Resource Spotlight: Blackxwolf's Build-A-Windowskin
hiddenone
by
hiddenone
on
September 19, 2021
September 19, 2021

Resource Spotlight: Blackxwolf's Build-A-Windowskin

Resource Spotlight: Blackxwolf's Build-A-Windowskin
by

hiddenone

on

September 19, 2021

MZ’s default windowskin is nice, but could be considered a bit too sci-fi inspired for some games. But making a custom windowskin is tough, so what’s a dev to do? If the premade options out there aren’t striking your fancy, then you need to check out Blackxwolf’s Build-A-Windowskin!

Blackxwolf’s Build-A-Windowskin thread focuses on a single .psd file that gives you control over all the decorative parts of a windowskin! Blackxwolf separated MV’s windowskin into different sections and then put together unique pieces for each one so that you can pick and choose to make the perfect windowskin for your game.

The file is also broken into color-coded sections so that you can easily switch out a frame or background without having to search through every single piece.. You just need to be able to use a program like GIMP or Photoshop and you can start making your own windowskins.

With so many options for each section (like 51 back patterns and 40 frames!), it would be impossible to show off everything. In fact, Blackxwolf says that by mixing and matching all the pieces you could create 49 million different windowskins! Give your film noir-themed game an old fashioned film roll frame, or bring the cyberpunk vibe into your menus with a glowing neon frame. Some of the frames work best with a plugin to let them tile instead of stretch, but you’ll need to play around and make up your own mind for the windowskins you create.

Since you need to own MV to use these windowskins, why not recreate MV’s simple version for your rpg if MZ’s is too much? A clean white frame and basic back pattern make it easy for your players to focus on the story you’re telling.

If your story takes place inside a video game or high-tech world, then why not have your menus reflect that? Add a 10100111001 back pattern of 1s and 0s and a sleek frame to create a computer-inspired look.

Of course, graphics for fantasy games are a big part of the options. Decorative gilded frames and carved wood would work well with pointing swords in a game all about slaying dragons, or have a speech bubble as the message’s talk animation for a dialogue-heavy story.

A more magic-focused game can choose from stars, moons, and sun back patterns to give a more mystical vibe. Or try layering multiple back patterns on top of each other to create unique designs, like combining shuriken and open star patterns to create a new flower background.

And if your game is of a spookier nature, Blackxwolf also has you covered! There are a few dark frames and a footprint back pattern to make sure your horror game is scary even in the menus.

If you’ve been wanting a new windowskin for your game but don’t want to make it from scratch, then make sure to check out Blackxwolf’s Build-A-Windowskin thread!

Recommended Posts