I was originally directed to this by a post at Grognardia (http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2010/11/possibly-intriguing-d-virtual-table.html#comments).
This is a link to two videos of the beta test of the new WOTC VTT (http://dreadgazebo.net/video-in-depth-overview-of-the-dd-virtual-table-beta/)
One point of EXTREME MOHTERFUCKING INTEREST occurs early in the first video between .30-.40. It appears the VTT will support multiple editions of D&D (i.e. 1e, 2e, 3.x and 4e) and be open to other rule sets as well. Look for yourself, Barbara, it's there.
Now before someone (not you, of course) yields to the idiotic temptation to ask, "ZOMG!!!Why would WoTC do this111111????!!!" Allow me to answer. They will have a golden opportunity to make customers out of non customers. They could, in fact, in one move restore a huge amount of the goodwill they have lost (not all, because some people will always hate them for releasing 3e and/or 4e or pulling pdfs or secretly killing Gary). In short they will have a chance of getting $ out of people they would never otherwise have gotten $ out of. for those of you that are not paying attention, the reason then would be: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Alternately, they may have put that menu on there with its rather explicit list as an attempt to make us all really angry.
I lean towards the $$$$$, myself, but YMMV.
Discuss
Hopefully it actually runs smoothly. It does not crash endlessly, does not suck my RAM dry, does not necessitate a super internet connection to work, does not poison the integrity of my system by downloading all sorts of bullshit onto my hard drive...
*looks at WotC's track record*
OK. I think I'll wait for a little while before getting excited.
Another botch job? :banghead:
it didn't look so bad to me, and it is a beta test. What did you see, other than an inexperienced user?
Quote from: Aos;421535it didn't look so bad to me, and it is a beta test. What did you see, other than an inexperienced user?
Nothing resembling the 3D table in the Gencon 2007 presentation videos.
Quote from: Benoist;421531Hopefully it actually runs smoothly. It does not crash endlessly, does not suck my RAM dry, does not necessitate a super internet connection to work, does not poison the integrity of my system by downloading all sorts of bullshit onto my hard drive...
*looks at WotC's track record*
OK. I think I'll wait for a little while before getting excited.
I've made the attempt to use one of the existing VTT with my group, and we never got past the firewall/IP address issues. It is my understanding that this is far from an uncommon result. If they can get past that, have a map I can use easily, and make it so I can actually access the thing, they will be ahead of the game.
I'm pretty psyched, actually; hell, even if it takes another year for them to get it working, I'm still pretty psyched.
Quote from: ggroy;421536Nothing resembling the 3D table in the Gencon 2007 presentation videos.
Which, is, imo, for the best. I said on this site a year ago or so that that a basic flat VTT would be the best thing they could do.
So will they be releasing all those old modules they took off the market as VTT software release$$$?
I want to play White Plume Mountain again, except it costs sixty bucks and takes two minutes just to roll the dice once. That's gonna be badass.
It has a fucking language filter!
That alone kills the tool, let alone the mentioned bugs.
If you use voice chat, it's a non issue.
Right now we use a combo of WEBx and Skype; the only thing we use the text chat function for is secret notes between the gm and individual players. I can restrain my cussing for that, I think.
Just to be clear, though, I think it will debut as a bit of a cluster. However, I think, even given their track record- nay especially given their track record- the fact they are doing a large out in the open beta is a really good sign.
Anyway, I'm optimistic- no matter what happens I won't be any worse off than I am right now.
OK. TDD posted this somewhere else, but really, the irony is kind of hilarious, so I have to post it here too:
(http://enrill.net/images/forump/beanelf.jpg)
Hope it works out, I really do.
If WotC's software projects were a car, they'd look like the one on the cover of Information Society's 1989 release "Hack" and when started it would rev up to 80000 RPM and then promptly explode, killing every engineer who worked on it in a 20 block radius.
Quote from: Aos;421563If you use voice chat, it's a non issue.
