April 27, 2026 - Sapporo, Japan – SmileBoom Co.Ltd. today released the major update Ver. 2.4 for “RPG Developer Bakin” (read as "BAH-keen"; hereafter referred to as Bakin). This update introduces enhanced visual features, including the implementation of shadow maps, as well as new functions designed to streamline event creation. In addition, the company has revealed plans for future feature expansions, including support for “Live2D,” a service provided by Live2D Inc.
Furthermore, the “SmileBoom Golden Week Sale 2026” is now underway, offering the base version of Bakin and various DLC at special discounted prices.
■ Major Update Ver. 2.4 Enhances Visuals and Development Efficiency
Ver. 2.4 significantly enhances visual capabilities, starting with the implementation of shadow maps, enabling more immersive and visually rich gameplay. In addition, new features—such as an event panel that supports multi-branching based on variable values—allow developers to construct complex processes more simply, greatly improving development efficiency.
Various other features have also been added and refined to support game creation, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users.
● RPG Developer Bakin Ver. 2.4 New Features Video: https://youtu.be/VeF2r_OjA6I
● RPG Developer Bakin Ver. 2.4 New Features Overview
■ Shadow Maps
A new “Shadow Map” feature has been implemented, allowing shadows to be automatically generated based on lights placed within a map with a simple toggle. This makes it easy to incorporate immersive lighting effects—such as shadows cast by campfires or flashlights—into your game.
■ Camera Z Rotation
The camera Z-axis rotation (roll) feature has been added. By intentionally tilting the screen, developers can create unsettling horror scenes or impactful cutscenes, enabling more impactful and memorable visual presentations.
■LOD（Level of Detail）
A feature has been introduced to switch between LOD models embedded within models, based on their displayed height relative to the screen. By simplifying models that are farther from the camera, this helps reduce processing load and improve performance.
■ “Multi-branch (by Variable Value)” Panel
A new panel allows multiple branching paths based on variable values. Similar to a switch statement, it supports branching not only by numerical values but also by strings. This simplifies conditional branching that previously required combining multiple event panels.
In addition, numerous other features and improvements have been implemented, including a function to search for where common events are used, cloud shadows as a post-effect, and the introduction of parallax mapping.
Take this opportunity to challenge yourself and create your own games with RPG Developer Bakin!
■ Future Update Plans (Roadmap)
Bakin has published a roadmap for upcoming feature expansions on its official website and plans to continue delivering regular updates. Development is currently underway to further enhance expressive capabilities and the overall creation experience. As part of this initiative, support for “Live2D,” provided by Live2D Inc., is planned.
Stay tuned for future developments.
For more details, please visit the official website.
Roadmap: https://rpgbakin.com/en/roadmap
■ SmileBoom Golden Week Sale 2026
Starting today, we are offering a 20% discount on "RPG Developer Bakin."
Additionally, DLCs containing various resources will be discounted by 10% to 30%, and the SmileBoom Golden Week Sale 2026 discount will be applied to bundle editions including the products on sale, making them even more affordable. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
●SmileBoom Golden Week Sale 2026 Overview
Period: Monday, April 27 – Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM PDT
Eligible Products & Discounts:
- RPG Developer Bakin: 20％ OFF
- Paid DLC: 10% to 30% OFF
Note: Some DLCs are not included in the sale. Please check the Steam News page for details.
URL： https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1036640/view/515241155306193700
Bundle versions that include discounted items will reflect the same individual discounts.
■ New Bundle Now Available
Today, we launched the “Vibrato Heroes & NPCs Complete Bundle,” a great value package that includes the main game “RPG Developer Bakin” and its popular DLCs.
Additionally, the SmileBoom Golden Week Sale 2026 discount will be applied until 6:00 PM (PDT) on Monday, May 11, 2026, making it an even better value during the sale period.
◆RPG Developer Bakin Vibrato Heroes & NPCs Complete Bundle
This bundle includes a collection of high-quality pixel art character assets created by Vibrato, based on Bakin's character designs.
This asset pack is a character set newly created in pixel art by Vibrato, based on the character designs included in Bakin. Produced at approximately four times the size of the standard assets, it features finely detailed animations that bring out each character’s unique personality and movement with greater richness and clarity.
● Bundle Edition Overview
- Title: RPG Developer Bakin Vibrato Heroes & NPCs Complete Bundle
- Contents: RPG Developer Bakin, RPG Developer Bakin, HERO PIXEL PACK Vol.1, HERO PIXEL PACK Vol.2, HERO PIXEL PACK Vol.3, NPC PIXEL PACK Vol.1, NPC PIXEL PACK Vol.2, NPC PIXEL PACK Vol.3
- Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/72924/
- Release Date: April 27, 2026
- Price: $
196.93→ $157.54 USD (Bundle discount: 10% off)
Note: If you already own items within the bundle, you can purchase only the items you don't own at the bundle discount price
About RPG Developer Bakin
"RPG Developer Bakin" is a game creation tool that combines ease of use with powerful features, making it simple for anyone to create games inspired by "your world". It includes a map editor that allows you to create maps as if you were playing a game, an event creation system that controls the game by simply arranging panels with functions, a database that provides detailed character status settings, advanced screen effect settings that can dramatically change sceneries, and many other tools. Graphics and sound assets are also provided, so you can start creating "your game" right away. The tool launched on Steam in October 2022 and has continuously improved and expanded based on creator feedback. Following ongoing feature enhancements and additions, the official version was released on August 28, 2025.
Factsheet
Title: RPG Developer Bakin
Genre: Game Creation Tool
Recommended System Requirements:
OS: Windows10 (64bit), CPU: Core i5-8400/Ryzen 5 1500X or better, Memory: 16GB, Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX1650/AMD Radeon™ RX570, Storage: 8 GB available space
Distribution Store: Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/1036640/RPG_Developer_Bakin
Early Access Start Date: October 17, 2022
Official Release Date: August 28, 2025.
Price: $84.99 USD
Development / Publisher: SmileBoom Co.Ltd.
Copyright Notice: ©2022-2026 SmileBoom Co.Ltd.
Official Website: https://rpgbakin.com/en
Official X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/RPGBakin
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RPGDeveloperBakin
Official Discord: https://discord.gg/yKwuye2
Official Weibo: https://weibo.com/rpgbakin/
Official Bilibili: https://space.bilibili.com/3546614725609533
Official HeyBox: https://www.xiaoheihe.cn/bbs/user_profile_share?user_id=a6d16c033632&h_src=heyboxapp
Note:
- If you have purchased the Early Access version, it will be updated to the official release at no additional cost.
- Any DLC you purchased or used during the Early Access period will remain available in the official release.
About SmileBoom
The company is a game development company based in Sapporo, Japan. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has continued to create "amusing games that will make anyone smile" and "tools for future creators" for young people, such as the "SmileBASIC" series for powerful high-speed programming on consumer hardware and "Smile Game Builder" for easy 3DRPG creation tool on PC. On the other hand, as a development team with unique sensibilities and advanced skills, we have developed and assisted in the development of major titles and experimental efforts for many major developers. The development team has a wide range of experience and a wealth of ideas ranging from 8-bit PCs to the latest game consoles.
Official Website: https://smileboom.com/en/
Logos, videos, screenshots, and other materials for this release can be downloaded from the URL below.
https://smileboom.com/dl/press/RPGDeveloperBakin_Assets_20260427_EN.zip