Worth pointing out Kyle specifically talks about microtransactions and mentions his past in video games and how traditionally people associate microtransactions with loot boxes. He specifically says they WON'T be doing that, it'll be direct purchases (e.g. you want an ogre, you buy an ogre). I realize that won't likely stop the people afraid of predatory microtransactions from continuing to worry about it, but he at least directly addressed the question. Starts at about the 28 minute mark in this video.
Bob the World Builder Interviews Kyle Brink
I think he also mentioned that you can substitute models for others with no mechanical impact. (I think the example he used was using a wolf to replace a spider.)
dave2008
Legend
Not sure how to take that (and I completely missed it in the video). I like the idea of being able to substitute virtual minis I don't have with ones I do. However, this implies the mechanics and the skin are separate, which, if true, I don't like. I feel like maybe I am misunderstanding something here.
I believe the implication is that they aren't selling "a goblin" as a virtual object, they're selling a goblin miniature and access to goblin stats (probably as part of a Monster Manual purchase) and that associating the two is something a DM will do.
Maybe there's a default goblin mini appearance you could buy from the goblin stats, or clicking on the "minis" section of the goblin page will take you to a shop with several goblin models you could purchase, but you could also select "pick from library" and then click on an orc model you already own.
Something like that.
doctorbadwolf
Heretic of The Seventh Circle
I’m not sure how you could have a fully featured vtt of this kind without them being separable, if not entirely separate.
If the Archer mini is a human and I want it to be an orc, I just edit the asset to associate the archer statblock with the orc with a bow mini. Seems straightforward to me.
Whizbang Dustyboots
Gnometown Hero
It's rarely breaking the law. Most companies don't have employees sign NDAs.
Whizbang Dustyboots
Gnometown Hero
I already buy content like this on D&D Beyond. It doesn't feel predatory to me, quite the opposite. I don't want most of WotC's big adventure books, especially not for $30 on Amazon for the use of one monster.
If I use their VTT (I currently use no VTT and am ambivalent at best about ever using one), buying miniatures and scenery a la carte is how I'd prefer to do it, rather than paying $30 for a bunch of, say, lost world miniatures that I only want to use a pterosaur from, for an aerial cavalry in a non-lost world setting.
dave2008
Legend
I guess the fact that I have never used a VTT is showing! My concern would be if I purchased the "mini" don't I also get the stats for it? How does it function without the stats? And why would I have the stats without the mini?
MonsterEnvy
Legend
I imagine you have the stats if you have the book on Beyond.
Anyway very curious about it hope to see more stuff about Digital soon.
cranberry
Adventurer
But this is largely a costs that DMs bear (monster minis). I wonder how they are going to monetize the players who use the VTT.
Yes, through the purchase of PC virtual PC minis...but that's a one time purchase (buy the base mini, dress it it in armor (for additional fees), and then you're done.
It's my understanding that they want recurring transactions from the players. And for most players, one set of armor will likely be enough.
And as a side note, I'm surprised that anyone is willing to take Hasbro/WoTC management at their word.
Yes, through the purchase of PC virtual PC minis...but that's a one time purchase (buy the base mini, dress it it in armor (for additional fees), and then you're done.
It's my understanding that they want recurring transactions from the players. And for most players, one set of armor will likely be enough.
And as a side note, I'm surprised that anyone is willing to take Hasbro/WoTC management at their word.
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