RPG Maker 2003 (RPGツクール 2003, RPG Tsukuru 2003) (sometimes shortened to "RM2k3") is the third entry in the series of RPG Maker programs by ASCII. It is a video game creation program like other games in the series. It was released December 18, 2002, two years after its predecessor RPG Maker 2000. Its successor is RPG Maker XP, which was released in 2005. On April 24, 2015, it was released on Steam by Enterbrain and/or Degica for $19.99.
Features[]
Based on RPG Maker 2000, it builds upon the old RPG Maker 2000 features and includes new features such as an improved default tileset with more detailed graphics, a new third person side-view active battle system, and additional database options. Most of the features present in RPG Maker 2000 are in RPG Maker 2003. It is also able to convert RPG Maker 2000 games into RPG Maker 2003 games after the database is accessed. This makes the game have features that RPG Maker 2003 has, such as the side view battle system, however, this makes it impossible to open it in RPG Maker 2000 again as it cannot convert RPG Maker 2003 games back into RPG Maker 2000 games.
The database now includes customization options for customizing the side view battler's animations.
The 2015 release of RPG Maker 2003 uses RPG Maker 2009 Ultimate DLLs for games updated to the newer versions, which adds support for 1000 images on screen at once, instead of the 50 in previous versions. It also includes the ability to resize windows such as the database and event windows.
Legality[]
The program was translated into English by RPG Advocate and illegally released by RPG Advocate for free.
An official English version release was published on April 24, 2015. On July 7, 2015 the Humble Game Maker Bundle went live, including this program. It is available on Steam for $19.99. This version is officially translated, officially released, officially supported, officially licensed, and Enterbrain and Degica has granted permission to sell games made with it.
A pinned forum post on Steam Discussions for RPG Maker 2003 has a mandate for users not to post links to unauthorized versions of the game, as it is against the EULA for RPG Maker 2003, and states that users who do so will face an immediate forum ban.