https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/worldspinner/worldspinner-fantasy-rpg-worldbuilder-and-map-make (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/worldspinner/worldspinner-fantasy-rpg-worldbuilder-and-map-make)
I backed this project. I would like to find alternatives to CC3, as I find it complicated and the "Install Ritual" to be somewhat painful. Which hurts my soul. Because it's really a nifty idea.
Anyhoos, They are expanding options based on user input. So, for instance, you can download full size digital files now (based on your KS/subscription level).
I personally would like to see City and Dungeon mapping added to the mix!
Yeah I'm backing this. Looks cool.
Looks interesting but ...
"One Year Access"
"One World"
So there will be a subscription and once you create a single world, that's it?
I was hoping to be able to play with worldS not be stuck with only one.
This reminds me of the old "builder" program(s) (Nation and World).
That was fun to run just to see what got created. Sparked many an idea.
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Interesting!
I have used Civ games for this purpose, but Worldspinner looks more like Dwarf Fortress worldgen... I wonder how it compares to that.
I want to know what their printing costs are first. I can only print 8x11 on my computer? They say certain levels have the difference between "small" and "large" digital files. Where are these files stored and in what format?
I can get a 12x19 color map on thick paper done at OfficeMax for $1.89.
I'm expecting these guys to totally fuck you on the printing/shipping, it's part of the business model looks like.
Looks interesting.
But.
It is subscription based and cannot print a map unless you are a subscriber. So if your subscription lapses then the stuff created is inaccessible.
Premium Content...
Reads as alot less than they are making it to be. Explore your world! Delve into its history! etc. Makes it sound like there is a walkaround mode. But it is just calling up datapoints. Building from pregen cultures events and adventures.
That said.
Looks like they have an ambitious history generator though that populates and advances the world.
Sounds alot like a horizontal version of "How to Host a Dungeon" minus the freeform nature.
If they can expand the system to be more open then will be more viable.
I'm also skeptical of the history generator. They aren't actually showing any details of what it produces and most of their focus is on the "premium content" adventures that don't appear to be doing much more than randomizing the location of the adventure components.
Valid criticisms, to be sure. I know I can do a quick auto-populate using Wizardawn. And I like to use hexographer for maps. For me, a trek into Realm Works might be the way to go.
Ten dollars for a year's subscription seems more than fair. But then its a year's subscription all the way up the price scale, you're just paying them for printed maps instead of going to Kinko's... I'd want direct access to the data files, for printing and future use, and its not clear you get that.
Also, where'd they get two backers at the $3000 level? :jaw-dropping:
I'm not a geography guy, but looking at the samples, their river generator needs a whole lot of work.
Casts Summon Jibba and Estar.
I was interested until I saw it was a subscription service.
Quote from: Justin Alexander;791140I'm also skeptical of the history generator. They aren't actually showing any details of what it produces and most of their focus is on the "premium content" adventures that don't appear to be doing much more than randomizing the location of the adventure components.
Reading through it.
It looks like you select possible histories from a set of pregens and it then does an automated "pick your path" to generate an outcome.
Supposedly interacting with other histories which Im dubious of.
I suspect its very linear in its progression. But with alot of branches.
More data would help. They are kinda vague which isnt helping.
Quote from: CRKrueger;791237I'm not a geography guy, but looking at the samples, their river generator needs a whole lot of work.
Casts Summon Jibba and Estar.
Looks similar to the rivers generated from Profantasy' Fractal Terrain which to say means it will give it the old college try but you will need to edit the results to make it useful.
Fractal terrain can be useful and I can see something like world spinner working out more or less OK. I made this map from a section of a larger map created from Fractal terrain. Mind you all I used was the coastline as the rest of it was basically garbage. The mountains and rivers were of my own creation.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAlWUjkoCIU/VDU74RwVbJI/AAAAAAAAK4M/gOKUtMRDOXs/s1600/Campaign%2BMap%2B1.jpg
Quote from: estar;791264I made this map from a section of a larger map created from Fractal terrain.
I like that map. It seems highly populated. Is it mostly human settlements and mostly peaceful?
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Quote from: Greentongue;791286I like that map. It seems highly populated. Is it mostly human settlements and mostly peaceful?
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Mostly human, but not peaceful. the northern eastern section was overrun by horse barbarians a 100 years ago reaching down to and including Eastgate. The previously dominant culture has a successor kingdom on the western peninsula centered around Medris.
So is it worth it?
Quote from: RPGPundit;791769So is it worth it?
The value of the project in its setting management. So it worth a risk for that. I have a good feeling about the view of the maps with countries showing over the geography.
It feeling like the choice I made about Tabletop Forge a web based VTT. Tabletop Forge didn't pan out but Roll20 did. In the end Tabletop Forge was folded into Roll20 and everybody was happy.
Worldspinner I think has a shot at leveraging the Internet to make something interesting. But I don't have enough info to say whether it will be another Roll20 or a bust.
The Magic 8-ball says the Future is Cloudy but the signs are favorable.
Five worlds only for paid-up subscribers? And they graciously tell you that you can print small size maps "for free" at home, but for larger files you will have to use their POD service rather than being able to create large pdfs to print at your printer of choice? Pass.
At first it sounded wonderful. Then there were the details ...
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Quote from: Greentongue;792087At first it sounded wonderful. Then there were the details ...
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Yeah. Gamers can quality control pretty much anything into oblivion.