RolePlayingMaster v4 available - major facelift for easier use

[Luke]

I'm pleased to announce the availability of version 4 of RolePlayingMaster, which you can download here .

Whilst the last major release was about fixing database stability, version 4 is mostly about a new "skins" interface, to make the program much easier and friendlier to use. The old "utility" look and feel is now gone, replaced by shaped windows which use colour-coded and textured panels to make the function and appearance of different windows clearer.

This is a key initiative, since the previous user interface was clearly more suited to those with a mindset for software utilities and databases. This new interface has much greater universal appeal, making it far easier for the casual computer user to easily access and use the numerous RPG functions available in RPM.

Be sure to have a look at the updated screenshots and features pages at the website. The current version 4.0.3 is actually a bit better than the v4.0.0 screenshots, but you get a very good idea of the improvements that have been made.

Other features:
- In an unusual initiative for "skinned programs", RPM supports a "Docking Station", to give you flexibility with how you position and use the various (very numerous!) windows available to you.

- General speed has been increased (for startup, Recalculation, and the generators).

- RPG functionality has been improved (such as for the +1 spell caster levels from Prestige classes).

- The Guide now has the full range of different capabilities listed, to make using various functions easier.

- Numerous "small" suggestions have been implemented to make things generally smoother and better.

I also highly recommend checking out the Unofficial RPM Yahoo fan site group, where people have been doing some really good work, and also driving me to put in popular requests

As always, RPM continues to evolve and improve. With issues such as speed, stability and friendly interfaces largely out of the way, the "grand work" on bigger and better generators will now be a major focus. Be sure to make your own specific needs known, since that is how RPM evolves. There's always room for some improvement!

Oh, and several beta testers have pointed out to me that this new version is a lot more fun. Well, that's what RPG is all about!

Have Fun!

 

[Luke]

Next areas for focus

Looks like a fair bit of interest in this update, and lots of good feedback.

I'm interested in what people see as being important for the next areas of improvement.

Feel free to make any suggestions here, or e-mail me at luke_jones@roleplayingmaster.com .

There are a number of areas where work has started, and can be improved. As possibilities, we have:

- The Universal XML Generators, which could generate anything from a simple encounter to a town, tavern or complete "dungeon" level (using whatever tables you like, or make up).
My plans there are to let you store and change generated results in your adventure notes or campaign encyclopaedia. To me, this is the big long term project.

- Improve the "User Report Generator", allowing you to easily create or modify your own high quality reports. This would be most useful for tailoring your own adventure reports, or character sheets.

- More documentation on the configuration of game mechanics, (which the unofficial yahoo group are making steady progress in). This would make it easier for anyone to put in their own source material, and have it do proper statblock and in-game mechanics calculations.

- Focus on the internet gaming side of things. A lot of hard work has already been done on voice support, and an instant messenger-style service to help you find your gaming friends on the net.

Let me know...

 

[Luke]

Updated tutorials

I'm very happy to report that Joe Sweeney has been quick to update his step-by-step tutorials for RolePlayingMaster .

Thanks for all the appreciative comments people have been kind enough to send me .

 

[Luke]

Re: Updated tutorials

I'm hoping to release an update within another few days. Any issues or suggestions for the next release are most welcome.

Looks like a couple of thousand have had a look at version 4 so far, so there must be a few things that could be raised.

Any comments can be e-mailed to luke_jones@roleplayingmaster.com

 

[Luke]

Next version

I'm hoping to release an update within another few days. Any issues or suggestions for the next release are most welcome.

My thanks to those who responded, especially Andre, who's managed the unofficial yahoo group responses very well.

I have an beta of version 4.0.4 available, for those who want to have a quick look.

There are 3 main areas of focus in version 4.0.4, as follows:

- A fix of bugs. There were some "shockers" in the previous release, especially with the effects of certain feats. The exciting thing is that were only a handful of bugs, and they were reported by quite a few people. That raises my confidence that we may have found pretty much all that there is to find!

- Support for people creating datasets. Its now very easy to use passwords in datasets, typically used to ensure that only people who actually own the source books can make use of the dataset.

- Very easy RPM use for "casual" users. This is most clearly noticed by players who mange their character on their laptop at the gaming table.
Whilst RPM has a bundle of optional functionality to fully manage encounters, initiative and battles, you can now do many things intuitively from just your PC/Creature window. This includes stuff like: details on XP and next level requirements, quick initiaqtive, quick attacks/saves/skill checks/other actions, and quick views of AC details and special defenses and conditions.

I'm also taking requests and suggestions for what should be the future development areas of RPM.
I'm particularly keen to hear of any areas that can be polished, for basic functionality !!

Any comments can be e-mailed to luke_jones@roleplayingmaster.com.

Thanks!