The Future of Computers in D&D

[Umbran]

When Artificial Intelligence TRULY arrives... a lot of things will change... and RPGs (if the still exist in a somewhat relevant form) will not need a DM no more.... but we are still faaaaar from that...

On the contrary, when AI is incorporated into D&D, we DMs won't need players anymore.

I am reminded of a quote by one of the great minds of computer science, Edsger W. Dijkstra:

"The question of whether Machines Can Think... is about as relevant as the question of whether Submarines Can Swim."

That aside, though, there are two other questions which I think remain relevant.

1) Display and interaction technology - there are a great many things that a computer could, even with today's computer science, do to assist an RPG. However, the display and interaction technology required to make use of the potential is still prohibitively expensive. The Microsoft Surface, a good example of the start of such things, is a $10k+ item. But we could imagine these things coming down in price, if only someone finds a mainstream application of the technology.

2) RPGs are a niche hobby. There's a limited number of players for any particular game, but each particular game requires hefty programming to support it. Economically, doing a whole boatload of development for a small market is a losing proposition. I am not convinced this is ever going to change.

 

[Dausuul]

2) RPGs are a niche hobby. There's a limited number of players for any particular game, but each particular game requires hefty programming to support it. Economically, doing a whole boatload of development for a small market is a losing proposition. I am not convinced this is ever going to change.

However, computer geeks are massively over-represented among RPG players. Furthermore, gamers are by definition people who enjoy doing creative, mentally challenging stuff for the fun of it. I agree there's a limit to how much commercial development is feasible, but a smart RPG company would look for a way to leverage the technical skills of its fanbase to supplement its paid tech team.

 

[nedjer]

Was just blogging on near future stuff this morning - Tabletop RPGs and Touch Tablets: Holding Fire

 

[Relique du Madde]

The day computers can create interesting coherent games on the fly without relying on any prewritten scripts or random database content pulls is the day we are doomed.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

The day computers can create interesting coherent games on the fly without relying on any prewritten scripts or random database content pulls is the day we are doomed.

Man, you sound just like my DM in an online game- he says stuff like that all the time. But he's so good, I don't see it happening.

BTW, if you ever have a chance to game with a guy name Skye Knett, do it- he's uncannily good.

 

[Hussar]

I'm pretty much in agreement with what people are saying here. Smartphones and tablets are going to start making inroads on the tabletop. It's pretty much inevitable - they've made inroads everywhere else, so why should we be the exception?

I think that some time in the fairly near future, it won't be unusual to see paperless (or at least not much paper) gaming tables. Toss an iPad in the middle of the table for a battlemap, everyone hooks in through their smartphone and play starts. The game remains largely the same - roll the dice, talk in funny voices, it's just that the trappings will change.

 

[Relique du Madde]

I think one problem is limiting oneself by the form factor of a tablet or laptop ... It's been known that companies have been working on creating touch screens that can be rolled up. So in the future you don't have to rely on using smartphones, tablets, notebooks, laptops, netbooks, etc.. Hell you won't have to even by one of those ultra expensive Microsoft Surfaces!

Imagine the awesomeness of a Android powered LED-Touch Screen Battle Map that comes with stylus pens!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I posted this about the Sifteo a while back: http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/305491-sifteo.html

It's still impractically expensive, but once upon a time, a single CD player cost $1000, and a flat TV cost $25K...

 

[Quickleaf]

The day computers can create interesting coherent games on the fly without relying on any prewritten scripts or random database content pulls is the day we are doomed.

Indeed. Can you imagine a telephone tree electronic speech combat manager?

Player: "I got a 25 to attack, that hits the Orc right?"
Software: "Did you remember the +2 combat advantage bonus?"
Player: "So 27 that hits for sure."
Software: "Did you take into account the ongoing condition of 5 acid damage and -4 attack (save ends)?"
Player: "Darnit! Ok 23 then."
Software: "And you ran this turn so with your feat that is a -2 attack penalty."
Player: "Ok so I probably missed."
Software: "Given your positioning the orc has partial concealment, that's another -2 attack for a total of 19. If you or another player would like to use an interrupt power say "Interrupt" now."
Player: "No I missed."
Software: "If you would like to use a Free or No Action power such as heroic effort to gain a bonus to your attack roll say "Free" or "No" now."
Player: "My turn is done, please let me make that save!"
Software: "Would you like to spend an action point to attack again, please say--"
Player: "F this. I am a sexy shoeless god of war!"
Software: "---that power is not listed on your e-character sheet. If you would like to..."

 

[Ron]

I find interesting how many people are taking tech into their tables. Personally, I like the complete opposite approach, even considering most of the people in my table are tech freaks with Ph.D. titles.

I see D&D as a social game and thus I see crunch as an obstacle and not as a tool. For that reason I ditched 3e long ago and never tried 4e, restricting my self to the older editions that, despite the several quirks are much simpler than the newer ones. Not surprisingly, I don't actually need any automation as I keep playing simpler games.

To not say my table is firmly set in the 20th Century, my players often checked the Internet when playing Call of Cthulhu to find out facts about exotic locations and I don't mind people reading rules on a tablet but, as much as my experience tells, it is quicker to check actual books, as long as you are familiar woth them.