I'm going to try to do my best today to get some information together, but it would be a great help if anyonein the community could reply to this thread with frequently asked questions and the answers (either in your own words or by quoting wotc staff).
Thanks in advance.
-Mike
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Contributed by Cart_Sprinter:
Pricing:
[INDENT]--1)Pricing Policy --
Let's start with what the pricing policy is as of today. I say "as of today" because the pricing model is subject to change. Why? Because we think we know what the value propositions in our applications are. We think we know what's going to excite the audience. We think we know what the last remaining technical obstacles are and how to overcome them. Why do we only think? Why don't we know? Because we've never had this type of model before. Wizards historically hasn't done subscriptions, and D&D has never had a digital package before meant to enhance the experience.
So right now, I'm pretty sure the model I'm describing is the model we will launch with, or at least very very close. But that's not a promise it won't change, because it might.
Tentative D&D Insider pricing model --
1 Month upfront -- $14.95 per month
3 Months upfront -- $12.95 per month
12 Months upfront -- $9.95 per month
--1a) Why won't you guys sell the components of D&D Insider separately (a la carte)?
It's because we're trying to offer the most value to the player for D&D Insider, truly. If we were to price each application separately, we'd come up with a price much higher than $14.95 a month for everything, and more than double the $9.95 a month a year-long subscriber pays.
We want this decision to be an easy one for players -- we want D&D Insider to be a great value pickup for most players. We also want players to have generall the same gaming experience...every D&D Insider knows that every other D&D Insider has access to the Visualizer, and to the magazines, and to the Game Table, etc., so it builds more of a shared community and shared experience. For all these reasons we originally decided against the a la carte approach.
That said, we have and do occasionally revisit the issue. Obviously, we want to maximize players' happiness with D&D Insider (and while some of that is good feeling, a lot of it is just common sense -- we also want to maximize revenue). This is one of those areas where we'll see, depending on our sense of the market and what players are actually doing and saying.
--1b) "Question -- "Do you guys plan on starting to charge with the launch of the first app, or when they are all out?"
This question fits in well with the pricing issue, so I'm including it here. The answer is, "It depends." If we feel that the time window between launching any two given applications is long enough, we may decide the right answer for us is to offer a different version of D&D Insider...one that costs less money, but also offers fewer features. But we're not going to have any definitive plan in that direction until we get further along in this year.
In some ways, the answer to this question overrides the answer to 1a. If we launched the applications all at the same time, it's very unlikely we'd be offering ala carte. However, given that we're not launching them all at the same time, it is certainly possible we may have different versions of subscriptions.
--What is the current pricing model on the Virtual Minis?
In this area also, I do not believe there has been public announcement yet.
The song model from I-tunes is certainly an interesting model.
--Why do we have to purchase 3d mini's and why aren't they part of the monthly fee? The reason that WoTc said the high fee was worth it was due to the fact that you get all the services and it pays for improvements to the software. The fact that they would not do an Al' a cart option runs down this same thought process. So why all the sudden are we getting an 'extra' addon fee for something that our monthly fee should cover?
The decisions regarding the sale of the Vminis as micro transactions added on top of the general subscription is one that has been in the plans for a very long time (as far as I remember at least as far as I joined the project, in March 2007). My task is to help coordinate the technology of the clients applications to accomplish this business plan, so my answers can only be driven by this role, and I can't provide much input on the subject you are raising.
--Do you have any idea what additional passes cost?
I do not believe this information is public yet, and it is not for me to make it public
[/INDENT]
General D&Di:
[INDENT]--Where is the D&DI applications, how come I can't find them to download?
As mentioned in Ampersand column here, the client applications will be added into the D&DI mix later, so there will be no program to download on release day, as the initial D&DI offering will be web based.
When the applications will become available, there will be a link and indications on how to download them.
To be able to download them, you will need to have a D&DI account. You will not need to be a subscriber though.
--What does the subscription cost include?
The plan is for the subscription to include --
- All Dragon and Dungeon content we produce during your subscription.
- The Online Compendium. The database that fuels the Compendium would include data from all official books and e-magazines.
- The Character Visualizer that allows you to create 2d and 3d images of your character.