Right now we use a combo of WEBx and Skype; the only thing we use the text chat function for is secret notes between the gm and individual players. I can restrain my cussing for that, I think.
You're paying for WebEx? Or are you scoring it for free somehow?
Right now it appears to just roll dice. They can say they support any game. The question is if they are going to have Supported Rulesets to automate the game.
Quote from: Pseudoephedrine;421721You're paying for WebEx? Or are you scoring it for free somehow?
We have a hook up. Truthfully, though, sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth.
Quote from: Adammar;421722Right now it appears to just roll dice. They can say they support any game. The question is if they are going to have Supported Rulesets to automate the game.
This is going to be far more important for the players 3e/4e than the players of 1e and prior editions. Using S&W WB, for example, the non rule specific functions are really more than enough for me.
Quote from: Aos;421733We have a hook up. Truthfully, though, sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth.
I'm pretty sure that interface won an award in 1996.
Quote from: thedungeondelver;421709If WotC's software projects were a car, they'd look like the one on the cover of Information Society's 1989 release "Hack" and when started it would rev up to 80000 RPM and then promptly explode, killing every engineer who worked on it in a 20 block radius.
I don't know if it's awesome or sad that I know exactly what you're talking about here.
Five years from now, or less, WotC will tell us how awesome(r) the real life game with your friends is, compared to all these MMOs out there, and that the game thus needs to go back to the Fun with (5th/6th edition) whatnot.
You'll see.
WotC's VTT interests me, but I have a hard time getting enthusiastic over the beta version considering their track record. I'll be in the wait and see camp.
Quote from: Insufficient Metal;421803I don't know if it's awesome or sad that I know exactly what you're talking about here.
The InSoc reference or the "if Operating Systems were Cars" meme that has been going around since well prior to popular internet usage? :)
Quote from: Benoist;421813Five years from now, or less, WotC will tell us how awesome(r) the real life game with your friends is, compared to all these MMOs out there, and that the game thus needs to go back to the Fun with (5th/6th edition) whatnot.
You'll see.
So what though. At the very least it will give you, SB and AM a chance to renew your vows of eternal love. [insert the emoticon or forehead rape joke of your choice/].
Quote from: jeff37923;421815WotC's VTT interests me, but I have a hard time getting enthusiastic over the beta version considering their track record. I'll be in the wait and see camp.
This is my feeling exactly. I'm a little enthusiastic, though, but I'm okay with what i believe will be a loooooong wait before they get it complete and functional.
Quote from: Pseudoephedrine;421798I'm pretty sure that interface won an award in 1996.
It was considered the best way to coordinate mammoth hunts in those days.
Quote from: Aos;421825So what though. At the very least it will give you, SB and AM a chance to renew your vows of eternal love. [insert the emoticon or forehead rape joke of your choice/].
This is my feeling exactly. I'm a little enthusiastic, though, but I'm okay with what i believe will be a loooooong wait before they get it complete and functional.
I guess the difference is I will still be gaming this entire time, just as I have been weekly for the entire run of 4e to date. Anyway, I pretty much erased that douche from my internet experience thanks to that plugin you linked a while back.
Not that I play online ( I'm stymied by the exact same router issues you are..) but I consider the online game still to be one in which you are playing with your friends. Is a phone conversation less real than an in-person meeting just because of the interface? It's definitely not the same- but it's still a conversation.
Quote from: Aos;421825So what though. At the very least it will give you, SB and AM a chance to renew your vows of eternal love. [insert the emoticon or forehead rape joke of your choice/].
"Insert," indeed.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5224496512_83fe360de7_m.jpg)
Quote from: Abyssal Maw;421830I guess the difference is I will still be gaming this entire time, just as I have been weekly for the entire run of 4e to date. Anyway, I pretty much erased that douche from my internet experience thanks to that plugin you linked a while back.
