RPG Maker U2U Debuts Perspective 2D and Luau Scripting
Gotcha Gotcha Games is developing RPG Maker U2U (ユーツーユー), the latest entry in the long-running RPG Maker series that began in 1990 and now spans 36 years of history. In an interview published by Famitsu, producer Hiroyuki Ichinose detailed the tool’s standout feature, a system called P2D (Perspective 2D) that adds three-dimensional depth, light, and shadow effects to traditional 2D maps. The project is planned for release on PC digital stores, though no launch date has been set yet.
P2D is designed to let creators build fields with a sense of depth and height while reusing existing 2D image assets. Ichinose explained that images are placed as three-dimensional parts, and side-view artwork does not need to be prepared separately to achieve a 3D look. Games run internally at full HD, though some source images may appear stretched depending on their resolution. Shadows fall automatically according to the sun’s angle, reinforcing the effect. Notably, camera rotation and angle changes were not adopted, which Ichinose considers a good decision, since requiring side and rear artwork would sharply raise production difficulty.
Ichinose revealed that RPG Maker U2U will use Luau as its plugin scripting language. Luau is based on Lua 5.1 and was developed by Roblox, and it is also used in Roblox Studio. He described it as lightweight, easy to embed, and very stable, with security advantages over JavaScript thanks to its ability to limit execution scope safely. Official plugins will be released gradually, and users can create their own. Creators can also inspect the core script to learn plugin development, or bundle and modify it within their own projects. Documentation, described as “Luau programming lectures,” is planned for release.
The tool is being built as a standalone application to reduce the steps needed to launch it, with the goal of running comfortably on relatively low-spec PCs. AI is being used to support coding, handling implementation, confirmation, and verification, though not for producing graphic assets. Existing 2D assets from earlier RPG Maker entries remain usable. The team aims to preserve familiar controls for veterans of RPG Maker MV and MZ, while keeping the learning cost of new P2D operations low. Output currently targets Windows PC. Character designs come from illustrator Namani ATK, and the names Leon, Ura, Alvin, and Ukyo spell “Luau” through their initials, echoing a series tradition. Release remains some time away, with more details to come. It is an intriguing direction for a 36-year-old series.
