Casper Gaming's Plugin Protector [MZ/MV]

Hi all, introducing Casper Gaming's Plugin Protector! This is meant to help protect RPG Maker plugins.

Introduction

Every so often, I get a user who asks if they need to encrypt my plugins or otherwise protect them, with the thinking that "Couldn't someone just download my game, copy the plugin js files, and use them in their game?"

I am not really worried about this with [CGMZ], because it would require quite a lot of effort on any would-be plugin stealer's part. There are 100+ [CGMZ] plugins out there and they receive daily updates, it would be a constant struggle to find games that have plugins they want to steal and also to stay up to date with the latest features. When the alternative is paying $5, I think almost everyone would choose to just obtain a legitimate copy of my plugins.

However, it is still a good idea to try and prevent any dishonest behavior when possible, within reason. That is why I have decided to make a simple program to prevent this scenario.

How It Works

When you start up this tool, you will see a simple screen:

To use it, you click the Select Project button, and then select the root folder of your deployed game. The program handles the rest, and will let you know when it is done running. It should only take a few seconds at most.

What It Does

This tool removes the annotations at the top of your plugin files. The annotation system is what causes the editor to display plugin parameters, plugin commands (MZ), and any help documentation or other information.

This means that after using this tool, if a would-be thief would copy the .js file into their project, it would be unusable because they would not see any parameters and they would not be able to use any plugin commands. Your deployed game will still function as normal, annotations are only used by the editor.

This is a lossy process, the annotations are removed rather than obfuscated or hidden, which means there is no easy way someone could re-create them.

What It Does Not Do

This plugin does not alter the plugin code in any way, it only removes the annotation comments at the top of the plugin file. This means if you are worried about other types of code theft, such as another plugin author copying a function you wrote into their plugin, this tool will not help with that. Starting with RPG Maker MZ, some authors have started to obfuscate their code to try and prevent that issue. That is a separate process than what this tool does, though of course this tool can be used on obfuscated plugins to remove their annotations as well.

Safety Features

You should only be using this on your deployed projects. This program includes a few safety features to try and prevent any user error. It will attempt to detect if you select your source project (which you edit to make your game), and prevent you from using it there. You still need to see plugin parameters and plugin commands while making your game!

This program has been tested on a deployed MZ and MV project that included all 100+ [CGMZ] and CGMV plugins. However, due to the massive variance in which people can write their plugin code, you could run across a plugin that breaks after using this program. You should test your game after running this to make sure it boots up and plays without error.

Do I Need To Use This?

No. Casper Gaming does not require using this for games that use [CGMZ] or CGMV plugins. Other plugin authors may have their own terms / protection requirements.

Quick Facts

✅ RPG Maker MZ / MV
✅ Windows / Web deploys
✅ Windows OS
❌ Mac Deploys
❌ Mac / Linux OS
✅ No AI used at any point in the creation of this tool

Support

Casper Gaming provides quick support to any user who needs it. You can leave a comment below with your question or issue, I try to check my Itch.io comments at least once a day. For even quicker support, you can come into the Casper Gaming Discord and ask for help in the #support channel.

If you run into a plugin that this tool breaks, please reach out so I can investigate and fix the issue.

Roadmap

I plan to expand this tool to support Mac OS and Mac Deploys. Right now this tool only supports Windows and Windows / Web deploys.

Happy RPG Making!