Frequently Asked Questions

How To Use

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What the heck is a .RB file?

It's a Ruby script, much like the ones you have in RPG Maker's script editor. Simply open it with a plain text editor and copy/paste its contents. The reason why I use .RB files is that I can edit them with an external text editor, namely Notepad++, and that I can run them with a ruby interpretor instead of RPG Maker..

Support

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What is the proper way to ask you for support?

Well, considering I've released that particular work to the public, I'm willing to get it to work in other people's projects to some extent - so I always have an ear for you if it doesn't in yours. Just be nice and polite. I appreciate comments, thanks and positive feedback, it feels rewarding for everything I've invested in that work. I appreciate it when you go straight to the point rather than waste your time (and mine) with "I was wondering whether you would allow me to ask you if you could consider thinking of giving a little time to something I've had on my mind (but of which I'll tell you only after the third time your respond) but nevermind if you don't, I don't wanna be a bother, really". It is very kind of you to rightfully consider I have my own business to attend to and I'm not necessarily willing to help a stranger, but if you want to ask for something, just do ask for it - I can't tell whether I'm okay with it unless I know what the heck it's about.

What is the proper way to thank you?

Since I don't believe in capitalism, my help is free on principle. If what you're asking for was bothering me in the first place, I would simply refuse to help you, so I necessarily did it heartily. However, there are several little somethings you can do in return, which will put a smile on my face, and more importantly, keep me going with scripting and game-making (as I have other hobbies and I can very well suddenly decide to stop writing scripts/update this blog/give users support for several months, it's all  a matter of mood). Here are things I have in mind:

• Write a nice comment on my blog (yes, nice comments without requests are also appreciated).
• Promote my works by displaying one or more widgets linking to the appropriate page.
• Post links to my contents to online communities (though you should maybe check I'm not there myself, I have done quite a bit of posting as well).
• Send me screenshots of my scripts at work in your own game (might sound weird to you, but it feels nice to have solid evidence that your work is being put to good use). NOTE - with your permission, I might be willing to show your own screenshots on the matching page if it seems like a good illustration of it to me - in this case, you'd receive credits, as well as a link to your project page if you wish.
• Share your own customization of my contents, like themes for the Animated Custom Menu System, or Balloonskins for the Balloon Messages System (with credits and a link to your project page).
• Have positive thoughts toward me, I believe positive energy does have an effect if in sufficient quantity.
• Stick to the old-fashioned "thank you", which might sound a little uncreative but remains so scarce I have no reason not to appreciate it.

I get an error when using the script in my own project!

There may be several reasons to this:

1. You've simply forgotten to copy my Commons and/or Scene_Base scripts, which I use in all of my works, and of which latest versions you can find in my Essentials post.
2. You've made duplicate copies of my Commons script while importing several works of mine (there can be only one).
3. You haven't read the instructions carefully enough, and forgotten something such as copy required images to your project, or setting some constants. Please make sure the documentation definitely can't solve your issue.
4. There's a compatibility error with another script you're using. This might happen, as scripters think differently, and sometimes write things in ways that cannot coexist. As for me, I do my best to ensure minimal compatibility issues for my scripts, so the error is most likely a flaw in the conflicting script, or in the worst case scenario, both scripts cannot possibly be used together. Please determine which script is conflicting by trying my script with each other one you're using individually until the error appears, before reporting it (see below).
5. Though unlikely, there might be a stupid bug. If none of the above worked, please report the error (see below) and I'll fix things that are my bad as soon as I get your message.

How should I report an error?

Any communication medium is fine, as long as I get your message. However, please provide me with the best information you could give, including:

1. The FULL error message (error type, entry and line number at which the error occurs, message).
2. Circumstances under which the error occurs (sometimes there can be several of them, knowing that helps to pinpoint the error's exact cause).
3. Circumstances under which you'd expect the error to occur as well, but which remain clear.
4. What other scripts you are using.
5. Whatever you tried to do in order to fix the issue, and what it did.

Examples:

You - Hiya dude, your script ain't workin' in my project!   /   Me - That's too bad for you!