- The Character Builder that allows you to create a digital character sheet. This application will draw from the same database as the Compendium, which means that you eventually need just the one stop-shop to refer to material from all the official books and e-magazines.
- The Digital Game Table and Dungeon Builder which allows you to create dungeons and play in them with other people online. The Game Table will very likely include a starter's set of Virtual Minis and Dungeon Tiles to start you off.
--What doesn't the subscription include?
- Additional virtual minis and dungeon tiles that we produce. These likely would be sold separately.
- E-adventures that we produce for the Game Table (these would likely come with their own set of v-minis and d-tiles necessary to play the adventure). Sold separately.
- E-book .pdfs. Sold separately.
- Back-issues of Dragon and Dungeon that were produced before your subscriptions. Sold separately.
--What is the order in which the applications will be released?
Someone asked about what the likely order of release would be for the applications. This list assumes the Compendium is already out there.
a) Character Visualizer -- this application is currently the closest to being done.
b) Character Builder -- this application is also close to being done, but slightly farther away than the Character Visualizer. I understand that for many people, the Character Builder would be great to have as soon as possible...if we can get it out first, we will, but the way that things look right now, it's likely to be second.
c) Game Table and Dungeon Builder -- many people are very excited about the Game Table...but it is also the most complex of all of our applications, as well as the one that needs the most "game" and user polish of all of our applications. This is the application that will take the most time to complete and for which the schedule is least reliable..."is it done" is not the only question that needs to be answered, but also "is it fun?"
-- I desperately hope that the VMiniatures will not be random, that I will be able to buy the exact ones I want when i need them. Random boosters suck. I have never bought the random mini packs, I only buy singles at my local store, to represent the exact monsters I need in my games.
We have clearly stated that, even if at some point using random distribution was considered (after all, a business always need to consider all its options), it has been clearly discarded.
--Why are we charging extra for v-minis?
We're charging extra for v-minis because we have a cost associated with producing the v-mini that isn't accounted in our subscription price.
I'm happy to get more into this conversation and release more information as we get a little closer to the Game Table being released. Specific info about how many v-minis we'll give away for free and what v-minis are included in the initial giveaway.
What if I don't buy the extra v-minis?
There will always be a 2d token you can use which has the image of the monster.
--I have purchased a VMini, will I be able to place as many of that mini as I like on my game table? Asking a customer to buy multiple versions of a physical object is one thing, but there is no intrinsic cost to the manufacturer in allowing me to use multiple copies of a digitized 3d image. If we are asked to do this, I would balk, for it would feel like exploitation.
I do not think the exact model about V miniature usage has been made public yet, and this is not for me to do so here.
The only thing I can confirm at that stage is that the 3D map tiles will have unlimited usage.
So if you buy a 3D statue tile, for example, all the statue tiles in your dungeons will be shown in 3D.
Also, keep in mind that through the Character visualizer, you can generate Custom Virtual Miniatures of your characters, and use those in the D&D Game Table.
--What if I buy Virtual minis and then cancel my subscription?
If you cancel your subscription you can still benefit from the 3D pieces (Miniature or Tiles) that you have bought.
If you participate to a D&D Game Table session, all such 3D assets a participant has are pooled to the benefits of everybody. You can play with guest passes, still own 3D assets, and see the 3D Miniature or 3D tiles you have bought (and all other players of the same game session can see them too, even if you are the only one to have bought them)
--How customizable are the tokens? Does anyone know? Have they indicated?
Monster tokens will come with the D&D Game Table. Some of the monsters will be associated with a Virtual Miniature and can be seen in 3D. As tokens, all the monsters from the Monster Manual 1 and other publications will be there (for example, the new monsters/NPC from Keep on the shadowfell), and we will regularly update with tokens representing new monsters from the published material.
The DM can add custom tokens in the D&D Game Table, and save them from one session to another, or create collection of their own tokens.
At launch, there will be a mechanism to customize the tokens data sheet based on a XML file template, and later, more sophisticated customization options will be provided
It will also be possible to customize the token appearance with a 2D image, and/or assign a 3D VMini you own to any custom token.
--Could a third party publisher sell down loadable components for the virtual game table, i.e. virtual mini's, dungeon tiles and already build dungeons for the game table? I'm just wondering if such digital components are also covered by the GSL?
