In The Name of Internet Paranoia

It seems that in the name of internet paranoia, this blog has been flagged as "badware" by Stop Badware, which is ABSOLUTE CRAP! There IS NO badware or other malware on here!

The culprit is apparently a group of Javascript files (used for some of the widgets) that apparently link to "flagged" sites. I am NOT responsible for links actually on that site, only for the content contained in the JS files, which only contains the code for the widgets.

I've submitted a review, but that'll take time. This happened last year as well but to my "business" website and as a result, I lost business. There was NO badware on that site either. By the time it was all cleared up, I closed the site; it had been "flagged" for too long.

Meantime I will be disabling that damn option in Firefox and keeping it off. And I'd recommend others do the same, since some of the sites that shouldn't be flagged are being flagged, simply because they contain a link to a link to a link that has some semblance of badware on it. And the badware message that is displayed because of it with the legendary "Get me out of here!" button is enough to place the fear of God into the nescient! It's just freaking ridiculous that they don't actually check the site FIRST before placing that overbearing, scaremongering message!

Ok, rant over! Hopefully it WILL be resolved soon, otherwise there will be hell to pay...again!

Tempus Fugit

I'm still around, though haven't been active with RPG Maker. I've been commissioned to design some websites, which has taken up most of my time. And so with deadlines looming, it's a race to get them finished before the end of the month.

In the mean time, here's the official Enterbrain RPG Maker site (in case you didn't already know about it): RPG Maker Series Official Website.

From here, you can purchase all three of their Makers:

• RPG Maker VX - $59.99
• RPG Maker XP - $29.99
• IG Maker - $59.99

I'd absolutely love to purchase the IG Maker but don't have enough funds yet. Since they accept Paypal now (they didn't in the past), I'll be saving up just to see what that's about.

And here's their official Facebook page.

I'm there too, if anyone's interested: Companion Wulf at Facebook or RPG Maker Times on Facebook.

That's it for another update, such as it is.

RPG Makers Update

I will no longer be supporting RM2K3 as actively as before, as the main focus will now be for RMXP and RMVX. Although I may still produce tutorial demos and mini-games for RM2K3, there won't be as many RM2K3-based tutorials; these will be primarily for the other RPG Makers.

I'm in the process of compiling the windowskins on RPG Maker Times and placing them on a separate blog. This will allow for easier access, including specific search keywords. Then, in the future, most of the windowskins will most likely be developed for both RMXP and RMVX. To view the windowskins at a glance, you can visit the RPG Maker Windowskins blog.

Since both of my projects are being developed simultaneously, updates are available on their separate sites and they will be revamped over the next few weeks. To keep up-to-date with the projects, click on the links below (and update any bookmarks accordingly):

• The Gladiator Project (Arena Gladiatorium - Projecta Gladiatore).
• Ars Mechanicum 1: Genesis (formerly Ars Magia)

Yes, Ars Magia has been officially renamed. This is to better reflect the nature of the game. It's actually gone back to its "grass roots", based on the previously named series of short-short stories I wrote, but integrated into the novella and game.

As always, to keep abreast of developments with the projects and blog updates, don't forget to subscribe to the newsfeeds or newsletter.

The Gladiator Project Redux

The Gladiator Project is back in development after being on hold for a while. So this means that I'm now working on two projects and balancing between the two.

After originally developing it for RMVX, because of its limitations, I decided to experiment with it in RMXP, and found a formula that works quite well with it.

The menu system has been redesigned from scratch, along with some features not present in the RMVX version. I've already started designing the characters and maps, so will have something more tangible soon.

For more information, visit the "official" Gladiator Project site. Or subscribe to the newsfeeds or newsletter for updates on RPG Maker Times, including new posts and project updates.

Resource Sites for RPG Maker #1

I've been using RPG Maker for awhile, as regular visitors will know, so it would be inevitable that I'd have some graphical resource sites at hand. In fact, my collection of bookmarks is huge! Sadly, however, some of the sites have faded into obscurity. These are some of the best resource sites, listed in an almost comprehensive list.

Where applicable, sites have been translated into English using Google Translate.

• Etorie Material
• English version

(RMXP/VX) A Japanese resource site with the slant on anime. All resources here are good quality. Windowskins are for RMXP for the most part.

• Mutation Genes
• English version

(RM2K3/XP/VX) A Japanese site with some stunning graphics for all RPG Maker platforms, from Title/Game Over screens to transitions to message backgrounds.

• Neo RTP (RMVX) - This Japanese site has very few resources on it, but it's mentioned because it's the only one I know of with "school" themed resources, from characters to windowskins.
• Onirology (RPG-Maker) (RM2K3/XP/VX) - A French site with a few resources, but they are quite good, including Windowskins. The site does not appear to have been updated for a while. — English version (Google Translated)
• Zanyzora's RMXP Resources RMXP - Contains a comparatively small amount of resources, but good ones nevertheless. Some are matching sets and some are add-ons too, including ships. It does not appear that the site has been updated for a while.