Computers at the gaming table

[Jupp]

I use a notebook as DM. I can play background music from my music library server over WLAN and I can look up rules and stats for the adventure. It's also quite handy to have Excel open to keep record of items that the group has found in the past. And if there is a rules question/interpretation it is sometimes even faster to search online at ENWorld or other sites

So far I would say that the notebook is a very nice asset for a DM.

 

[Harmon]

I'm curious about other people's experiences with a computer and Harmon, how about your positive experiences. I'd really like to know if it's worth it.

Positive experience-
Writing up your adventure and being able to Control F to find things.

Scanning in maps and zooming into them so as to see exact locations and square counts.

I used Auto CADD for a while with dungeon design, and it really helped a lot.

Love the ability to write out Sendings, Divinations, Communes, very quickly and not lose them later (cause Control S is right there).

SRD & PDFs are a blessing in a computer, searches for spells and such are quicker with regards to the computer rather then leafing through papers or a book.

We have an Excel file for a Gear list and I use it for all my characters, nice to update and keep it clean during the slow moments in the game (when everyone goes for soda, or bathroom breaks, or when you are at -8 hp waiting for the cleric to heal you).

There are lots of positive things, Gold Roger might have hit it on the head- the campaign we played yesterday was one of my favorites, but is seldom played (for other reasons).

Don't get me wrong, I think that computers are great addition to the gaming environment, it was just a major distraction yesterday, and totally ruined the game for me.

 

[Mouseferatu]

<threadjack>
Hey Ari -- what's this unspoken project with EN Publishing that I heard about in another thread? Do I need to set aside some gold pieces?
</threadjack>

Just that, due to other authors having personal issues, I'm stepping in to write about half to two-thirds of installment seven of War of the Burning Sky.

 

[AFGNCAAP]

I haven't had any real experience using a computer or laptop during a gaming session (seems my gaming heyday was just before this time), but I've found the computer a useful tool for pre-game and post-game tasks.

Unfortunately, since (IMHO) E-Tools didn't really take off officially like the 2nd ed. Core Rules programs did (once again, I'm dating myself), I haven't focused on using computers for gaming stuff that much. At best, it's been internet searches for info &/or pics, or word processing for game-related stuff. Only (rather) recently have I started using Wikis for my campaigns, but a lot of the info on that is useful (or generated) for pre-game or post-game sessions.

And, sad to say, even desktops away from the game table (or even in another room) have been significant enough distraction for some players during games (despite who was running the game).

 

[Mouseferatu]

Unfortunately, since (IMHO) E-Tools didn't really take off officially like the 2nd ed. Core Rules programs did (once again, I'm dating myself)

Man, I loved the 2E Core Rules program. I still use it for some of my map-making.

 

[jdrakeh]

We have computers at our gaming table - but no online access. Limits what you can do, thereby limiting distractions

Yep. That's what I do. I bought a palmtop specifically to cart around the Hypertext SRD, FATE 3 (Spirit of the Century) SRD, and some handy utilities that I can't possibly be bothered to memorize.

 

[Treebore]

I tried using my computer at the table for a couple of months. I liked it. Then I was forced to go back to playing without it for two sessions. Somehow the computer interfered with my interacting with my players. Don't really know how to expalin it. I've gone back to print outs, battle maps, etc... instead, and have felt much more like part of the game ever since.

I think it is similiar to reasons I have seen posted for not using DM screens. Even though I use those. Just folded up most of the time. Opened when I want to quickly reference info the screen has.

I guess its somethng about having a "screen" between you and your players.

Maybe if I could put the computer off to the side, somehow.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

What's with all this banning??? I thought this was supposed to be a game of teamwork and participation? I know it'd be a huge red flag to me if I walked in and the first thing out of a DM's mouth was, "No laptops!."

What happened to talking about the issue and coming to a consensus? You might be surprised to learn that everyone at the table but the DM wants the option of using a laptop.

I can understand the distraction that surfing the web can cause, but really that's a whole 'nother issue. Someone who is willing to surf the web rather than play is the same type of person who will wander away from the table, read a magazine, watch TV, or whatever.

I've found electronic gaming aids, including laptops, to be of huge assistance. If you have a problem with someone doing something they shouldn't, talk to them about it. But this whole banning thing is over the top.

 

[Corsair]

The problem is the player, not the computer. If someone is going to web surf instead of roleplay, chances are he'd have his nose in a rulebook or sneak a gameboy under the desk, or just doodle in a notebook if he didn't have a computer. It doesn't change the fact that he isn't paying attention.

I moved entirely to laptop except for my actual character sheet and dice. Between SRD, pdfs, and internet access, I don't bring any actual books (extremely helpful when you're playing a wizard who can summon, and normally need the PHB, DMG, MM, Complete Arcane, Complete Mage, Spell Compendium, and Magic Item Compendium).

 

[SpiderMonkey]

I'll never go back to being laptop-less as a DM again. I love it: all of my world notes and session notes but a click away; pdfs saving space in my bag and at the table; name, treasure, inn and other random generators for when the PCs go off the beaten track, copied and pasted flavor text and descriptions from novels and online fiction. I don't play around on the internet when I'm gaming, and it just helps my world seem bigger than otherwise.

As a player, I don't bother, however. I may bring it, but I won't use it unless we're farting around for whatever reason. It did save me when one of my characters got killed and I had to wait for about 2 or 3 hours to get res'd. That DM wasn't so great.