Not that I play online ( I'm stymied by the exact same router issues you are..) but I consider the online game still to be one in which you are playing with your friends. Is a phone conversation less real than an in-person meeting just because of the interface? It's definitely not the same- but it's still a conversation.
Is that what's being said in Ben's post? That online gaming isn't really gaming? I wasn't certain of his larger point. Anyway, if that's the case, I don't really see any profit to be had in addressing that viewpoint.
Quote from: Aos;421836Is that what's being said in Ben's post? That online gaming isn't really gaming? I wasn't certain of his larger point. Anyway, if that's the case, I don't really see any profit to be had in addressing that viewpoint.
That may not have been his intent, but this point was made several times when the Virtual Table was announced back in 2008. The idea of the virtual table itself "proved" it was a video game, because.. there it was, online. This argument later became a bit like saying "I don't understand using telephones when you can just yell".
Fantasy Grounds itself came out in 2006 or so, and I ran several games on it, many of which were announced here. I seem to remember GoOrange or someone actually showed up for one. I later switched to a simpler method with Skype and ScreenMonkey (which is a free nBos tool)- each time the router situation was an issue, and eventually I just got tired of it.
There is another tool you can use that solves 90% of the router issues- Hamachi. Hamchi manages your behind the router issues pretty well. But by the time I figured this out I had pretty much given up thinking about it.
It might work for someone else who is interested in virtual tabletop gaming, though.
Hamachi Link:
https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi2/download.aspx
Virtual Table tools (free):
http://www.nbos.com/products/screenmonkey/screenmonkey.htm
Quote from: Benoist;421813Five years from now, or less, WotC will tell us how awesome(r) the real life game with your friends is, compared to all these MMOs out there, and that the game thus needs to go back to the Fun with (5th/6th edition) whatnot.
You'll see.
Benoist, Are you threatening my future by implying WotC is going to hire me to do PR for a "Back-To-Table-RPG!" movement??
- Ed C.
Quote from: Benoist;421586OK. TDD posted this somewhere else, but really, the irony is kind of hilarious, so I have to post it here too:
(http://enrill.net/images/forump/beanelf.jpg)
That kid looks so lonely.
Quick - somebody find him a teenage Abby Sciuto (or Pauley Perrete, Sarah Silverman, Daryl Hannah,...)
- Ed C.
ha ha u r fat.
Quote from: Koltar;421880That kid looks so lonely.
Quick - somebody find him a teenage Abby Sciuto (or Pauley Perrete, Sarah Silverman, Daryl Hannah,...)
- Ed C.
I suppose if you could package D&D with an amorously inclined movie star of the appropriate gender, that would be a killer app, yeah.
Quote from: Aos;421882ha ha u r fat.
More cushion for the forehead pushin'
Quote from: Cole;421888I suppose if you could package D&D with an amorously inclined movie star of the appropriate gender, that would be a killer app, yeah.
Cole,
Those are actually somewhat famous women who have admitted to either being nerds or enjoyed D&D gaming at one time or still do.
- Ed C.
Quote from: Cole;421888I suppose if you could package D&D with an amorously inclined movie star of the appropriate gender, that would be a killer app, yeah.
My wife might not approve, though.
Beyond that, nothing makes me feel more lonely than getting together online with friends I've had for decades. I should totally blow them off to go play with strangers at the game store.
Quote from: Koltar;421894Cole,
Those are actually somewhat famous women who have admitted to either being nerds or enjoyed D&D gaming at one time or still do.
- Ed C.
Yep! The trick is getting them to play with you :)
Quote from: Aos;421895Beyond that, nothing makes me feel more lonely than getting together online with friends I've had for decades. I should totally blow them off to go play with strangers at the game store.
Sarcasm aside, you make a good point. That's an early 3e ad, isn't it? I think it's targeting the person playing a
solo computer game, not a tabletop RPG via online, or even an MMO. I don't object to playing with strangers, but I have enjoyed playing with people I know online, probably more so. It's still social.
