---
title: Introduction
description: Empo runs RPG Maker XP, VX, VX Ace, Pokemon Essentials, and PSDK games on iPhone and iPad.
sidebar:
  icon: house
---

Empo is a game launcher for iPhone and iPad. It runs games that were made for RPG Maker XP,
VX, and VX Ace, and for modern [mkxp-z](https://github.com/mkxp-z/mkxp-z) forks such as
Pokemon Essentials fangames. It also runs games made with PSDK.

RPG Maker games run on [mkxp-z-apple-mobile](https://github.com/mateo-m/mkxp-z-apple-mobile),
an iOS fork of the mkxp-z engine. PSDK games run on
[litergss2-apple-mobile](https://github.com/mateo-m/litergss2-apple-mobile), an iOS fork of
LiteRGSS2.

The name comes from _emporos_, ancient Greek for a traveler who rides on someone else's ship.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Install Empo" href="/install" icon="download">
    Requirements, and how to sideload the app.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Import a game" href="/importing-games" icon="folder-down">
    Folders, archives, and JoiPlay packages.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Play" href="/playing" icon="gamepad-2">
    Touch controls, controllers, per-game settings, and pause.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Troubleshooting" href="/troubleshooting" icon="wrench">
    What to do when a game does not start or does not sound right.
  </Card>
  <Card title="FAQ" href="/faq" icon="circle-help">
    Short answers before you install.
  </Card>
  <Card title="What's new" href="/changelog" icon="sparkles">
    The changes in each release.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

![A game running in Empo](/blume-assets/content/docs/media/demo-overworld.png)

## Status

Empo is pre-release. It is not on the App Store. The app works from end to end with RGSS1,
RGSS2, and RGSS3 games, with modern mkxp-z forks, and with PSDK games.

Compatibility reports for single games are welcome. [Community and support](/community) says
where to send them and what to include.

Game developers start at [Ship custom controls](/controls-format). Contributors start at
[How it works](/how-it-works).