One could argue that this is less convenient because you don't have a central place to get your stuff. On the other hand, this gains you a lot of alternatives.
Yes, very valid regarding the central place to get your stuff. With Pathfinder I do have one place to get my rule books and setting books in digital format. But to piece together my character builders, monster advancers and VTT I do need to find those from other sources. I don't see this as a con for my preferences, but I can certainly understand some might.
Jan van Leyden said:
Yes they are - as far as convenience and cost are concerned.
WotC likes to be your one stop site for all things 4e. You can pay for the service and don't have to fool around with data entry, setting up game servers and stuff like that.
Convenience - I have been using a tablet a lot to access my Paizo rules in PDF or via the PFSRD, is DDI working on the tablet? It might be - I don't know.
As for cost. Yeah, if I wanted access to *all* Pathfinder content (i.e. including their player companion products, etc) then I would likely spend more than a DDI sub. But with the Pathfinder things I still have access to everything I previously purchased even on months I decide I don't want to make the purchase. This is a huge advantage for me and one I warrant paying a little more is worth it.
I don't really have to fool around with data entry now with the tools I have been using to digitally support my Pathfinder gaming. As for setting up a game server (i.e. MapTool) it took me a couple of minutes to do what was needed and I haven't had an issue yet with people connecting to my MapTool server. I do recognize this may be more of an issue for some though.
Jan van Leyden said:
If I would have to select a game system solely based on its digital offerings and possibilities, I would decide for 4e/DDI. For me convenience beats possibilities and number of alternatives, but that's a very personal decision.
I totally respect that decision. I think you and I have shown some of the differences between the models and what I considers pros you consider cons.
People certainly aren't going to feel the same way about certain options and I begrudge no one for choosing DDI as their favored digital distribution method. I just don't think that is the one true way however and prefer the tools I have at hand for playing Pathfinder digitally. I am just glad to have options to choose from so that ultimately you and I can both be happy with our game of choice and tools of choice.
Jan van Leyden said:
Dannager believes that the digitalization of RPGs is the way of the future. If this is true, WotC is years ahead of Paizo. Whether "years ahead" has a negative or a positive ring to it, is any gamer's personal decision.
So maybe the better question is what exactly can you do with Wizards offering that I can't do playing Pathfinder digitally? It seems like this thread moves between discussing distribution channels and sometimes the tools.
I don't dislike seeing things move to digital options. I don't like Wizards digital distribution strategy (I feel like I am leasing the game, not owning it) whereas I prefer how I get things done digitally in the Pathfinder realm at the moment.