Gaming and IT

[Darkwing Duck]

Are laptops becoming ubiquitous enough that gaming companies can start relying on them being available during a game?

For example, it might be feasible to segregate the gaming mechanics in the laptops so that players can focus on a more immersive experience.

 

[The Crimson Binome]

Maybe for some people, but we already have games that take advantage of letting the computers handle the mechanics.

If a game became so complicated that you needed a computer to handle the mechanics, then it wouldn't really be a tabletop game anymore.

 

[Doug McCrae]

Wouldn't smartphones and tablets be a better bet?

 

[Blue]

Are you asking if you can assume there would be one laptop in a group, if the DM specifically would have a laptop, or if everyone would have laptops. I'd answer those quite likely, likely, and unlikely. I'd up those dramatically if it was "laptop or tablet".

On the other hand, everyone seems to have a smartphone nowadays.

 

[Leatherhead]

Wouldn't smartphones and tablets be a better bet?

Are you asking if you can assume there would be one laptop in a group, if the DM specifically would have a laptop, or if everyone would have laptops. I'd answer those quite likely, likely, and unlikely. I'd up those dramatically if it was "laptop or tablet".

On the other hand, everyone seems to have a smartphone nowadays.

This is what I was going to say.

Everyone has a phone (or tablet), and one person has a computer.

Maybe for some people, but we already have games that take advantage of letting the computers handle the mechanics.

If a game became so complicated that you needed a computer to handle the mechanics, then it wouldn't really be a tabletop game anymore.

The real advantage of everyone having a device at the table isn't computing, ironically enough, it's segregating who has access to what data. Selectively sending pictures, maps, and hidden messages are great for avoiding meta-gaming.

You could also use it to calculate fiddly bit mechanics, like situational bonuses that the players may or may not know are relevant at the time but such a thing wouldn't be the main draw.

 

[Jhaelen]

Are laptops becoming ubiquitous enough that gaming companies can start relying on them being available during a game?

Not really.

For example, it might be feasible to segregate the gaming mechanics in the laptops so that players can focus on a more immersive experience.

I actually disagree. In my experience introducing a laptop to an RPG session is just distracting. It actually counters immersion, at least for me.

 

[Imaculata]

We've been using a laptop for DnD for years. It's no different from the DM sitting behind a DM screen. Plus it allows the DM to also control ambient music and sound effects during the session, or quickly look up PDF versions of books that we may not have as a physical copy.

 

[PrometheanVigil]

We've been using a laptop for DnD for years. It's no different from the DM sitting behind a DM screen. Plus it allows the DM to also control ambient music and sound effects during the session, or quickly look up PDF versions of books that we may not have as a physical copy.

Thank God for Spotify Connect!

I can have my laptop behind me outputting music at 320kbps through the stereo speakers and control it via my smartphone with ease. I must change songs like a dozen times each session, each one chosen to fit the theme of the scene (think like dynamic music in computer games -- combat music, tension, rest, travel, party etc...) Insanely useful -- otherwise I'd have to turn around to switch each time (only ever turn to use it during downtime) and that's awkward in the flow of things.

 

[Darth Solo]

Are laptops becoming ubiquitous enough that gaming companies can start relying on them being available during a game?

For example, it might be feasible to segregate the gaming mechanics in the laptops so that players can focus on a more immersive experience.

Gaming companies should bet on players having their devices at games. Segregate the rules? In my experience players can always find distractions. Before devices it was books or debates on topics unrelated to the game. Now it's devices, books, and unrelated chatter. The trick here is the GM occasionally gets distracted from running the game by books, chatter, and devices.

Sauce for the goose .... as long as everyone is having fun, devices at the table should work.