Steam Users Have Until February 16 to Try RPG Maker for Free

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Okay, so I just found out RPG Maker MZ is free to try on Steam until February 16th! It’s seriously powerful – I’ve heard it’s one of the best tools out there for making RPGs, and it’s surprisingly easy to pick up. Normally it costs $80, but right now you can give it a spin. What’s cool is you can basically drag and drop stuff to build your game, create your own worlds, and design battles without needing to know how to code. Even if you’re new to game development, or just a huge RPG fan like me, it seems like a great way to start making your dream game.

Gamers who dream of creating their own role-playing games now have a chance to do so, thanks to Gotcha Gotcha Games and KADOKAWA Yoji Ojima, who are offering the tools needed – for free, but only for a limited time. For years, RPG Maker has helped aspiring game developers get started, proving that anyone can design an RPG without facing the complex challenges often found in the industry. It’s all about making game creation accessible and letting creators bring their ideas to life.

A Full Toolset at Zero Cost for a Week

From now until 10 a.m. PST on February 16th, Steam is giving away the full version of RPG Maker MZ as part of the RPG Maker Festival 2026. This isn’t a limited demo – you’ll have complete access to all the tools professional and indie game developers use, including map editors, character creation, scripting, and tons of art assets. You can even use it to recreate classic RPGs like Legend of Dragoon! Plus, there are discounts on extra content like music, graphics, and plugins, so if you enjoy the engine, it’s a great time to expand your toolkit.

Image via Gotcha Gotcha Games

MZ empowers you to create the RPG you’ve always dreamed of, whether it’s an epic story with lots of choices or a small, personal adventure. The engine easily manages everything from conversations with characters to starting quests. You can also design unique heroes, villains, and townspeople using customizable parts. While MZ features a classic turn-based battle system, it also allows you to add plugins, letting you experiment with different combat styles – like card-based battles or real-time action – and break away from traditional RPG formulas.

Just so you know, you’ll need to buy the software after the free trial ends, or you’ll lose access. However, any work you do during the trial will be saved if you decide to purchase RPG Maker MZ later. Offering this tool for free, even for a limited time, will likely inspire a new generation of indie game developers to start creating.

Image via Gotcha Gotcha Games

It’s unusual for a powerful game development tool like RPG Maker MZ to be promoted with full access – particularly one that offers features comparable to many paid engines. Since launching in August 2020, RPG Maker MZ has become known for being both easy to use and surprisingly robust. It provides everything needed to start creating games right away, including detailed map editors, a comprehensive database, and pre-made music and characters. Even if you don’t release your RPG Maker game, it’s still a great, cost-free way to learn and experiment.

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If you’ve ever wanted to create your own role-playing game, or are simply curious about game development, now is a great time to start. You can try RPG Maker MZ for free on Steam until February 16th, but the free trial won’t last forever, so don’t miss out!

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2026-02-11 01:44