From the technical point of view, users can generate maps for others to use with the Dungeon Builder.
The D&D Game Table will offer basic options to "export" an adventure file, so that others could use it too.
Later, the encounter builder will provide more advanced tools to package an adventure together.
Regarding creation of Virtual Miniatures or Tiles, there are no plans I know of at launch to allow community created content in that area.
I do not know about the rights to sell such content though. This is a question that needs to go in the GSL forum there.
--Is there a spot that I can log onto for all of the lateset info on DDi (besides the forums) that WoTC has put up?
Ampersand's columns
Design and development columns
Interview at RPG Virtual Tabletop
Chirs Perkins' Gamespy interview
D&D Insider at D&D Experience
--Is there any truth behind what I have heard, which is that DDi will support D&D 3.5?
D&D Insider is supporting 4th Edition, for example the Character Builder (to create character sheet), the Rules Compendium or the online Magazines are specific to 4th Edition.
There are some elements of D&D Insider, like the character visualizer, the dungeon builder or the D&D Game Table, that are more generic, and could be used with other RPG Game Systems.
--My concern is, as a DM, what V-minis will be allocated to the game. I dont want to use a Kobold to represent a Dragon or a Elf to represent a Giant. Will D&D Insider contain the same information/V-Minis as the Monster Manual, Players Handbook and DM's Guide?
D&D Insider will not have v-minis for every single monster present in the Monster Manual or future monster material. We will have a lot of them, but not all of them.
--Via D&Di I will be able to refer to my physical books or PDF, or b) that the complete reference (as it apppears in the manual) will be available in the D&Di applications?
The Compendium and the Character Builder both ultimately derive their info from the same database. This database will contain the exact info the book contains in regards to feats, powers, skills, race info, etc. (sometimes the database will even be more current, due to errata). Neither the Compendium nor the Character Builder are electronic versions of the printed books...we will be selling .pdfs of our printed books separately.
--If I stop my subscription (say I can't afford it one month) and start back up at a later date, will I lose v-content I have purchased (adventures, minis, tiles, objects to place on the v-table)?
No, you will not lose v-content you have already purchased if your subscription lapses.
--"I want to know exactly what will happen when I stop paying my monthly fee. Will I lose everything? Will I get to export jpgs of dungeons that I've created? Will I be able to use the client apps (unlikely)? Will I retain access to the magazine articles released while I was subscribed?"
No, you will not lose everything. Assuming you've downloaded/saved a copy of the magazines, you will still be able to view those magazine articles. You will get to export .jpgs of the dungeon. In general, you will be able to use the client applications, although you will not be able to connect to the server (D&D Game Table) nor will you be able to get new data/content (Char Builder, Char Visualizer)
[/INDENT]
Game Table:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.
Non subscribers can only join a game session with a guest pass. Guest pass only allows player access
Subscribers can start game sessions as DM or play as player at any time. The Game Table will have links to the Rules compendium to check the details of the rules available online.
--I read in another thread that there would also be a limited number of sessions you could play per month, but this was not an official post so I do not know the authenticity of it. Has anyone else heard this from an official source?
If you are a subscriber, there are no limits to the number of sessions you can play each month. For various reasons, one session can't go beyond 24 hours, but if you feel like it, you can start a new one right after the previous one stopped.
--Will DMs and Players be able to "share" their V-minis during a session?
Yes. DMs and players will be able to share their VMinis and tiles during a session. This will happen automatically and is handled by the game table application.
Sharing VMiniatures happens during a game session, and you are sharing your assets only with those that participate to the same game session, and only for the duration of this game session.
You are not transfering ownership of your Virtual miniatures with everybody else in any way.
--If for some reason a party member leaves the game, perhaps due to character death, Real Life or any other reason, does he take his virtual mini's home with him, or do they stay with the game until the session is over?
He would take the virtual miniatures and 3D mapping elements (we call them 3D tiles) he owns with him, and the game pieces that he owns would revert back to tokens, while the 3D tiles would revert to flat tiles.
--Will tokens have an editable "notes" field in which I can copy/paste my own custom notes?
Yes, there will be note field available with the game pieces you can put on the D&D Game Table.
