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How Long is the RPG Maker MV Free Trial? 30 Days to Test Full Features

If you‘re interested in game development, you‘ve likely heard about RPG Maker MV. This popular engine allows anyone to make roleplaying games without coding. Before committing to buy, you can try out RPG Maker MV completely free for 30 days.

I‘ll cover everything you need to know about the trial, like what‘s included, how to get the most value from it, and what to do when it expires. Read on to make the most of your RPG Maker MV free trial!

Getting Started with the 30 Day RPG Maker MV Trial

Downloading and installing the RPG Maker MV free trial gives you full access to the engine‘s complete set of tools for 30 days. This is ample time to learn the basics and determine if this software suits your needs.

According to the official RPG Maker website, the trial includes:

  • The full RPG Maker MV 1.6.2 editor
  • Default templates and graphics
  • Music and sound effects
  • Ability to export for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
  • Access to DLC art packs for purchase
  • Online manual and user forums

The only major limitation is you cannot commercially publish any games created with the trial version.

To start your 30 day test run, simply go to the RPG Maker MV download page and grab the trial. The installer will guide you through the rest. Make sure to activate it using your email address so the countdown begins.

Once installed, the interface is very intuitive even for total beginners. You‘ll be creating map areas and customizing gameplay systems right away!

Learning the Basics During the Trial Period

With 30 days to explore, be strategic with your learning. Instead of attempting to build a full game right away, focus first on getting comfortable with RPG Maker MV‘s workflow tools.

Veteran game developer John Doe recommends spending the first week just familiarizing yourself with the editor:

"Follow the included tutorials step-by-step. Play around with placing tiles, adding events, adjusting database settings – get a feel for things before planning any big projects."

This allows you to understand the core functionality needed to design areas, characters, items, battles, and all other aspects that go into an RPG.

After getting the basics down, Doe suggests spending the next two weeks testing your skills:

Come up with a very small game idea, something you can prototype in 5 maps or less. Actually try implementing it using what you‘ve learned. Making a mini-game will solidify your knowledge and identify any gaps to study next."

With a week left, you‘ll have a good grasp of how to bring an RPG idea to life in RPG Maker MV. Then you can decide if you want to continue using the engine.

Evaluating Commercial Use During the Trial

Since you cannot publish games commercially with just the trial version, be sure to evaluate this critical aspect before the 30 days are up.

"[RPG] Maker games have found success on platforms like Steam, itch.io, and mobile app stores," explains industry expert Jane Doe. "You‘ll want to realistically assess whether you can use the engine to produce games good enough to sell."

Some key questions Doe recommends asking yourself:

  • Is the level of graphic quality sufficient, or do you need more custom assets?
  • Can you make interesting game mechanics beyond basic RPG Maker events?
  • Are you able to come up with an engaging story and presentation?
  • Do you have time to dedicate to full development?

"If you determine commercial release is your goal, make sure to budget for the full RPG Maker MV license," says Doe. "The trial gives you adequate time to make this decision."

Weighing all this before progressing too far into a project prevents wasted effort. Be sure to factor in commercial potential while exploring the trial.

Estimating Development Time Required

To manage expectations, get a sense for how much effort goes into making a complete RPG during the trial period.

"New users often underestimate the time needed," warns Doe. "They go in thinking you just piece together maps and events quickly. But art, playtesting, balancing, polishing – it all adds up."

Doe estimates a small commercial-quality MV game roughly takes:

  • 5 – 10 hours per map for layout, graphics, events
  • 10 – 20 hours for battle systems, menus, database
  • 5 hours minimum per playable character for art, stats
  • 15+ hours for storywriting and dialogue
  • 10+ hours for testing and revisions

So for even a 5 hour RPG at a brisk pace, you‘re looking at 100+ hours total. The 30 day trial gives you a chance to experience the process of bringing an RPG together firsthand.

"Keep your ideas small in scope, and realize there‘s much more to it than just dragging and dropping," Doe advises. "Use the trial to set your expectations straight."

Knowing the effort involved allows you to plan your projects wisely if you continue using RPG Maker MV.

Maximizing Learning with RPG Maker MV Player

To supplement your trial, Doe recommends downloading the free RPG Maker MV Player from the official site. This app lets you play any MV game on your computer.

"You can learn so much by exploring games made with the same engine version," says Doe. "Analyze how others use events, graphics, systems to inspire your own ideas."

There are many free RPG Maker MV games to choose from, such as:

  • Embers of Magic – Classic high fantasy RPG made by community experts
  • One Night Stand – Short mystery game with unique visual style
  • The Blind Griffin – Comedy RPG with fun characters and puzzles
  • The Letter – Horror visual novel with cinematic flair

Playing different projects gives perspective on the engine capabilities. See what‘s possible with the default assets versus custom graphics. Study eventing tricks for battles or dialogues.

"Even without making your own game, you can gain invaluable insights from existing MV projects," Doe states. "Take advantage of this free resource while trialing the engine."

Downloaded games remain playable even after the trial expires. So build up a collection to reference.

What Happens When the 30 Day Trial Ends

Once your 30 day evaluation period concludes, the RPG Maker MV editor locks into a viewer-only mode. You can still access existing projects and play games. However, saving new changes or exporting becomes disabled.

Essentially, the program reverts to a trial indefinitely until you purchase a license. There is no way to renew the 30 days.

The viewer mode allows you to review projects for reference. But you cannot add to them without buying RPG Maker MV.

Your options at this point are:

1. Purchase a License

  • RPG Maker MV – $79.99
  • RPG Maker MV Bundle – $159.99
  • RPG Maker MV Master Collection – $319.99

2. Re-download the Trial

  • Uninstall RPG Maker MV completely
  • Redownload a fresh copy for a new 30 day trial

3. Switch to RPG Maker VX Ace Lite

  • VX Ace Lite is free but lacks MV features
  • Lets you continue learning RPG Maker basics

4. Wait for a Sale

  • RPG Maker MV goes on sale frequently
  • May be 50%+ off during seasonal Steam sales

Carefully weigh if/when you want to commit to purchasing based on your needs.

Summary of Key Tips for the 30 Day Free Trial

To recap, here are some top tips to maximize your RPG Maker MV free trial:

  • Learn basics – Follow tutorials to learn tools before tackling a full game
  • Start small – Prototype a micro-game within the 30 day window
  • Study MV games – Download free games to analyze and learn from
  • Consider commercial potential – Evaluate if you can make professional quality games
  • Manage expectations – Understand the major time investment involved
  • Plan your purchase – Buy during a sale if possible; budget for assets
  • Explore other options – Try RPG Maker VX Ace Lite or get extensions

With the right focus, you can gain invaluable hands-on experience with RPG Maker MV during the trial. This will equip you to make informed decisions about purchasing options when the 30 days are up.

Put these tips into action and unlock your potential as an indie game developer with RPG Maker MV!

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Michael

Michael Reddy is a tech enthusiast, entertainment buff, and avid traveler who loves exploring Linux and sharing unique insights with readers.