Legit_SpaghettiMar 28

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?

Show threadLegit_Spaghetti

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!

Mar 28 at 4:54amWeb
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.