Quote from: Cole;421897Sarcasm aside, you make a good point. That's an early 3e ad, isn't it? I think it's targeting the person playing a solo computer game, not a tabletop RPG via online, or even an MMO. I don't object to playing with strangers, but I have enjoyed playing with people I know online, probably more so. It's still social.
Indeed. However, there has always been an element of the hobby that feels that the way it does things is better than the way those other people do things. This site stands as a monument to that, actually. Any time there is the slightest distinction between one group and another, someone starts building a hierarchy; strangely enough, they always place themselves at the top. For example, I think playing with friends online or off beats playing with strangers. My way is best. However, I realize that I'm oddball in many, many ways, and that likely my way is only best for me. Others, however, require validation, and reassurance that they are doing things the right way, building such hierarchies is an easy, and possibly instinctive way to secure those things.
Quote from: Abyssal Maw;421830Not that I play online ( I'm stymied by the exact same router issues you are..) but I consider the online game still to be one in which you are playing with your friends. Is a phone conversation less real than an in-person meeting just because of the interface? It's definitely not the same- but it's still a conversation.
Except that 4e is so much more than a conversation. I'm
not talking about the lack of conversational clues picked up from facial expression and body language (both vital ingredients to many a good moment in my RPG life) on the VTT platform. I'm talking about
Toy Factor. Minis! Tiles! Actual dice! Power Cards! 4E has it all. And I love it. All that is lost in VTT. I've played toy heavy boardgames like Battlelore over VASL with voice chat. With the same pal I usually play Battlelore with. Same jokes, same game dynamics (a lot faster, naturally), but it still felt flat. When I wanna play I want to move round minis, throw dice, draw and play real cards.
VTT could work well for a different genre with different gameplay. Say, Traveller. Crew only interacting via screen. Now that's evocative. But digital minis? Ehm, no, I'd rather pass. And I'm serious. I rather play Battlelore solo (gasp!) with the real minis than against someone else on VASL (except now and then).
Quote from: Aos;421523Look for yourself, Barbara, it's there.
Is Barbara hot?
Quote from: Aos;421523They will have a golden opportunity to make customers out of non customers.
Absolutely. And only the headcases of Grogtardia would think WotC is doing this for them.
It's about 3.5 players and Pathfinder. The fucked up OGL and Paizo's excellent business sense have split the D&D audience. If WotC can make some cash from the 3e players, its smart.
Quote from: Aos;421570the fact they are doing a large out in the open beta is a really good sign.
Agreed.
I wouldn't be surprised if Hasbro is ready to gut WotC and sell off D&D if it doesn't start producing in near M:tG numbers. The VTT might be the hail mary pass for the company.
Quote from: Pseudoephedrine;421798I'm pretty sure that interface won an award in 1996.
Ouch.
Ouch, but true.
Quote from: Windjammer;421927I'm talking about Toy Factor. Minis! Tiles! Actual dice! Power Cards! 4E has it all. And I love it. All that is lost in VTT.
I agree, but VTT isn't about replacing TT play. It has a two-fold audience:
1) Those without a local gaming group
2) Those who find that VTT D&D is more fun than a video game or MMO
VTT play would be a pale comparison to TT play, but I suspect for RPGers that VTT play will be more fun than MMO play and watching TV.
Quote from: Spinachcat;421968I wouldn't be surprised if Hasbro is ready to gut WotC and sell off D&D if it doesn't start producing in near M:tG numbers. The VTT might be the hail mary pass for the company.
Much more likely, I worry, is that they will cancel the D&D game, but hang on to the D&D brand name and attempt to monetize the property in other ways entirely (board games, action figures, console game licensing, lousy TV show, etc.)
Quote from: Spinachcat;421968Is Barbara hot?
.
Are you asking me is Batgirl is hot? The Sandmen will be there shortly; don't run.
Also, man, if you get a chance before Logan and Francis burn out all your nerves, check this shit out: itabletop (http://itabletop.com/)
Yvonne Craig was the green orion slave chick, so thus of course she was hot as Batgirl!
