Old Man Wants to Play Online

[aramis erak]

So here are a few questions that I hope you good people could help me answer:

• I know I need a VTT, but I am not interested in D&D Beyond. I have nothing against 5E but it is just not the game for me. What other VTT is the most popular.

There are MANY groups online not playing D&D. If you're willing to learn a new system or two, there are MANY groups online which would welcome an extra.

• I also know I will need some kind of webcam for video. I do not want to use the one on my laptop because it just is not very good. What kind of webcam or camera can I get (for a reasonable price) that would have good resolution, depth of field, etc.?

I've never used video in my online play, save for the occasional off-topic joke. (Last night, in the random static forum of my Discord, one of them posted a meme about barbecue sauce on tuna... happened to be the brand I use on chicken, steak, and/or rice... so I turned my camera on just long enough for them to see it... It was the fastest way to move on.)

If you do get a webcam, it doesn't need to be all that hot... as badwidth limitations get in the way if everyone's trying to send 4K...

• I know I need audio. Should I use headphones or not? I am not a fan of them but what other options do I have for a reasonable price?

There are many kinds of headphones/earphones, and many now include a mic.

If you don't like the isolation of over the ear or in-the-ear, you might try bone conduction earphones. The cheap ones are $50... but they sound good and don't block outside sound. (But they can overwhelm outside sounds.)

If not using headphones, you're best to use push-to-talk mode. Voice activation need to be carefully considered by your hardware situation. I've a player who has a lot of echo in his living room; he needs to be on headset or on push to talk, otherwise the audio echoes and makes it hard to understand anyone else.

• What application is most popular for video chat? I would like to have at least four players on the screen at one time. I have a 27" monitor is that big enough.

I wouldn't know, as I don't do video chat for games.
I use audio only, plus a free VTT that requires a google drive (and hence a google account) for each player.
I've used Skype, and I currently use Discord; I've found Discord has rather robust connections, and handles groups up to 7 total connected just fine. (Skype was breaking for me at 5.)
as Discord has improved, Skype has gotten less and less useful.

I appreciate any help with this. It would make an old man's day!

The Ancient Gamer

Do note that several VTTs don't include videoconference as an option; the virtual tabletop is the vid feed.
Most include die rollers, even the free one I use (GTove)... some have them be physics based, others have them be simply a PRNG result presented on a virtual die, and some even don't bother with making it look like a die.
My sunday night group is using my own die roller for Discord...

My setup:
I run the die roller and my VTT login on the nucbox PC hanging under my TV... I also have a Discord login on it.
I run voice either via my phone (it's got a great mic and good speaker) or my laptop (Good mic, great speakers).
My notes are on my laptop; the rules may be on my e-reader and/or my laptop, and/or physical books beside me. If I need to show a rules-section, I use the screenshare option in discord. If I need to share a map, I may screen-share it, share it via GTove, or just drop it in a Google Drive folder.

I can, and have, run it all off a laptop before - 2018 I was using a 2012 MacBook air, Discord, and only Theater of the Mind mode, with occasional shared files via google, and Google Sheets or Google Docs for zone maps, and a die-roller (I think it was mine, if not, it was D1-C3). This was how one of my groups played the playtest of the Dune Starter Set... (The other group was FTF, and got into the second round playtest. As an aside: Modiphius was a wonderful company to playtest for - they took the efforts to actually understand the feedback, and noted and answered and all our major gripes/issues were in fact addressed in the released version. )

I have in ear wired-to-each-other wireless buds with a mic, a set of Onn brand in-ear wireless, a set of Onn Bone Conduction wireless (don't know it they have a mic yet), wired buds...
... for game, my preference is to have a quiet room with no echo and use my phone's internal mic and speaker. Backup? earphones and my laptop - so that typing doesn't come through the mic.

Bottom line: you can't know which software until you know which group... Even some on the VTT internal group finders use third party audio and/or video solutions.

 

[MNblockhead]

Lot's of good advice in the comments above. I've tested most of the major VTTs over the years, though I'm a bit out of date since I've settled on Foundry. But based on your post, I think I have a few good recommendations.

If you want to play D&D, get D&D Beyond and use its character sheets, encounter builders, and its Map feature. All have a low learning curve compared to many of the popular VTT options out there. Also, if you are running published WotC adventures, the maps and monster stats, etc. are already entered and easy to pull up. What I also like about DDB is that I can easily switch from online to in-person gaming with it. I'll go into more detail if you are interested. For video and audio, use whatever you are comfortable with. I use Discord now, but used Google Meet before. I really prefer Google Meet, but my players prefer Discord. I've found Discord to be very solid, even without great internet and I can run it from the computer or from my phone.

