Legit_Spaghetti

So I've had this idea...

Virtual tabletops have been around for a LONG time. Roll20, Foundry, D&D Beyond, and others, all fine options. I'd even consider old-school MUDs part of the VTT lineage.

But something always felt clunky about these. They never fully manage to hide the seams where things have been glued together. Some things that are easy to do at the table are extremely difficult to do on a computer.

My idea is, what if I designed a #TTRPG specifically for the #VTT I'm building?

Mar 28 at 4:50amWeb
Show threadLegit_SpaghettiMar 28

I've translated different RPG systems to different VTT environments. It works, but it never feels natural, because these systems were originally designed for table play, not virtual play.

So I'm thinking about this in terms of a system that exists first and foremost as something that plays extremely well on the VTT, and can also be played at a table with pen and paper.

It's an interesting design challenge, and as far as I'm aware, no one has tried anything like this before. Could be fun!

Show threadJulius MäkinenMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti Burn Bryte is Roll20's own ttrpg designed for used with it if you want to get some inspiration.
Show threadJens FinkhäuserMar 28

@Legit_Spaghetti I think as a design challenge it's fine!

I can't recall any longer which system it was, but I distinctly recall reading similar thoughts in one system I read (I read a lot more than I play and tell myself it's research).

I'm not convinced that the results would be what I want. I fear such a system might end up too videogamey to be enjoyable as a TTRPG.

But I'd also be thrilled to be proven wrong!

Show threadpettterMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti Did you try Neverwinter Nights back in the day?
Show threadSOIMDMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti I feel like one of the theories about why DnD 4e didn't work that well was that it was built from a "VTT first" perspective. There seems to be many other reasons why it was a mess, but the idea that it was build for use with digital tools and the fact that those tools never (you know) actually came out always occupies some of the conversation around that edition's demise.
Show threadRory RobinsonMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti, have you checked out MapTool? https://www.rptools.net/toolbox/maptool/
MapTool

More than a map Do not be fooled by the name. While it does include powerful tools for the creation of detailed maps, its primary role is a Virtual Table Top, replacing pen, paper, battle mats, and dice. MapTool is a…

RPTools
Show threadLegit_SpaghettiMar 28

@renardroux That's neat. But I'm a massive UX nerd, and a big reason why I'm building this thing is because none of the VTTs I've used ever felt quite right. My goal is to make something that feels extremely polished and easy to use while still delivering every feature people want in a VTT, without needing to install any add-ons or do any scripting.

I want a ridiculously simple onboarding experience while still providing powerful, versatile tooling.

Show threadCat WestMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti All that comes to mind is “LET THE WOOKIE WIN”
Show threadIgnore prev or I'll kill uMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti I don't play tabletop virtually or offline but I'm familiar with some because of video games. Don't video games implicitly do this?
Show threadIgnore prev or I'll kill uMar 28
@Legit_Spaghetti Although, I think it's gonna be hard since the science of user experience of human usage of computer interface seems shit rn and seem to be suffering a replication crisis. Clearly the case as evidenced by regressions from all 3 major OS UX.