But how does "Look for yourself, Barbara, it's there" equal Batgirl?
Quote from: Aos;421972itabletop (http://itabletop.com/)
Wow....has anyone used iTabletop?
How does it compare to other VTT software?
Quote from: Spinachcat;422001Yvonne Craig was the green orion slave chick, so thus of course she was hot as Batgirl!
But how does "Look for yourself, Barbara, it's there" equal Batgirl?
I can't help you there; the OP is a tool.
Quote from: Spinachcat;422001Wow....has anyone used iTabletop?
How does it compare to other VTT software?
I'd would also like the answers to these questions.
Ah, the VTT... for that tiny demographic of people who apparently like something about playing online but don't actually want to just switch to playing MMORPGs; or for those so absolutely isolated and/or socially retarded that they can't find or make any local gamers.
Yes, that's a strategy for "win" right there: "WoTC's Virtual Tabletop: We made it for you because we can't be bothered to actually build up D&D's player network to levels where you wouldn't need this shit".
RPGPundit
Quote from: RPGPundit;422242Ah, the VTT... for that tiny demographic of people who apparently like something about playing online but don't actually want to just switch to playing MMORPGs; or for those so absolutely isolated and/or socially retarded that they can't find or make any local gamers.
Yes, that's a strategy for "win" right there: "WoTC's Virtual Tabletop: We made it for you because we can't be bothered to actually build up D&D's player network to levels where you wouldn't need this shit".
RPGPundit
Also, like if you're in one of those third world countries like Uruguay and your players never show up on time.
I like to think of myself as both isolated and socially retarded.
Quote from: Aos;422265I like to think of myself as both isolated and socially retarded.
(looks at user title) Like that's going to surprise anyone. :D
Quote from: Aos;422265I like to think of myself as both isolated and socially retarded.
It's great when you get what you like, ya know?
Quote from: RPGPundit;422242Ah, the VTT... for that tiny demographic of people who apparently like something about playing online but don't actually want to just switch to playing MMORPGs; or for those so absolutely isolated and/or socially retarded that they can't find or make any local gamers.
Yes, that's a strategy for "win" right there: "WoTC's Virtual Tabletop: We made it for you because we can't be bothered to actually build up D&D's player network to levels where you wouldn't need this shit".
RPGPundit
I play both locally and online. All things being equal, I prefer playing locally, but sometimes there are specific people I'd like to play with who aren't local to me - for example, long-time friends who have moved away for work reasons.
It's also possible to build up D&D's player network online.
Player 1 : Warcraft's getting old.
Player 2 : Ever play D&D? Want to start a game?
Player 1 : But I'm in illinois.
Player 2 : That's OK.
vs.
Player 3 : I could barely stay awake during that lecture.
Player 4 : Well, there's no saving throw vs. Sleep.
Player 3 : What's a saving throw?
Player 4 : What are you doing Saturday morning?
Quote from: RPGPundit;422242Yes, that's a strategy for "win" right there: "WoTC's Virtual Tabletop: We made it for you because we can't be bothered to actually build up D&D's player network to levels where you wouldn't need this shit".
Are you being intentionally thick or have I overestimated your IQ?
The VTT is the key to a real win for WotC. Gaming has moved online for teens and young adults. VTT RPG play can offer a different experience than MMOs and that might be enticing...especially since MMOs aren't evolving.
THIS is how you build a player network in the modern day.
The key to hobby growth is consistent engagement by participants. It's no wonder that gaming groups which meet every week do better than those who meet once per month. The more engaged you are, the more likely you will stay engaged and even increase your focus on that hobby.
It's why churches want you there every Sunday and always try to get you there at least one evening a week. They know that those who come once a month, once a year aren't gonna focus on their church hobby.
If people are playing VTT D&D on a regular basis, they will be more interested in playing RPGs as part of their entertainment. And if WotC has the slightest smarts, they will use the VTT to support local gaming gatherings as well.
