link with ARC whatsoever, hence the custom RTP that will be distributed with it and the complete new set of scripts. If someone chose to use Enterbrain's RTP graphics, audio, or scripts, they would have to take that up with Enterbrain, we have nothing to do with it.

 

Do you have any screens with the ARC's RTP?

[ForeverZer0 44]

Do you have any screens with the ARC's RTP?

 

The RTP is still being created, and there isn't really enough yet to put full screens up yet. The link in the original post will lead you to the RTP section where you can view some of them. Not all that we have are posted up yet (mainly due to the laziness of the mods there ;) ), but you can check the ones that are there out.

 

As for the cost, that is of no real concern. ARC is being developed as free software, first and foremost. We just figured that if someone was going to make money using something we created, we would like a minor reward for our efforts. The cost is not really too steep in my personal opinion. If you sold your game at the cost of $5 per unit (a reasonable price), after selling the first 80 copies, everything you make is pure profit. If you you can't sell 80 copies of a game, or fear not enough after that, you should probably rethink the idea a commercial game.

[Noob Saibot 38]

That is not illegal. If it was, I will supply you with a long list of programs that are illegal. Actually, it would be much easier and a shorter list for ones that are not, if this is your line of reasoning.

 

I buy Adobe Acrobat.

I create PDF document.

I then use Foxit to read the PDF document.

According to your logic, laws were just broken.

 

 

Then perhaps you should edit your topic it clearly stats it will be able to convert a RMXP game file not simply read it:

 

 

And I never said what you described to be illegal,"to read a file."

 

But you mentioned converting a file. And please lets not argue that this is not legal or not because their is a difference between converting a PDF to a DOC file or a flash to avi. Your talking about a whole new road of taking a file from said software to convert it to work with said software. From a business view this is illegal because RMXP is a sold product and if they condoned it (which I doubt they would) it would be bad for business.

[Chief 30]

Its not illegal. Plenty of software offers conversion to other formats. Blender can import something from 3DS Max, and export as an object file. Converting a .pdf to a .doc so you can work within it isnt illegal. Get some proof before you start flaming him.

[Noob Saibot 38]

Its not illegal.

 

For some forms yes, it isn't.

 

Plenty of software offers conversion to other formats. Blender can import something from 3DS Max, and export as an object file.

 

Again not the same thing as I was referring to from a business stand point.

 

Converting a .pdf to a .doc so you can work within it isnt illegal.

 

I never said it was. In fact I used that example to justify the difference between a word document and programming.

 

Get some proof before you start flaming him.

 

I don't need to. I said from a business point it could be illegal. I'm not talking about what you feel is right or wrong, but business right and wrong. And from a business perspective if they chose to they could sue. I have flamed no one Chief. So if you wish to get hostile please just send me a PM and practice what you preach!

 

v/Respectfully,

Kage Kazumi

 

 

ANYWAY

 

60fps is not that grand at all. I think even Express game maker runs at more than that, but I could be wrong. I say beef it up.

Edited May 17, 2011 by Kage Kazumi

[Chief 30]

Most games cap FPS at 60 to save resources. 60 is the perfect amount. anything over that is redundant. And no, I wasnt speaking right and wrong, its still not illegal.