D&D 4E D&D 4E Presentation videos

[Friadoc]

Does this mean I can buy a book, input the code, and then sell the book? What happens to the poor guy that buys a second-hand book when the code has already been used?

Is the code sealed in some way? If not, what happens when I buy a book from Borders and find out someone was already in the store and copied the code down (and has already used it)?

Phil,

I think the code aspect of things isn't unique, ala the codes that Necromancer Games modules have in them, and so long as you know the code, they'll work.

At least, thus far, that's my theory on it.

However, if it is unique, then you've raised quite a few excellent points, as it would been a huge vulnerability, as well as an issue for the secondary and tieriary markets.

I'm hoping that the code isn't unique per book, since the DI would charge a handling fee to add the enhancements for said book to your account, so I've a feeling that the worry might be pre-emptively handled by the fee.

It's an interesting take on the MMO/WoW model, monthly fees that help fend backend and development.

In theory, it's an awesome idea model, but the practise will show how it plays out.

 

[philreed]

I think the code aspect of things isn't unique, ala the codes that Necromancer Games modules have in them, and so long as you know the code, they'll work.

If this is true, then "sharing" books will be simple. Especially if, as I read elsewhere, the code includes bonus digital material and a PDF copy of the book.

I suspect it's too early to know anything for sure. I'm just very interested in seeing how the entire "code" aspect of books is handled.

 

[an_idol_mind]

The digital initiative will not be for me. One of the main reasons I don't play MMORPGs is because I don't want to pay a subscription fee for a game I already own.

So the DI is out for me. As long as the game doesn't rely on it, though (i.e., as long as all the content needed to play is in the rulebooks and not online), there's still at least a 50/50 chance I'll switch over to 4e.

 

[Bagpuss]

What I heard earlier was some aspects of the DnDInsider were going to be free and others subscription based, and by the looks of things some on nominal one off fees. They might have moved to a full subscription model now who knows.

So I wouldn't write the whole thing off yet.

 

[s.j. bagley]

so far, i'm excited.
it's going to be interesting being the only person in my gaming group that signs up for d&dinsider.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Does this mean I can buy a book, input the code, and then sell the book? What happens to the poor guy that buys a second-hand book when the code has already been used?

Is the code sealed in some way? If not, what happens when I buy a book from Borders and find out someone was already in the store and copied the code down (and has already used it)?

My impression is that the codes will be unique, otherwise they will discover that they have sold 20,000 copies of the physical book, and somehow 100,000 people seem to own it on D&D Insider. Hopefully the code will be sealed to protect it - perhaps a scratch-off to reveal it. If you pick up a copy and the coating is scratched off, grab a different copy. If they are really smart, they will provide a few display copies of the books to retailers for browsing that won't contain a code to steal, then shrink wrap copies for purchase.

As for selling the book, if they are committed to provided the best service to the players, they will have a way to "decommission" your book and release the code for someone else's use, perhaps having the new owner pay a small fee to reactivate the online version so they actually get a small piece of the secondary market.

I'm intrigued by all this. The next thing I'm wondering is will everyone have to individually log in on different computers to be able to use the virtual game table? Can a husband and wife, or roommates play from the same computer at the same time or will they each need their own computer? Multiple logins would allow face-to-face games to occur and still use the virtual game table. I would love to be able to hook up to my TV, kick back with a group in my living room and have us all using the digital map and minis rather than cramming around a table (my old group was eight players and the DM - it was tight) and drawing on a battlemat. Of course that is as long as there are overrides to using the virtual dice. Virtual dice are great for remote gaming, but face to face I want to roll my own dice.

 

[mattcolville]

If this is true, then "sharing" books will be simple. Especially if, as I read elsewhere, the code includes bonus digital material and a PDF copy of the book.

I suspect it's too early to know anything for sure. I'm just very interested in seeing how the entire "code" aspect of books is handled.

I'd bet it'll be like registering software, in which you enter your name and contact info a serial number when you register, allowing them to track stolen or hacked serials.

 

[Mark]

As for selling the book, if they are committed to provided the best service to the players, they will have a way to "decommission" your book and release the code for someone else's use, perhaps having the new owner pay a small fee to reactivate the online version so they actually get a small piece of the secondary market.

I wonder how popular this would be.

 

[pawsplay]

Well, I wasn't that interested in DI, but the virtual tabletop is pretty fascinating. Hmm....

 

[tensen]

If this is true, then "sharing" books will be simple. Especially if, as I read elsewhere, the code includes bonus digital material and a PDF copy of the book.

I suspect it's too early to know anything for sure. I'm just very interested in seeing how the entire "code" aspect of books is handled.

If the code is unique I'm anticipating less than 30 days before someone creates a valid code generator after backward engineering the algorithm.