And FINALLY, all these people who think there are no gamers in their town will realize they have 10+ other gamers in a 10 mile radius.
Its utterly shocking that WotC has waited this long. This shit should have been up and kicking ass when 3.5 launched.
Quote from: Spinachcat;422297And FINALLY, all these people who think there are no gamers in their town will realize they have 10+ other gamers in a 10 mile radius.
Very good point.
DM : Okay, it's 11:00, let's call it a night here. Good game, gentlemen.
Player 1 : Hey, thanks. It was. I wish someone was running a game like this near me.
DM : Where do you live?
Player 1 : Queens.
DM : ...me too.
Player 2 : ...me too.
Player 3 : Long Island.
My impression was that the LFR was doing this pretty well - getting people together. With the aid of their own online networking. So what's the VTT doing that the LFR couldn't? (Honest question, I'd like to know.)
Quote from: Windjammer;422345My impression was that the LFR was doing this pretty well - getting people together. With the aid of their own online networking. So what's the VTT doing that the LFR couldn't? (Honest question, I'd like to know.)
It makes the network bigger. If I'm in the boonies where I can't play, or my local game store runs LFR on a night where I can't make it, having an online alternative is nice. The Maptool LFR community has seen 250 or so people play in the last year, so it's relevant for some people. You'd get more people using a well-integrated, easy to use tool: Maptool is cryptic. I'm really not sure how many more people.
LFR is not a key component in WotC's player acquisition and retention program these days, though.
Quote from: Thanlis;422357LFR is not a key component in WotC's player acquisition and retention program these days, though.
Or more recently, 4E Encounters.
Quote from: Spinachcat;422297Are you being intentionally thick or have I overestimated your IQ?
The VTT is the key to a real win for WotC. Gaming has moved online for teens and young adults. VTT RPG play can offer a different experience than MMOs and that might be enticing...especially since MMOs aren't evolving.
THIS is how you build a player network in the modern day.
The key to hobby growth is consistent engagement by participants. It's no wonder that gaming groups which meet every week do better than those who meet once per month. The more engaged you are, the more likely you will stay engaged and even increase your focus on that hobby.
It's why churches want you there every Sunday and always try to get you there at least one evening a week. They know that those who come once a month, once a year aren't gonna focus on their church hobby.
If people are playing VTT D&D on a regular basis, they will be more interested in playing RPGs as part of their entertainment. And if WotC has the slightest smarts, they will use the VTT to support local gaming gatherings as well.
And FINALLY, all these people who think there are no gamers in their town will realize they have 10+ other gamers in a 10 mile radius.
Its utterly shocking that WotC has waited this long. This shit should have been up and kicking ass when 3.5 launched.
This is the "Why do we need a telephone? We can just yell" argument in a nutshell. Because yes, you can yell. But a telephone allows you to reach more people, provided that they also have telephones.
Quote from: Abyssal Maw;422385This is the "Why do we need a telephone? We can just yell" argument in a nutshell. Because yes, you can yell. But a telephone allows you to reach more people, provided that they also have telephones.
The Rebel Yell. :rolleyes:
Quote from: ggroy;422371Or more recently, 4E Encounters.
The VTT is probably irrelevant for Encounters, since (to date) that's been tightly tied to stores. Which reflects general policy. E.g., you can't get swag for conventions unless you buy it through a store right now. WotC really, really wants to keep stores happy and functional.
Quote from: Thanlis;422395The VTT is probably irrelevant for Encounters, since (to date) that's been tightly tied to stores. Which reflects general policy. E.g., you can't get swag for conventions unless you buy it through a store right now. WotC really, really wants to keep stores happy and functional.
Most likely true.
No idea how many 4E Encounters games are played in someone's home, outside of the schedule.
Quote from: ggroy;422398No idea how many 4E Encounters games are played in someone's home, outside of the schedule.
