Game Security in RPG Maker
Securing your game against cheating or decryption within RPG Maker MZ requires a number of steps, but it should be remembered that no measure is 100% foolproof. Talented people with the right drive will ultimately find ways past most safeguards. Nevertheless, applying these measures can significantly increase the challenge for would-be hackers or cheaters:
Obfuscate Your Files
Encrypt Game Assets: RPG Maker MZ also includes a functionality for encrypting game assets during game export. This will discourage people from directly extracting your images, audio files, and other assets.
In RPG Maker MZ, proceed to the Deployment options, and make sure to select the checkbox for "Encrypt Image and Audio Files."
Custom Encryption: For added security, you can manually encrypt specific files with third-party encryption software and decrypt them on the fly in your game scripts.
Server-Side Validation
Shift sensitive game logic (like calculating results of events or checking player progression) to the server. In this way, players won't be able to manipulate the logic as they do not have direct access to it.
Utilize APIs to authenticate key game data. For instance, save files or character progress can be checked against server logs.
Obfuscate JavaScript Code
RPG Maker MZ games are constructed on JavaScript, and the code can be accessed and altered easily if left unprotected.
Utilize JavaScript obfuscation tools such as Obfuscator.io or UglifyJS to render the code more difficult to understand and alter.
Be careful, as extreme obfuscation sometimes results in performance problems.
Disable Debugging Tools
Browser developer tools or Node.js debugging tools can be used by players to examine or change your game's code. Disable these tools:
Utilize a script that disables the developer tools during game launch.
Insert code that ends the game if it detects debugging.
Prevent Save File Tampering
Encrypt Save Files: RPG Maker MZ save files are stored in JSON form, which is editable. Encrypt them when saving and decrypt them when loading.
Check Integrity: Include a checksum or hash in your save files. When the game loads the file, check the checksum to verify if the data has been altered.
Prevent Resource Leaks
Rename files with unusual extensions (e.g., renaming .ogg to .xyz) to make it more difficult for users to know the types of files.
Compress your game data into a proprietary archive format that your game engine alone can open.
Reduce Client-Side Trust
Don't put sensitive data or logic on the client-side. When something needs to be local, then encrypt or obfuscate it.
Watch and Update
Keep an eye on your game for hacks or cheats and update the protection regularly. Fix any reported vulnerabilities as soon as they appear.
Implement Anti-Tampering Plugins
There are developers who either make or utilize plugins that verify the integrity of the game files during run time. For instance, plugins can verify modifications to game scripts or asset files and shut down the game in case of changes.
Inform Your Community
Encourage your players to play fairly by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and enjoyable community. Sometimes, a strong and positive community culture can discourage cheating.
Important Considerations
Performance: Adding encryption, obfuscation, and integrity checks can increase the processing load on your game, potentially impacting performance.
Compatibility: Be sure your protections work across all platforms you’re targeting (e.g., Windows, macOS, browsers, mobile).
Balance Security with Usability: Excessive protection mechanisms may annoy honest players if they introduce problems such as false positives or decreased game performance.
By implementing these strategies combined, you will render cheating and decrypting your game much more difficult for players while also providing a balanced experience for your audience.
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