FANTASY GROUNDS Virtual Tabletop's D&D License!

Officially licensed D&D electronic tools! For real! Fantasy Grounds, one of the leading virtual tabletops, has just released a set of D&D 5th edition licensed data packages. These include the D&D Basic Rules, packs for each of the core classes, and a pile of monster packs. Each states specifically that "This product is licensed from Wizards of the Coast." This appears to be the first officially licensed and branded electronic product. (thanks to Matchstick for the scoop)

Check out their D&D wares here. They mention that "The DMG is still in the works, along with the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, The Rise of Tiamat and Princes of the Apocalypse." and that "The basic 5E ruleset will continue to be provided directly within Fantasy Grounds to all licenses. These purchasable options add a new graphics theme that is officially branded, along with the library module support, and whatever other enhancements we could squeeze in, like tokens or portraits or decals."

Here's the announcement:

We are proud to announce that we are officially licensed to sell D&D source material and content inside of Fantasy Grounds! This is the beginning of a great new partnership between SmiteWorks and Wizards of the Coast that will benefit gamers worldwide.

You can purchase the D&D Complete Core Class Pack with all the class, feats, spells and equipment or you can purchase individual classes only. You can also buy the monsters in packs or as the D&D Complete Core Monster Pack. These products have been converted to work really tightly with Fantasy Grounds to give you the best possible gaming experience - we know you're going to love them. They contain all the great artwork and content from the official products and all the smarts and integration to work with Fantasy Grounds. Not only will you get the same content that can be found in print, but you also get an exciting new Fifth Edition theme, adventures and content customized specifically for ease of play inside of Fantasy Grounds.

For Dungeon Masters and players on a budget, you might pick up a Player Customization Pack and one or two Class Packs of your choice. Dungeon Masters can often get by with just the Adventure of their choice and one or two Monster Packs.

Don't forget that players can gift purchases through Steam for Dungeon Masters who have linked their license on Steam.
​

​

 

[Mithreinmaethor]

It is a very relevant question though, if they are going to be the only company with a D&D license that would be major incentive to me to buy their product (I want digital tools), if they are just the first of many, I am going to have to wait though to see what the market looks like because their current offering doesn't line up very well with my needs, I could make it work but it is a lot of money to spend if it isn't my last option to consider.

These are NOT E-tools.

These are products created for use on Fantasy Grounds roleplaying Tabletop granted by a contract from Wizards of the Coast.

 

[turkeygiant]

These are NOT E-tools.

These are products created for use on Fantasy Grounds roleplaying Tabletop.

Can you create characters and populate monsters with stats included? that's close enough to e-tools for me.

 

[RSKennan]

When was the last time you used roll20? And that false economy stuff is BS: I have used roll20 for two campaigns and only paid because I felt like I should.

I am a little worried that wizards is gonna get aggressive towards roll20 now, which could kill my games I have going now, at least for a while.

I use Roll20 every week for a gurps game with a group that won't pay for FG. The game goes much more smoothly in Fantasy Grounds. i stand by my comments. When was the last time you used Fantasy Grounds?

 

[vandaexpress]

On the one hand, this makes me feel like a total moron for all the time I've invested into Roll20 (manually parsing/entering spells, monster stats, etc)... And all the money I've spent on premium tokens/maps/mentor subscription for that platform.

On the other hand, this is going to save me SO much time and looks amazing. I'll miss dynamic lighting but the benefits of eliminating manual data entry more than offset this, especially since they're building out the modules.

I'm buying it all. Right now. This will cut down on my prep time so much and save my poor wrists from early onset of carpal tunnels with all the data entry.

Way to go, Wizards. Can't wait to dive into this. And yes, the official license etc IS all the reason I need to convert from Roll20 to FG.

So excited.

Also, not that this should surprise ANYONE, but ya gotta love how this isn't mentioned anywhere on WOTC's website for D&D. #justwotcthings

 

[RSKennan]

Incidentally, roll20 should be fine. It doesn't offer any rules support, and is just a shared space for gaming. They're different animals.

I don't want to get too down on Roll20; it has different goals, and for a game like Gurps that has limited FG support, it's a wash to choose between them. Sorry If I seem to be hating on Roll20, I just wanted to clarify some misconceptions I saw.

 

[Gundan Shadeslinger]

Could someone please tell me how much it would cost to get everything? I am a player and a DM.

Also, does this work offline?

 

[Kramodlog]

It is a very relevant question though, if they are going to be the only company with a D&D license that would be major incentive to me to buy their product (I want digital tools), if they are just the first of many, I am going to have to wait though to see what the market looks like because their current offering doesn't line up very well with my needs, I could make it work but it is a lot of money to spend if it isn't my last option to consider.

Plus there is the question of what happens if WotC stops making 5e. Is the license still valid then? It might matter to those who paid 150$ up front to play limitless D&D.

 

[Jester David]

That seems very expensive for a product where you need to buy the software as well.

This likely doesn't bode well for cheap pricing if e-tools are ever released.

 

[Nylanfs]

Fantasy Grounds looks neat and I'm not really worried about the cost, unless one has difficulty finding a game after footing the bill. It's pretty easy to find a game on Roll 20 for free. I did notice they've got FG forums, but no 'Looking for a Group' function as on Roll 20. Something similar to this on Fantasy Grounds would do much allay any similar fears and give players and DMs an idea of what experience they might expect after the buy-in.

In the forums under Guild House I believe.

 

[Mithreinmaethor]

Plus there is the question of what happens if WotC stops making 5e. Is the license still valid then? It might matter to those who paid 150$ up front to play limitless D&D.

The $149 is for a license to use Fantasy Grounds for you and your friends for whatever RPG you wish to play "forever". If you don't want to purchase a "forever" license then just pay the $9.99 for a month when you and your friends choose to play.

Does WotC come to your house and confiscate your 3e or 4e books, or hack your computer and removed 3e or 4e pdfs, because they no longer produce the version? I can not see why the rules products you purchase to use on the table top will be any different.