Me either. Some. I know when I ran the first season, the store gave away an extra copy to a nice couple who wanted to play it with their family on weekends. The format is really stunningly good for people who are curious about roleplaying but hate the idea of sitting and talking for several hours. I'd like to think it serves them as a gateway drug into roleplay with better continuity and depth but I don't know if that's true.
Quote from: Windjammer;422345My impression was that the LFR was doing this pretty well - getting people together. With the aid of their own online networking. So what's the VTT doing that the LFR couldn't? (Honest question, I'd like to know.)
1- RPGA supports RPGA-style play. I have found that most RPGA players are more interested in level + goodies than roleplay and adventure. Not all, but most.
2 - RPGA requires physical meeting space and concrete scheduling. The VTT lets you say, "hey it's Tuesday 10pm EST and I wanna play some D&D!" so you log on and wham, you have 16 games to choose from.
Quote from: Thanlis;422395WotC really, really wants to keep stores happy and functional.
And alive.
If WotC is smart, the VTT will automatically let players know when store events will be happening in a commutable radius.
Quote from: Thanlis;422399I'd like to think it serves them as a gateway drug into roleplay with better continuity and depth but I don't know if that's true.
I suspect it has a gateway drug factor, but even more, it allows very casual gamers to stay connected with the hobby.
Quote from: Abyssal Maw;422249Also, like if you're in one of those third world countries like Uruguay and your players never show up on time.
Hey, over in this third world country, I've got a player pool of like 200 people to choose from. Not bad.
RPGPundit
Quote from: Spinachcat;422297Are you being intentionally thick or have I overestimated your IQ?
The VTT is the key to a real win for WotC. Gaming has moved online for teens and young adults. VTT RPG play can offer a different experience than MMOs and that might be enticing...especially since MMOs aren't evolving.
THIS is how you build a player network in the modern day.
The key to hobby growth is consistent engagement by participants. It's no wonder that gaming groups which meet every week do better than those who meet once per month. The more engaged you are, the more likely you will stay engaged and even increase your focus on that hobby.
It's why churches want you there every Sunday and always try to get you there at least one evening a week. They know that those who come once a month, once a year aren't gonna focus on their church hobby.
If people are playing VTT D&D on a regular basis, they will be more interested in playing RPGs as part of their entertainment. And if WotC has the slightest smarts, they will use the VTT to support local gaming gatherings as well.
And FINALLY, all these people who think there are no gamers in their town will realize they have 10+ other gamers in a 10 mile radius.
Its utterly shocking that WotC has waited this long. This shit should have been up and kicking ass when 3.5 launched.
The VTT that you're describing, the one that should have existed when 4e first came out, would have indeed been a plus. This one? Its one step away from waving a white flag of surrender at the reality of their utterly eroded player network.
RPGPundit
Quote from: RPGPundit;422557...reality of their utterly eroded player network.
RPGPundit
Well, I will say the same thing I said n 2008 and in 2009 when everyone was smugly predicting doom and misery for 4e. Check back in a year.
From where I can tell- it just keeps growing.
Quote from: Abyssal Maw;422697Well, I will say the same thing I said n 2008 and in 2009 when everyone was smugly predicting doom and misery for 4e. Check back in a year.
From where I can tell- it just keeps growing.
How can you tell anything with your head so far up your/4E ass?
Quote from: RPGPundit;422557This one? Its one step away from waving a white flag of surrender at the reality of their utterly eroded player network.
Why?
Quote from: Abyssal Maw;422697From where I can tell- it just keeps growing.
I can't confirm nationwide. However, in Los Angeles, I can confirm that RPGA has experienced significant and continued growth at the three major conventions and the Game Day attendance at game stores have been steady. In fact, I heard the GW Game Day at two FLGS were packed and turning away people.
I have friends in the SF Bay Area who report similiar growth of the RPGA under 4e. It's not the Living City numbers of the ancient past, but certainly larger than Living Greyhawk.