On the State of Digital Aids for D+D/D20/OGL

[kingpaul]

The more I look over PCGen the more I see its potential as an application - but for me the tools biggest weakness is the lack of simple wizard based custom data entry.

Yeah, the custom editors have typically lagged behind. They're on the "to do" list, but they usually lose against other items to improve the code. I think most of the typical data monkeys (me included) use some sort of text editor.

 

[Mercule]

So what you want WotC to do?

Suck it up and fork over the $1.5 million to develop a snazzy, fully supported tool.

 

[Ranger REG]

Suck it up and fork over the $1.5 million to develop a snazzy, fully supported tool.

To who?

 

[Ilium]

To who?

Ooh ooh! Pick me, pick me!

 

[iwarrior-poet]

 

[Lonely Tylenol]

OK...
I believe I was pretty clear about what I would like. Something with an easy/fun UI, something that is comprehensive (includes CharGen, Campaign Management, Mapping, Encounter Management).
I began this thread trying to rattle CONSUMERS, with the hopes that if enough consumers start voicing their opinions/needs/hopes it will have a positive impact on the market and move it out of the current quagmire---unfortunately it seems that a lot of developer types are the only ones who read these boards---and they are getting defensive.

You know, I tried eTools once or twice when I ran across installs. When I did, it took me about two minutes of playing around to break it. This is without any of the extra packages. I remember the last time I tried it, I attempted to put class levels on a troll, and it failed to acknowledge a crucial feature (like a bonus feat or something similar...I can't remember exactly). My perception of the software is: if I can locate an error in under five minutes, I guess I can expect about twelve errors per hour of use. That's a pretty high rate, and certainly not worth paying for.

I can't really complain about PCGen, since it's free, but I also can't bring myself to use it. Often because the datasets do not include material I want to use. I could wait four months and see whether an update includes that material, or I could do it by hand like I always do.

As a consumer, what I see from D&D assistance software is a whole lot of fail. The developers can get as petulant and defensive as they want about it, but that's not going to change the fact that there's little value out there for the user...no matter how many hours were spent in front of a monitor trying to code this stuff.

If I could get a professional package, updated regularly and reliably with patches to correct inevitable errors in datasets, and based around at least the WotC books, updated with the new rules within a week or so of the book's release, I'd be happy. If it also functioned as a DM assistant, I'd be overjoyed. I think only WotC is in a position to do this, and since they seem to be unwilling to cough up the effort to support a project of such questionable profit, I think we're up a creek on this one.

Well, maybe Winter Fantasy (or whatever the hell they're calling it now) will prove me wrong, but as I'm fond of saying, if you're a pessimist, all your surprises are pleasant.

 

[kingpaul]

Often because the datasets do not include material I want to use.

Other than the below-mentioned WotC books, what else are you looking for?

updated with the new rules within a week or so of the book's release, I'd be happy.

I know one problem that CMP had was that they didn't get advanced copies of the new books. They had to wait like everyone else.

 

[Ranger REG]

Ooh ooh! Pick me, pick me!

We're talking about a new version of a functioning software app, not paying for your operation to augment your butt cheeks.

 

[iwarrior-poet]

Funny how since I posted my more detailed ideas/requests right HERE ---the developers have stopped harping about not having enough feedback from consumers...
I don't mean to toot my own horn (I hardly believe I am the only person to ever provide some good feedback in this area). I am just wondering if the developers think any of it is feasible (and if so, then take up the challenge-----or if not, then why not?)

 

[Ilium]

We're talking about a new version of a functioning software app, not paying for your operation to augment your butt cheeks.

If you saw them, you'd know they don't need augmentation.