You - I get an error whenever I attempt to start my game. The error is "Script 'MP Balloon Messages' line 221: NameError occurred. uninitialized constant Module::Bitmask" Line 221 states "processed = Bitmask.new(w * cell.height)" I'm using the Full Script, and here's a list of other scripts I'm using...   /   Me - I can tell you've forgotten to copy the MP Common entry.

If your error report is obviously incomplete, I shall first give a friendly reminder such as 'please read my FAQ to see how to report an error properly', but if you keep on feeding me with stuff I can't extrapolate from, then I'll let you fix your own issues. If you don't want to help yourself, neither can I.

Requests

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Would you consider writing scripts for RPG Maker VX/convert existing scripts to match RPG Maker VX's syntax?

No, not ever. I can't stand VX for several reasons and will definitely never be using it. Other scripters are free to adapt my works to RMVX if they please, though. If someone ever does, please report it so that I can link to them on my blog, for future requesters of VX scripts.

And what about RMVX Ace?

Well, RMVX Ace is an improvement on RMVX. And in my book, an improvement on something I don't like can't result in anything better than what I like. My scripts are worth months of work, and I don't want to rewrite them from scratch just to match a new engine I won't be using myself, although I admit RMVX's major drawbacks have been wiped out. So, unless RMVX Ace really does a hell of an impression on me someday, I'll pass. However, what applies to RMVX also applies to RMVX Ace (see above).

I love your custom menu/message/battle/whatever system, would you mind writing another for me?

I script systems the way I like them. If my custom menu/message/battle/whatever system is not to your liking as it is, it means that I'm not the person you're looking for. Besides, there's an extremely low chance I'd be willing to make a duplicate of a system kind I've already covered just for a smile, unless you would come with incredibly convincing arguments.

Are you open to requests?

The answer is quite complex, so I decided to summarize it with the following diagram. :p

Projects & Recruitment

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Are you involved with any RPG Maker projects?

Not right now. I have my own project ideas but I am very ambitious as a game designer, and don't have the necessary resources (mostly time, and talent in some areas) to match this ambition, so things are pretty much going at the pace of a turtle with a crippled leg. I do, however, have quite a lot of ideas of game concepts to share, so if you're interested, I'd be happy to discuss them with you.

Would you be interested in joining my project?

Maybe. Before asking me to join, you should know that I'm quite demanding as a game designer. I have my own taste in matters of videogames, as anyone, and mine is in favor of originality and innovation. A game i'd be definitely willing to develop would feature never-seen-before gameplay. A good storyline, a breathtaking atmosphere, gorgeous graphics are a plus, but not nearly as important as gameplay - we're talking videogames after all. Very few projects I've seen on the web truly appeal to me, but I might consider joining yours if you have actual ideas to make it truly unique - or are willing to hear about mine.

What are your talents?

Scripting - I consider myself a veteran scripter, I'm not the best programmer around here, but I have an extensive knowledge of Ruby and RGSS. Things like my Balloonskin module are hardcore features few RGSS scripters would be able to get to work, so I think I've got a pretty singular skill here. I have a good level in math as well, which allows me deal with pretty complex concepts, like pathfinding, realistic movement modelling, or even artificial intelligence.

Event-making - Of course, since it's also programming. I don't always rely on scripting and some systems of mine are hybrid. Since I can do both, I'm also able to assess which option is better for specific needs.

Musical creation - I'm more into songs than videogame music actually, but I have sound theoretical knowledge and I can definitely write arrangements. Besides, I have a lot of experience with virtual music and MIDI. Just ask me if you would like to get some samples.

Scenario writing - I wrote a bunch of fictions (in French) and a novel is to be published soon, so I feel pretty confident about my ability to make up exciting and artistic stories with deep characters.

Graphic processing - I'm definitely no pixel artist, but I'm quite proficient at abstract/geometrical graphic processing, and most of my creations are entirely made from scratch using only Photoshop's effects. See my logo, my Animated Custom Menu System, my Balloonskins, my sunlight and waving effects... as examples.

How much time would you be willing to give my project?
If I do accept to get involved with your project, it means that I feel really thrilled with it, so I will definitely be giving it some time. I still have a family to take care of, though, so if you're not too demanding you should be alright with my involvement.