I seem to be missing the point on the online CB

[Ryujin]

Given that they're locked to Silverlight, at least for now, they would be lying if they promised anything with respect to mobile devices.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Given that they're locked to Silverlight, at least for now, they would be lying if they promised anything with respect to mobile devices.

This is nonsense, they are using Silverlight for now, that does not prevent them from developing other UI. Most of the application will not need to be recoded since that part sits on the server. The UI can be a native iPhone app as easily as a Silverlight component or an HTML 5 UI

I reckon they went Silverlight because it filtted in with existing expertiese and they were in a hurry. Once they have rolled out a decent amount of functionality there is every incentive and little reason not to go back and create clients in different platforms to fill in the gaps.

 

[Riastlin]

Given that they're locked to Silverlight, at least for now, they would be lying if they promised anything with respect to mobile devices.

Not necessarily. They've merely stated that the online CB that is coming out on November 16 uses Silverlight. That doesn't mean they are not already working on versions for mobile devices. In either event, they merely stated in Ampersand that they are looking into hitting the mobile market. I was simply pointing out that this certainly wasn't a promise because of the common belief among many gamers that anything even remotely suggested as being worked on by a company is a promise that it will in fact come out. Personally, I've always taken the approach that nothing should be considered a promise until its actually out, and will spend my money accordingly.

/shrug

 

[drothgery]

Given that they're locked to Silverlight, at least for now, they would be lying if they promised anything with respect to mobile devices.

Granted, Windows Phone 7 hasn't launched in the US yet (or just did this week), but Silverlight definitely works there. iOS and Android are another story (and WotC definitely wouldn't bother with Blackberry).

 

[falcarrion]

And this ladies and gentlemen is a text-book example of flawed logic and broken reasoning.

Cows are green, grass is white indeed.

Is it flawed logic or looking outside the box?
Why wouldn't they push the essential line.
We are already seeing examples of essential monsters.
The essential books are formatted in a more friendly e reader and tablet format.
If they wish to go that way.

I guess I better get painting those cows green and bleaching the grass white...

 

[mudbunny]

Given that they're locked to Silverlight, at least for now, they would be lying if they promised anything with respect to mobile devices.

The front end of the CB is in Silverlight. The Compendium uses something else. They are not going to force everything into Silverlight. They are going to use the programming language that is appropriate for what they want to do.

 

[Ryujin]

This is nonsense, they are using Silverlight for now, that does not prevent them from developing other UI. Most of the application will not need to be recoded since that part sits on the server. The UI can be a native iPhone app as easily as a Silverlight component or an HTML 5 UI

I reckon they went Silverlight because it filtted in with existing expertiese and they were in a hurry. Once they have rolled out a decent amount of functionality there is every incentive and little reason not to go back and create clients in different platforms to fill in the gaps.

Nonsense? I hardly think so. Given that it seems to have taken them at least 2.5 months to build something around what was already a compatible framework, how long would we be looking at for a complete rebuild in some other technology?

 

[falcarrion]

Here's what's stopping them: Business acumen.

It wouldn't offer any advantage and only serve to alienate a large part of the customer base.

But it does. The youger generations. And thats the market they want.
Didn't they alienate a large part of their customer base when going to to 4ed.

How many Red boxes do you think will go to old gamers compared to younger and new games for xmas?

 

[renau1g]

(and WotC definitely wouldn't bother with Blackberry).

Take that #1 smart phone. I know, I know, corporate users, blah, blah, blah.

 

[renau1g]

How many Red boxes do you think will go to old gamers compared to younger and new games for xmas?

Hmmm... well I think the buyer of those boxes may be closer to mostly older gamers, perhaps buying for their kids, or those who have the nostalgia whilst shopping for their kids gifts at Wal-Mart or Target and see the red box.