Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Tiled Map Editor VS RPG Maker

Compare Tiled Map Editor VS RPG Maker and see what are their differences

Tiled Map Editor logo Tiled Map Editor

Tiled is a general purpose tile map editor.

RPG Maker logo RPG Maker

Make your own PC game with RPG Maker. Our easy to use tools are simple enough for a child, and powerful enough for a developer. Try it free today!
  • Tiled Map Editor Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-30
  • RPG Maker Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18

Tiled Map Editor features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Tiled Map Editor is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
  • Supports Multiple Map Formats
    The editor supports various map formats such as orthogonal, isometric, and hexagonal, providing flexibility for different types of game projects.
  • Customizable Tilesets
    Users can create and import their own tilesets, allowing for customization and personalization of maps.
  • Extensible with Plugins
    Tiled Map Editor can be extended using plugins and scripting, offering advanced users the ability to add new features or automate tasks.
  • Active Community and Support
    It has an active community and available documentation which can be helpful for getting support and learning best practices.

Possible disadvantages of Tiled Map Editor

  • Steep Learning Curve for Beginners
    New users may find it challenging to learn due to its extensive functionalities and lack of beginner-friendly tutorials.
  • Performance Issues with Large Maps
    Some users report performance issues when working with very large maps, which can hinder productivity.
  • Limited Built-in Asset Library
    The editor does not come with a substantial built-in asset library, requiring users to create or source their own assets.
  • No Native 3D Support
    Tiled Map Editor primarily focuses on 2D maps and does not natively support 3D environments, which may limit its use for certain types of projects.

RPG Maker features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    RPG Maker offers a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it accessible even for beginners with no programming knowledge.
  • Rich Asset Library
    The platform includes a vast library of pre-made characters, music, and tilesets, helping users to get started quickly and create professional-looking games.
  • Scripting Flexibility
    Advanced users can utilize Ruby or JavaScript scripting to customize and extend the functionality of their games.
  • Community Support
    RPG Maker has an active and supportive community that offers a wealth of tutorials, plugins, and forums for troubleshooting and sharing ideas.
  • Cross-Platform Export
    Games created on RPG Maker can be exported to various platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, broadening the potential audience.

Possible disadvantages of RPG Maker

  • Limited Scope
    The engine is primarily designed for creating 2D RPGs, limiting its use case for other game genres or 3D game development.
  • Performance Issues
    Games created in RPG Maker can suffer from performance issues, particularly with larger projects that include many assets or complex scripts.
  • Asset Restrictions
    While the asset library is extensive, it can still be restrictive. Custom assets usually need to be created or purchased separately, adding to the development cost.
  • Licensing Costs
    Although there is a free trial, the full version of RPG Maker requires a paid license, which could be a barrier for hobbyists or small developers.
  • Learning Curve for Scripting
    While the basic interface is easy to learn, fully leveraging the engine's capabilities through scripting (Ruby or JavaScript) can have a steep learning curve.

Analysis of RPG Maker

Overall verdict

  • RPG Maker is a good choice for those looking to create 2D RPGs quickly and with minimal technical barriers. While it may not provide the flexibility or power of more advanced engines for creating 3D games or more complex mechanics, it excels in its niche and has a strong community for support.

Why this product is good

  • RPG Maker is a popular game development tool that allows users to create their own role-playing games with relative ease. It offers a wide range of features including a user-friendly interface, built-in graphics, and sound assets, and a scripting language for more advanced customization. Its strength lies in enabling both beginners and experienced developers to bring their game ideas to life without needing in-depth programming knowledge.

Recommended for

  • Beginners interested in game development
  • Fans of retro-style and 2D RPG games
  • Indie developers looking for a quick prototyping tool
  • Educators teaching game design concepts
  • Creators who want to focus more on story and less on programming

Tiled Map Editor videos

Tiled Map Editor Tutorial Part One: The Basics

More videos:

  • Review - GameDev Toolbox: Tiled Map Editor

RPG Maker videos

RPG Maker MV: IN-DEPTH USER REVIEW

More videos:

  • Review - RPG Maker MV Hands-On Review
  • Review - RPG Maker Games - GC Positive

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Tiled Map Editor and RPG Maker)
Game Engine
16 16%
84% 84
Game Development
0 0%
100% 100
Maps
100 100%
0% 0
Mapping And GIS
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Tiled Map Editor and RPG Maker

Tiled Map Editor Reviews

We have no reviews of Tiled Map Editor yet.
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RPG Maker Reviews

16 Scratch Alternatives
RPGMaker deals with building-based services where users can develop high-range games into simple 2D games in real-time. This platform can let its users bring their imagination and creativity into reality with the help of some skills related to programming. It can even permit clients with detailed customization with the help of accessing a user-friendly interface so beginners...
Trending 10 BEST Video Game Design & Development Software 2021
RPG Maker MV is the latest installment and best version out of several options. This version builds upon the philosophy of developing games without programming expertise. An abundance of Sample data, Character generators, Sample maps, and other resources have been included in the engine to streamline projects.
The Top 10 Video Game Engines
The best thing about RPG maker is the same reason why it occasionally gets a bad rapโ€”just about anyone can use it to create a game.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Tiled Map Editor seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Tiled Map Editor mentions (5)

  • Software to make pictures to numbers?
    You mean like a map editor? Are you talking 2d or 3d? For 2d, I like Tiled. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Call for Collaboration: Metroidvania Game Designer
    Responsibilities Understand and design for the psychology of the player experience at all times. Design and iterate all game mechanics, including unique selling points as well as familiar game play. Use a google docs spreadsheet to manage the game design. Help create a storyline and help choose a compelling theme for the game. Create level designs using Tiled (http://mapeditor.org/). Design around 500 rooms with... Source: about 3 years ago
  • rpg maker (mz) vs solarus
    I'm not good in programing and I'm about to develop a story driven action rpg style game. I like to be able to do a lot (sometimes turn-based, sometimes hack'n'slash), use different weapons, be able to develop the character's level, weapons... And to have access to lots of assets and tools that make development easier (e.g. Rpg maker works with tiles mapeditor.org). thoughts? Source: over 3 years ago
  • Come join me! https://poc.terragaming.net/
    You could easily do this without having to implement anything. Have people download Tiled at mapeditor.org and make their maps with it, then they can export their maps to .json and you could open them on your machine for review with the same program. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Creating windows/doors in walls with mapmaker?
    The free tileset editor I used is called Tiled and can be downloaded here: mapeditor.org. Source: over 4 years ago

RPG Maker mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of RPG Maker yet. Tracking of RPG Maker recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Tiled Map Editor and RPG Maker, you can also consider the following products

Sprite Fusion - Design your game with Sprite Fusion, the ultimate free online tilemap editor. Design 2D games with ease, direclty export to Unity Tilemap and Godot Scenes. Ideal for retro games!

Godot Engine - Feature-packed 2D and 3D open source game engine.

PyMapper - Drag and drop tile based mapping program.

GDevelop - GDevelop is an open-source game making software designed to be used by everyone.

LDtk - User-friendly, open-source 2D map editor.

Unity - The multiplatform game creation tools for everyone.