If the audio-video conferencing aspect is the most important to you and just want simple tools for character sheets, dice rolling, and basic battlemaps, and want to support multiple game systems, check out Role (Role - The easiest place to play and create any TTRPG). Excellent and easy teleconferencing site designed for gaming. It has character sheets for many game systems and also offers a pretty easy to learn custom character sheet builder. It is great for more rules light systems where you don't need much automation or battlemaps with all the bells and whistles. The biggest selling point is it is everything you need in one place. You don't need to juggle multiple apps/sites, one for VTT and one for A/V. And it does that while offering excellent audio and video. A lot of the map-focused VTTs that also offer A/V have subpar audio and video quality.

If you want the option for more sophisticated battlemaps, I would recommend Roll20. There is a learning curve, but I find most people who don't like to geek out on tech have an easier time with Roll20 than other popular VTTs (e.g. Fantasy Grounds, Foundry, etc.). There is no need to download software, no need to learn the ins and outs of port forwarding or use a third-party hosting service, etc. Also it offers built in audio and video. If everyone playing has decent internet, the A/V in Roll20 is servicable. Many people still prefer to use Discord, Zoom, Google Meet, etc. instead of Roll20s A/V, but I've played in games that use Roll20s A/V and it was fine. You can also get official content for D&D and many other systems. Lastly, it has an excellent Find Game site which you can use to join games or find players. I recommend joining a one-shot using the Find Games feature to play a few games in Roll20 before deciding on a paid subscription.

If you want solid automation and rules support and official content, but are willing to deal with a higher learning curve, Fantasy Grounds is worth looking into. You and your players have to download software and connecting the game, while easy, isn't as easy as just going to a website (that may be different now, I've not used FG in almost 3 years). You'll need a different platform for A/V. FG has not built in voice or video functionality.

Foundry is the VTT I use almost exclusively. But I don't recommend it to beginner DMs, especially if they do not like tinkering with technology. D&D support is better now that they have an official license, but a lot of the community modules that provide the automation, special effects, etc. that folks like to show off in videos do not work with the new version. What I love about Foundry is how customizable it is. But once you start getting into playing around with community modules to customize the experience, it can become a hobby in and off itself. Also, setting it up so that you can run games from your PC can be frustrating to less technically inclined people and one of the first recommendations you'll get is to use a hosting service like The Forge or Molten. So, even though the software is only a one-time payment of 50 USD, you very likely to end up paying a hosting service anyway.

There is a big exception to my putting Foundry lower on the recommentation list, however. For certain game systems, most notably Pathfinder 2e and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4e, Foundry is the no-brainer choice of VTT. The PF2e and WFRP4e game systems in Foundry are wonderful and provide the best VTT experience for running those systems.

As for video, I don't really use it any more. I though it would be important, but it isn't going to be the same as in person anyway, so I've embraced the immersion of people focusing on the map, art, and voice. I find video to be distracting and an unnecessary use of screen real estate and bandwidth. But if video is important to you, I don't think you need to go crazy on buying expensive web cams. Your laptops built in camera is fine. I did use a webcam, however, just as I do for online meeting at work, because I don't like the angle of the laptop camera and how it is overly zoomed in on my face. Also, I use external monitors, so I always looks like I'm looking to the side or up. So I use a webcam that I mound on top of my main external monitor, where I'll be looking most of the time and because of a bit more distance, I shows me sittle rather than just a close up of my face. I've found the Logitech C920 Webcam to be more than serviceable and very durable. I travel with it for work. You can get it for about USD 50 and probably less with upcomming black friday sales.

For voice, I use head phones. My preferred is my Bose NC 700s, but I've used my air pods a lot as well. I think the mic on my Macbook Pro is fine, but a good noise cancelling headset or ear buds, help me here everyone better and help me concentrate.

Last point about sound. If you use one system for voice and your VTT for background music and sound effects, it can be a subpar experience. At the same time, I hate fiddling around with discord. I'm thinking about giving Foundry's A/V tools another go so all sound is coming from the same platform. For new DMs, I would just ignore background music and sound effects until you are comfortable with running games online. It is just another thing to juggle when running games and usually they don't really add that much to the game. They have a lot of impact in live stream games and podcasts, but in regular, non-audience games, I think they are more of a distraction.

If you would find it helpful, I would be happy to show you around DDB and Foundry. I rarely run games in Roll20 anymore, so I don't think I would be a great guide there. But it is easy to find one shot on their Find a Game site.

Anyway, hope this helps.

 

[TerraDave]

Following up on the last post. In terms of finding games and players, Roll20 does have a built in system. I just checked, there are openings for AD&D and Old School Essentials/B/X.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

I've been rolling with the Logitech C270 HD Webcam and have no complaints. I do, however, vastly prefer to use a headset for audio. There's less chance of picking up someone's audio and you get and give a clearer signal. Which is very important, especially if you're the one GMing.

 

[payn]

I've found using webcams is actually pretty rare. I wouldnt worry about it unless you really want to see faces while you play. Also, get on discord it will open a million doors for you.

