Some D&D Insider bits (Update 9/13: Lots of new info)

[Aaron L]

Well, all I can say is that the use of "randomized virtual miniature packs" completely destroys any chance that me or my gaming group will ever use the virtual tabletop. One of the reasons we don't use minis in the first place is on principle, because we will not pay for minis... especially not randomized packs. And we absolutely will not buy randomized VIRTUAL miniatures. Being forced to use a "stand-in" monster sprite on the virtual table because you didn't happen to get the icon that you really need in a randomized set is... well frankly, it's disgusting and insulting.

I still don't buy the BS argument about randomized packs of minis being financially "necessary" for any other reason that to force people to buy lots of stuff they don't want in the hope that someday they'll get what they actually want (gambling), and with these "virtual miniature packs" they have absolutely no excuse for it except as blatant profiteering.

I am fully expecting that we will learn that you will only be able to use ONE sprite at a time unless you have multiple copies of said monster sprite in your "virtual miniature toolbox."

"Sorry guys, I only have one virtual beholder mini, just imagine that those kobolds are 3 other beholders on the.. um... virtual map on your computer screens."

I am extremely disappointed about this. We were fairly excited about the prospect of the virtual tabletop and using it to play with the half of our gaming group that has moved away, but if this is how it's going to be implemented, well, good for WotC and they'll probably make lots of money off of the dupes that will actually pay for randomized sprite packs, but none of my gaming groups will be involved in this fiasco.

This is the first element of 4E that absolutely and completely ticks me off. It is absolutely ridiculous and makes me extremely angry.

 

[variant]

One of the features of D&D:I better be constant updates with new miniatures and stuff. Otherwise, why pay per month for a p2p program? If anything they should sell the thing at set retail price and then have unlimited use.

In reality they should include all books ever released if they are going to charge per month for online, including the miniatures for every monster in the MM.

 

[Aaron L]

This just in: Blizzard has just announced that they will be following WotC's lead and imposing extra charges for the graphics for all MOBS in World of Warcraft, in randomized "WoW Monster Packs" for only $29.95 for a set of 10. If you do not have the graphics for a particular MOB in your "Monster Sprite Toolbox" all monsters in World of Warcraft will now be represented by a kobold.

 

[DaveMage]

Nah, they won't sell them in random virtual packs. It just can't be.

That's too silly to be real.

 

[Zurai]

This just in: Blizzard has just announced that they will be following WotC's lead and imposing extra charges for the graphics for all MOBS in World of Warcraft, in randomized "WoW Monster Packs" for only $29.95 for a set of 10. If you do not have the graphics for a particular MOB in your "Monster Sprite Toolbox" all monsters in World of Warcraft will now be represented by a kobold.

That would be awesome as long as they all used the kobold yells too.

"You no take candle!"

 

[Badkarmaboy]

My understanding of everything I've read regarding D&DI would indicate that the minis roll up into your subscription cost and they're tied to the books you buy.

The idea of virtual minis that are A) random and B) something you have to buy seperately is just too freaking silly to imagine.

We'll see.

 

[Hussar]

here's hoping that random virtual minis is just a bit of fancy that never sees the light of day. That would be bloody ridiculous.

I truly hope that the VTT will allow me to create my own tokens. That way I can do what I do now - gank whatever image off the Net I want, use Photoshop to crop it down to a nice 40 pixel mini, and host it on Photobucket or on my own PC.

 

[Glyfair]

Didier has posted a few bits on dice:

Q: Will DMs be able to assign specific colors of dice to a specific character/monster?

A: Yes, each player will be able to set their own color for their dice.

Q: How about dice variations like speckled, transparent, marble, etc.?

A: This is probably not something we will have available for launch. Certainly a potential for future updates, though

Q: Will we be able to turn the dice animation off? Some people just want the random number roll and don't need a dice rolling animation.

A: Yes, this is already implemented in fact. We want to be as flexible as possible with the D&D game table. Some people like seeing dice rolling, others simply want to see the final numbers. As much as we can, we will provide the flexibility for the users to chose their settings...

 

[Maggan]

I am extremely disappointed about this.

If WotC decides to have only randomized boosters as a source of minis, or have me buy virutal minis, that means I'll just use something else. It would make me disappointed because I think it is a bad idea, but it is WotC's call as to what they want to offer me.

And it's my call if I want to give them money for what they offer.

Would I feel insulted? Nope. Angry? Nope. It's just a "feature" of a product, a feature that I wouldn't enjoy and would make me more hesitant to use the product.

/M

 

[wedgeski]

I could probably be described as a strong proponent of Wizards' Digital Initiative, and have collected over a thousand plastic D&D minis, but no way in the 54 levels of hell's kitchen will I buy randomized virtual mini's.

Please, whomsoever from Wizards of the Coast is listening. I. Will. Not. Buy. Randomised. Virtual. Minis.

The way I see it you guys have only two options to keep me, personally, happy. I'm not talking about the D&D throng at large, or considering any notion of business sense here... just talking about my own personal expectations.

1. Plastic mini boosters come with stat cards including scratch-off codes which unlock that virtual mini on the game table. Therefore my virtual collection matches my real 4ed collection. Scratch-off codes prevent unscrupulous resellers from getting half of my product, but I understand how this will increase the cost of a single mini. This is okay. You want to add a dollar to the price of a booster pack? I wouldn't complain.

2. Booster packs come with a scratch-off code which unlocks a set of completely different randomised virtuals. This would be okay... second place to number [1] above, but okay, and a strong value-add to getting physical boosters. It would be a pain to have to effectively manage two collections though.

I can see your, Wizards', attraction to a second market for randomised minis, but you must RESIST. You're doing so many things right with the new edition, don't make such a huge mistake now!!