RPG Developer Bakin 2.7 Adds DirectX 12 Beta and Steam Deck Support for Indie Games

Japanese game developer SmileBoom has released version 2.7 of RPG Developer Bakin, bringing DirectX 12 beta support, expanded visual customization, and Steam Deck compatibility for games created with the software.

The update, released October 15, introduces several features aimed at making RPG development more flexible without requiring creators to write code.

And for indie developers working with limited resources, some of these changes could make a meaningful difference.

DirectX 12 Beta Brings Faster Startup Times and New Effects

One of the biggest additions in version 2.7 is optional DirectX 12 support.

According to SmileBoom, the new graphics API can improve startup times for exported games through parallel shader compilation. It also enables GPU particle effects through Effekseer, an effects tool commonly used in Japanese game development.

That gives creators additional options for producing visual effects without building a custom rendering pipeline.

However, there's an important caveat: DirectX 12 support is currently in beta.

Developers who encounter compatibility problems can switch back to the OpenGL version through the software's settings.

In other words, this isn't a mandatory engine transition. Creators can experiment with the new functionality while retaining the existing graphics option.

Steam Deck Support Expands Where Bakin Games Can Run

Perhaps the most interesting addition for independent developers is support for running exported Bakin games on Steam Deck.

Previously focused on Windows PC development, Bakin now gives creators an additional way to reach players using Valve's handheld gaming PC.

However, SmileBoom notes that individual titles must still satisfy Valve's compatibility requirements. Games relying on external DLL files through custom plugins may also encounter problems.

For smaller studios, supporting another device can involve technical work that competes with time spent developing the actual game. Having compatibility addressed at the creation-tool level could reduce some of that burden.

Developers will still need to test controller input, interface readability, performance, and other aspects of the player experience before claiming full compatibility.

More Control Over Visuals Without Writing Code

Version 2.7 also expands Bakin's visual production tools.

The update introduces more extensive color grading for 3D environments, allowing creators to adjust the overall tone and atmosphere of a scene.

For example, developers can use different color treatments to give an environment a warmer appearance, create an eerie atmosphere, or establish a distinctive visual identity.

It's the sort of feature that might sound minor until you consider how much environmental presentation contributes to an RPG's atmosphere.

A haunted castle and a cheerful fantasy village probably shouldn't look like they were filmed under the same fluorescent office lighting.

SmileBoom has also added support for transparent WebM video files.

Because these videos can contain an alpha channel, developers can place animated elements over other visual content without an opaque background. That opens up additional possibilities for interface effects, character presentation, and animated overlays.

Meanwhile, the layout editor now includes dedicated panels for images, pattern animations, and movies.

Together, these changes give creators more control over how their games look and feel without necessarily requiring custom programming.

SmileBoom Celebrates Four Years With a Steam Showcase

The update arrives alongside celebrations for Bakin's fourth anniversary since its early-access debut.

SmileBoom is hosting the Made with RPG Developer Bakin Game Showcase on Steam, featuring released and upcoming games developed using the tool.

The showcase runs through October 28 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

A promotional sale is also underway, with Bakin discounted by 30% and selected downloadable content discounted by 10% to 70%.

The showcase gives developers an opportunity to see how other creators are using the software, while players can discover projects that might otherwise receive little attention.

What Version 2.7 Means for Indie RPG Developers

The appeal of tools like RPG Developer Bakin is straightforward: they allow creators to concentrate on designing games without first having to build every underlying system themselves.

Creators still need to design interesting gameplay, write stories, build environments, test their work, and make countless production decisions.

But improvements to graphics, visual editing, and platform compatibility can remove some technical obstacles.

Version 2.7 doesn't suddenly turn Bakin into a replacement for every professional game engine. Nor does it guarantee that a game will run perfectly on Steam Deck.

What it does is give smaller developers more options.

And for someone trying to build an RPG without an enormous development team, that's a pretty useful update.