I'd probably recommend trying out one shots or organized play first. I know you dont want 5E, but the low commitment of Adventure league would allow you to learn the ropes so you are ready for the game you do want.

 

[CandyLaser]

My group uses cameras because we all know each other IRL; we were meeting physically until COVID. We went to online play during the pandemic, which is good, because it's let the group stay together as people have moved, had kids, etc. Every group I've played with that started online just uses voice, not video.

 

[4everGM]

I am an ancient TTRPG gamer (I started with the Holmes Basic Set LOL) and I would really love to play again. Alas, all of my friends have gone their separate ways long ago and I have no one to game with any longer. I have attempted to find local players, but none have worked out. That being the case, I thought I would put my toe in the water of gaming online. I am not a technology illiterate but I am not exactly up to date on the latest and greatest either.

So here are a few questions that I hope you good people could help me answer:

• I know I need a VTT, but I am not interested in D&D Beyond. I have nothing against 5E but it is just not the game for me. What other VTT is the most popular.
• I also know I will need some kind of webcam for video. I do not want to use the one on my laptop because it just is not very good. What kind of webcam or camera can I get (for a reasonable price) that would have good resolution, depth of field, etc.?
• I know I need audio. Should I use headphones or not? I am not a fan of them but what other options do I have for a reasonable price?
• What application is most popular for video chat? I would like to have at least four players on the screen at one time. I have a 27" monitor is that big enough.

I appreciate any help with this. It would make an old man's day!

The Ancient Gamer

I think most folks have covered most of your questions. I’m a fellow ancient TTRPGer (I’m 61) but I am fairly technical, so here my thoughts since I’ve been messing with VTTs for a good bit (it is my preferred way to play).
My group uses Foundry VTT since this probably the most popular VTT these days. They tend to go through cycles, but I think it does the best job currently of supporting the most systems. However, it is probably the biggest resource hog as well, so you will need a decent PC to support it. I play in one group that uses Discord but no cameras, but when I GM, I like to use cameras because I talk a lot with my hands, and it makes it more like playing face-to-face. Neither is right or wrong, just personal preference. I don’t use headphones when I play, but I do when I GM (my home bar is in the next room, so it allows me to keep yapping while getting more adult libations). Another poster suggested a low-cost Logitech camera. I use that for work and gaming, they have good microphones on them, cost you like $40 or something like that. 27” monitor is probably fine for the moment. If you take to playing, you might consider upgrading a bit (I would suggest another monitor if you can dual monitor), but no immediate need.
I’ve used Discord, Zoom, Google Meet for AV and all work fine. If you use video, I probably would shy away from Discord, but not a big deal. I currently use Google Meet for my GMing. I think any are stable though.
Holler if you have any questions, and if you need someone to walk you through, I’m happy to set up a one-shot let you try it before you spend any real money. I run mostly 5e right now which sounds like it isn’t your cup of tea.
Welcome back, the hobby has never been stronger!

 

[The Sigil]

For ease of use and keeping things simple look at owlbear rodeo

Seconded.

I feel like newer gamers want a VTT that calculates bonuses from all their status effects, keeps their character sheets, tracks all their rolls for them, etc. I tried Foundry and Fantasy Grounds and found it was all way too much bother. I want about a 5 minute setup (upload maps, character tokens, maybe draw crude walls to block line of sight and turn on fog of war... and then let's go).

For me, the need was more about "I don't want to have to draw a map with erasable markers every time we have a combat encounter" - theater of the mind is great for most things, but when combat comes around, I think it's important to have everyone "one the same page" so I needed something to display a common map. And it has a die roller so I know people aren't fudging their rolls.

That and a good mic/headset with some sort of group voice chat app (Discord, Zoom, and even Skype or Teams will do the trick) are probably all you need if you are an old school gamer that is used to theater of the mind or "theater of the mind adjacent" (by which I mean "grid for combat encounters only") gaming.

It's also generally the same setup I use for physical gaming - the Owlbear Rodeo session is paired with a TV or a projector for when a combat map is needed, but everything else (including die rolls) is done physically.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

• No need for a camera. I only use it with one group but they're all high school friends and we only use it to make sure we're not getting distracted by other things.
• Discord is free and easy to use. It has built in video function as well, so no need for extra programs if you want a camera(but you don't need a camera)
• Roll20 is free and has a built in dice roller.
• headphones with a built in mic for best sound quality and they don't need to be expensive.
• I've used the Looking For Group on the roll20 page and found groups easy enough. You have to apply and some groups were great and others didn't play in a style I enjoyed so I left. You should see if your old gaming group wants to do the same thing you are doing and you guys can start a new game together.

 

[bloodtide]

You don't need any of those things. All you need is internet.

Plenty of online games are all text. That is it. No fancy bells and whistles.