GameSalad vs RPG Paper Maker

GameSalad Creator is a visual programming tool for making mobile and web games. GameSalad describes its approach as no-code, and says creators and learners ages 12 and beyond can use it. Creator downloads are available for macOS and Windows; iOS and Android Viewer apps support native-device previews. Publishing depends on the plan: Basic subscribers can use Creator’s behaviors and functions, preview with Viewer, and publish to GameSalad Arcade. Pro subscribers get access to all publishing platforms, including iOS App Store, Android App Store and HTML5 publishing, as well as priority technical support. Plans include GameSalad Basic at $19 a month and GameSalad Pro at $29 a month. Education options include lesson plans, tutorials, classroom management and student progress views through a teacher dashboard. App store publishing requires separate store processes, credentials and fees, which are not included in the education license. GameSalad is based in Austin, Texas, and launched in 2010.

RPG Paper Maker is a game-making engine for building 3D games with 2D sprites and 3D objects, with a focus on J-RPGs. Its map editor supports floors, autotiles, walls, mountains, multiple sprite types, 3D objects, and map objects such as NPCs and chests. Objects and events can interact, including doors and treasures. The engine includes retro-inspired assets and accepts users’ own assets. Its 3D side-view battle system lets creators configure heroes, monsters, troops, animations, statuses, and elements. Users with programming or modeling knowledge can make or modify JavaScript plugins and import.obj models. Games can be exported for desktop platforms and web browsers. It is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web. The free edition is for non-commercial use. Commercial publishing requires a license for each team member; the listed commercial edition costs $79.99, paid once and allows unlimited commercial games. The site says there are no other fees.