GTS 2009 D&D Seminar - the Rouse discusses D&D

[Festivus]

The VTT would have to beat the functionality I have currently with Maptool. This would mean things like tight integration with whatever mapping application WoTC produces, as well as the CB for importing / exporting characters and the ability to import monsters from the various tools. Having that functionality would make it worth my while to switch, otherwise if it's just a bunch of manual entry again I'll probably stick with what I have already.

I'd like to hear where WoTC is at with regard to that as well.... so fourthed.

 

[Hussar]

Fifthed on the VTT. I wanna hear about this too please.

I've been playing online for about six years now. There is a very solid group of gamers who play over VTT. A fairly healthy community between OpenRPG and Maptool.

I've used both, although I'm pretty new with Maptool. I would second the idea that 2d is very much good enough for a VTT. The idea is not to create a video game, but a virtual space to play in. IMO, it doesn't need to have a 3d environment for that - we don't do that in real life with a battlemap (barring some very, VERY creative people and a lot of time) and I don't think we need it for a VTT either.

One thing I would say is that the VTT should decide what it is. Is it a virtual tabletop or is it a mapping program. The major problem I have with Maptool is that it tries to do both and loses a lot of functionality in the process. From the DM's perspective, unless I wanted to actually build my maps from the ground up in Maptool, most of that functionality is a waste. Since there are literally hundreds of great map images out there, and with Dungeon being online already, simply porting in the map onto the VTT is a must.

I'd much prefer a VTT that focused on game play, rather than on trying to be a mapping tool.

Anyway, sorry about the soapbox.

Is anything happening with the VTT?

 

[Stoat]

The VTT would have to beat the functionality I have currently with Maptool. This would mean things like tight integration with whatever mapping application WoTC produces, as well as the CB for importing / exporting characters and the ability to import monsters from the various tools. Having that functionality would make it worth my while to switch, otherwise if it's just a bunch of manual entry again I'll probably stick with what I have already.

I'd like to hear where WoTC is at with regard to that as well.... so fourthed.

I don't want to sidetrack the discussion to far, but this is a good point to keep in mind. I've used three different VTT's: Klooge, Fantasy Grounds and now d20 Pro. Each one has required a fair amount of data entry on my part.

Any VTT WotC did should be able to import monsters/characters/traps/whatever from the Compendium, the Character Builder, the Monster Builder, or any other tool WotC comes up with.

 

[TerraDave]

I don't know who this "scott" is.

But, The Rouse, always good to read you.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

For people asking about the VTT:

There was a survey recently, and the VTT was not on the top list of stuff requested. Adventure/Campaign & Monster Management seemed to be more favored.

I was a bit surprised about it, though I basically had a similar feeling (and voted accordingly) - as much as I love the idea of a VTT, I personally do not need it. GameTable did work fine for my online group, and usually I am playing at a real table.

So, the gametable doesn't look like it will be the next product in the pipeline.

I wonder how surprised WotC was by this survey result...

 

[ChaosShard]

For people asking about the VTT:

There was a survey recently, and the VTT was not on the top list of stuff requested. Adventure/Campaign & Monster Management seemed to be more favored.

I was a bit surprised about it, though I basically had a similar feeling (and voted accordingly) - as much as I love the idea of a VTT, I personally do not need it. GameTable did work fine for my online group, and usually I am playing at a real table.

So, the gametable doesn't look like it will be the next product in the pipeline.

I wonder how surprised WotC was by this survey result...

Oh, no worries. I'm aware of the survey, but I still hope that The Rouse may be willing and able to spend a moment on the topic. (My hope that it's coming along is so I don't have to spend all that time entering data for a FG2 mod file )

Even a reply I don't want to hear (i.e. "We've shelved it indefinitely" or somesuch) would let me know what plans to lay down for online play.

 

[hailstop]

Heyas Scott,

Dungeon needs some higher octane fuel than the stuff you're feeding it now; consider more 4E conversions of classic adventures, and not just 1st edition mods. Refactor them a bit for all the things that work great in 4E (dynamic terrain, skill challenges, etc.), but also use that as way to demonstrate both better roleplaying chops, and fidelity to traditional play style modes. Ravenloft is a great example candidate for this treatment; I'd like to see a really polished 4E refactor of Sunken Citadel, or better yet, Sinister Secret Of Saltmarsh. This is ideal DDI content (either free or sub), and would create opportunities to make a statement about the direction D&D is going.

This. I guess one question is whether or not Dungeon would be interested in getting submission proposals for some of these. I've been kinda jonesing for a 4e version of Castle Amber myself.

 

[samursus]

Sixed...or whatever. Also very interested on any info about the VTT. This was one of the main reasons I got excited about 4e. My group has also moved away, but all would be happy to play together again, if the tools were simple and powerful enough.

 

[samursus]

I've been kinda jonesing for a 4e version of Castle Amber myself.

This sounds cool!!!

 

[fnwc]

Yes. We now have a strong precedent within Hasbro of what a well done movie can do for a brand (Transformers) and I believe the bar has been set for future entertainment endeavors. After the success of Transformers, Hasbro now has a specific entertainment executive and a group to manage the TV and movie opportunities.

Good thing, too. D&D movies have been, by and large, terrible to the point of parody.

It would really make my day to go see a great D&D movie -- where LotR would be my gold standard.