D&D 5E DnD Beyond - Why is it still so bad?

[LordEntrails]

There are technical solutions to the "problem". Paizo does it with their books, PDF's and FG versions. But it's not simple, it's not completely stable and I have no idea what the overhead cost of such a system is (including theft). But I'm sure the overhead cost is not insignificant.

That being said, I have no need for printed copies. No interest in PDF's. And am quite happy with my FG versions.

 

[Jester David]

It's also worth mentioning that you aren't just expecting someone to rebuy the PHB in pdf format for half price. In order to use the character builder you are asking them to rebuy every book that contains an option they want to use. So if they've shelved out 400 dollars on D&D books you are asking them to pay 200 extra dollars to be able to use the character building resources they've already paid 400 dollars for just for a bit of added convenience.

First, buying every single 5e book with PC options would cost you maybe $250. And that includes a couple adventures. You could get those options individually.

Second, isn't the company that makes the digital tools and transfers the contents from the books into the program entitled to make money as well? Don't they get to be paid for their efforts? Feed their families?

 

[FrogReaver]

First, buying every single 5e book with PC options would cost you maybe $250. And that includes a couple adventures. You could get those options individually.

Second, isn't the company that makes the digital tools and transfers the contents from the books into the program entitled to make money as well? Don't they get to be paid for their efforts? Feed their families?

Straw man alert!

 

[jgsugden]

Nobody is forced to buy it. Nobody is forced to use it. We survived without it for years. If it is not worth the cost to you, move on. Sorting through AL these price discussions to find real conversation is ... tiring.

I think the UI news a lot of work, and not having UA material, like the UA feats, is a problem for me that I wish was remedied.

 

[Jester David]

Straw man alert!

How is that a misrepresentation of your argument to make it easier to defeat?
You literally just said:

So if they've shelved out 400 dollars on D&D books you are asking them to pay 200 extra dollars to be able to use the character building resources

But you're buying different things!

If you bought a book in hardcover, you don't expect to get the paperback free.
If you bought a videogame for the PS3, you don't expect to get the PS4 version free.
If you bought an iPhone 8+, you don't expect to get an iPhone X free.

So why are you expecting the digital character builder of D&D to not cost extra just because you have the physical books?

It's not like Paizo gives away the character builder files of their content free. You need to pay for both the PDF and the HeroLab access separately.


D&D Beyond is run by Curse, which is a different company that WotC. They bought the licence to do the character builder, paying WotC for access to their ruleset and IP because they think they can make money doing so.
How does that business model work if they just give all of the content away?

 

[Gardens & Goblins]

I get annoyed with folks flogging digital products past a point. Unlike real life products, where resources are finite and labour a constant in so many cases, once you push past the initial development and cover the on-going maintenance, you're basically charging folks for the 'service' - which, while in a diner or cafe I can understand, online? Do I have to leave a tip as well?

But I also understand. WOTC is a company, with shareholders, based in the US where they have fairly strict laws about how they must treat said shareholders. So of course they're going to try and make a buck and yes, they will milk those that they can for as much as they can.

What does annoy me is folks that present WOTC's actions and measures as if they, 'for the good of the hobby' - no. They're done for the good of HASBRO & its shareholders. It is in their interest to do as much as they can to make D&D as popular as they can through WOTC - and they currently own the hobby, at least for many people. But if they were to vanish, material would still get made, people would still play.

D&D..er.. finds a way.

 

[CapnZapp]

First, buying every single 5e book with PC options would cost you maybe $250. And that includes a couple adventures. You could get those options individually.

Second, isn't the company that makes the digital tools and transfers the contents from the books into the program entitled to make money as well? Don't they get to be paid for their efforts? Feed their families?

Stop trying to shame others into submission.

The opinion "I only want to pay for content once" is perfectly valid.

If enough customers think that way, those working for Curse will simply have to find employment elsewhere.

It is certainly not my duty as a D&D player to feed any hungry families!

Sent from my C6603 using EN World mobile app

 

[FrogReaver]

Stop trying to shame others into submission.

The opinion "I only want to pay for content once" is perfectly valid.

If enough customers think that way, those working for Curse will simply have to find employment elsewhere.

It is certainly not my duty as a D&D player to feed any hungry families!

Sent from my C6603 using EN World mobile app

Good job. Straw man exposed!

 

[Demetrios1453]

Stop trying to shame others into submission.

The opinion "I only want to pay for content once" is perfectly valid.

If enough customers think that way, those working for Curse will simply have to find employment elsewhere.

It is certainly not my duty as a D&D player to feed any hungry families!

Sent from my C6603 using EN World mobile app

Actually, "I want to pay for content once" and "I feel it is my duty as a D&D player to feed hungry families" are, in the end, both equally valid viewpoints.

Sent from my VS987 using EN World mobile app

 

[Waterbizkit]

I still feel this is a matter of format and not of content.

I've been playing video games a lot longer than I've been playing D&D and it's a hobby that has been seeing the same games released across multiple platforms for a long time now. If I buy a game for my console, I don't expect to get it on my PC for free. That doesn't happen. No company actually does that. I don't expect them to and I certainly do expect to pay for the same game, the same content, again if I want it on my Xbox and my computer.

Maybe I'm just muddled in my thinking, but I see this the same way. D&D might be the same game and content if it's in some books on my shelf or in some program or file... but it's a different platform so I don't expect it both ways for one all-encompassing price.

Anyway, what I said earlier still stands, I think. It's up to us individually to decide what is or isn't worth our money and what conclusions we come to aren't wrong or right, they just are. What I don't understand is why those of you who have very clearly decided this isn't worth your money need to keep harping on about it? You've already voted with your wallet, supposedly. That's not only the best thing you can do, but it's about all you can do. Arguing with other people about it around here isn't going to change anything... at least I don't think it will.