Virtual Tabletop Games

[rredmond]

I play in a Roll20 game, but we use Zoom for audio and video, R20 just for maps.

I also DM a game on Skype, real low tech because of the various tech levels of my friends. Both equipment and knowledge Honestly Skype works fine, though I have to figure out a way to share a map, without two of the guys' computers crashing because there's more than one tab open

Tangent aside, I'm not sure if there are any BFRPG games rolling out there. I think Gold closed his open game down on Roll20.

[teaman]

I made a video about playing online as well. Not trying to self-promote, just provide some food for thought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32urJpshpzQ&t=2s

[BusterBluth]

I've begun streaming our games on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN9cn_ ... IDsu6AjUTg

We play on Saturdays, usually 2 - 5 pm EST. We use Maptool & Zoom.

[teaman]

Also, there is a new, free one out:

https://www.owlbear.rodeo/

It's free, though it doesn't store your character sheets. Be great for a one shot where you didn't want to set everything up in roll20.

[Mark Corder]

Mythic Table is an open source newcomer that looks promising. Still in development, but playable.

https://www.mythictable.com/

[teaman]

Mythic Table is an open source newcomer that looks promising. Still in development, but playable.

https://www.mythictable.com/

Just took a look at this one, nice. Here's what I see so far (all free)

owlbearrodeo
Simple, but stores everything in your browser cache
Clear your browser and you'd have to reupload your maps/tokens
No character sheets or dice roller that I saw, though I could have missed it
Easy for a quick game

mythic table
Macros and dice roller
Nice interface
Can store character sheets
Built in character sheets, though you have to cut and paste from text files or type them in(good
for rules lite games)
I'd really think about this one if I were just starting out.

roll20
Does it all (character sheets, handouts, macros, storing things)
Has many built in character sheets that will even roll the dice for you
Stores everything
Free, and has a paid version with extra stuff
Slightly steeper learning curve
This is the one I use

maptools
Everyone has to download the software
Well-established (I've never used it, so can't say more)


What did I miss?

[Metroknight]

What did I miss?

The Foundry is a new one. You purchase the program (only the host/GM needs to) and install it on your computer but all the players can use their browser to connect to the game. Downside is the learning curve and the fact you have to do some port forwarding on your home network. BFRPG does not have a sheet and you must use a generic sheet or not use one part of the program such as a pdf or such.

The bandwidth for the hosting computer does impact on the gameplay also but there are some hosting servers you can subscribe to (starting costs are around 4 or 5 dollars a month).

[GrimlinJoe]

Mythic Table is an open source newcomer that looks promising. Still in development, but playable.

https://www.mythictable.com/

owlbearrodeo
Simple, but stores everything in your browser cache
Clear your browser and you'd have to reupload your maps/tokens
No character sheets or dice roller that I saw, though I could have missed it
Easy for a quick game

I was watching WASD20's review video for owlbearrodeo and in the comments owlbearrodeo responded saying that even if you clear your browser cache that you wouldn't lose your content. Only by clearing the cache through owlbearrodeo's settings will it actually delete your content. This is another plus for owlbear in my opinion

[BusterBluth]

Just wanted to add what Teaman said about Maptool:

This is highly dependable freeware. And, it's programmable. One thing I hope to demonstrate with our streaming games is how fast gameplay moves. For example, you know how BF has initiative re-rolled every round? With a simple macro, it only takes a second to do this. Attack & damage rolls, saving throws, turning undead, Ability checks, etc., are all automated.

I've been using Maptool over a decade now and I highly recommend it, even for FTF gaming. Nothing else I've seen is better at facilitating a game.

[teaman]

Just wanted to add what Teaman said about Maptool:

This is highly dependable freeware. And, it's programmable. One thing I hope to demonstrate with our streaming games is how fast gameplay moves. For example, you know how BF has initiative re-rolled every round? With a simple macro, it only takes a second to do this. Attack & damage rolls, saving throws, turning undead, Ability checks, etc., are all automated.

I've been using Maptool over a decade now and I highly recommend it, even for FTF gaming. Nothing else I've seen is better at facilitating a game.

Does Maptool have a place for character sheets, or do players just have their own (or shared via Google Docs or something?)

Thanks for the recommendation.