RPG Tsukuru U2U Producer Details P2D Map System at BitSummit
The P2D system addresses a long-standing limitation of the RPG Tsukuru series by enabling 3D-like depth without requiring 3D modeling skills or abandoning the 2D pixel art that defines the tool's community.
Reporting from 2 sources: 4Gamer.net, Denfaminicogamer.
At BitSummit PUNCH, Gotcha Gotcha Games exhibited the upcoming PC software "RPG Tsukuru U2U," the latest entry in the RPG Tsukuru series. Producer Hiroyuki Ichinose gave an interview explaining the title's central feature: P2D (Perspective 2D), a visual system that adds 3D-like depth to traditional 2D maps while keeping the pixel-art aesthetic. Ichinose described P2D as "PC's first challenge in 3D" for the series, which has used 2D on PC for over 35 years. The system uses a fixed viewpoint, allowing creators to reuse 2D assets from past RPG Tsukuru titles as decorative map tiles, and only requires building what is visible on screen. Ichinose acknowledged that the previous Unity-based title, "RPG Maker Unite," received poor reviews due to a control scheme that differed from traditional RPG Tsukuru games. For "RPG Tsukuru U2U," the team redesigned the UI to be more intuitive for longtime users. The Japanese name revives the "Tsukuru" branding, while the English name remains "RPG Maker U2U." Over 100 pre-made P2D maps are included. The software also features gravity settings, adjustable water levels and colors, silhouette display for characters behind walls, and environmental effects like heat shimmer. Ichinose said the team plans future events where users can try P2D.
Ichinose has been the producer of the RPG Tsukuru series since RPG Tsukuru MV in 2015. The team chose to keep the Unity engine from the previous title largely because of the 3D graphics required for P2D and the ability to output to multiple platforms.
In the P2D map editor, users drag parts from a material list onto the map to create a three-dimensional diorama-like world. The system works by pasting images onto the surface of transparent blocks. Users can combine multiple parts to create custom objects, such as placing a statue part on a pedestal to make a monument. A position correction function accessible by right-click allows fine-tuning of objects up, down, left, and right with mouse operations. Parts like trees and statues can later be given wind-swaying effects.
When a character moves behind a wall, the character switches to a silhouette display or the wall becomes semi-transparent. Gravity settings allow characters to climb stairs and steps, and to jump down from high places, potentially enabling three-dimensional athletic games. Water level and color are freely adjustable through parameters on the editor screen, allowing users to create shallow lakes, deep seas, or poison swamps. A heat shimmer effect can be applied to the entire screen as an environmental effect.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.