--Also, will I be able to create and import as many custom 3D minis as I want or will there be a limit? Essentially, I'd like to have the ability to create custom NPC minis rather than use the premade minis from miniature sets. I feel that custom NPC minis will really add a lot to the perceived unique characteristics of the NPC.
There will be a way to assign a custom Virtual Miniature to a custom token.
This said, the custom Virtual Miniature are taxing the game engine more than the standard virtual miniatures.
The base design is to support between 10 and 15 players in your game session. We are planning for a reasonable number of characters, not for entire armies.
Virtual miniatures are designed somewhat differently to allow a higher number to be usable, but once again, the D&D Game Table is done mainly to support a Role Playing Game, not large crowds or armies.
So there will be a limit to the number of custom virtual miniatures you can use, and this limit will probably increase according to the users' hardware. This limit is not set yet, but should not in any way impair the basic functions of the D&D Game Table to support a Role Playing Game.
--Wil the Game Table do things like track damage, decide if the character gets hit, calculate saves etc.
The D&D Game Table will not adjudicate rules.
There will be some basic tools to track data, like hit points, but answering if an attack hit or misses will not be automatically adjudicated. Players and DM will do exactly like they do on a normal table, discuss it, possibly add the current combat modifiers and the character or the monster that has been hit can have it's hit points updated on the data sheet by the player that controls it.
The calculation of defenses or skill bonuses for a character can be generated using the character Builder application. If you have used this application to create your character, you will be able to upload a data sheet for your character that has the precalculated values. The Game Table will offer you preset shortcuts to roll the right dice with your calculated skill bonuses for example.
--I think one good way to get the community more behind the game table would be to allow people to load in their own models for monster, and if we can get the specs, for characters. This could cut into the 'virtual minis' I've been hearing about, but really, which is more important, getting a few bucks off of players, or having a rallying point that draws in the community at large?
We are not planning at that stage to allow the community to load 3D models into the D&D Game Table.
This said, every game piece token can be represented by an image that can be loaded by the users, and each custom token will have an XML import feature that allow uploading custom stats blocks or character related data(or what we call more generally data sheet).
This data sheet allows to interact with some of the features of the Game Table, like Hit points tracking, initiative bonus or die rolls.
Even if the D&D Game Table is designed primarily for D&D and 4th Edition, we do want it to be flexible and open to any RPG on the long run.
--If we have a paid subscription to DDI, is there any manner of printing out tokens for regular real-life use.
There is no specific function to print out tokens out of the D&D Game Table. From the character visualizer you can create tokens/portraits from your character.
--How do the game passes work for the non-subscribers?
The basic design for Guest passes is that One Guest pass is designed to allow to play in One game session.
To accomodate various possible random factors (server outage is one of those, but definitely not the only thing that can happen.. for example, it is also possible that a DM starts a session and has to stop it after a few minutes for personal reasons, after his players have used up their guest passes).
We have established this 24 hour window to account for these various cases that can happen and can't be foreseen, and allow the player that had planned for some game time to find other games sessions and be able to play after using a Guest Pass.
Once a guest pass is used, it is used up. The plan, once Guest passes are introduced, is to provide subscribers with a certain number of guest passes on a monthly base, so in some way this is an ongoing benefit of the subscription.
--Will the 24 hour pass count down from the moment it is issued, or is it 24 hours of play time?
It will be 24 hours from the moment it is issued.
--Will people buying one-time passes get refunds for things like this if a game is disrupted due to some sort of downtime with the Game Table!?
One time pass (or guest pass as we call them) will grant a user a 24 hour window of access to the Game Table as a player. So you could even play two or three game sessions during that span of time, if you want to.
We do not plan for Guest Pass refunds if we have server issues, but we do plan to extend this time if our servers are down according to the duration of the down-time.
Obviously, in the first place, we will do our best to not have the servers be down.
There may be some scheduled down time maintenance, and we will do our best to communicate those well in advance, as well as rotate the maintenance time so as to not always impact the best gaming time of the same geographic area.
--Do you have any idea what additional passes cost?
I do not believe this information is public yet, and it is not for me to make it public.
--I heard that you can play multiple characters from one account at the same time (i.e. I can play two characters), is this true?
Yes, this is true. The D&D Game table allows for a player to handle multiple characters (A companion for example or another player's character if that player can't make it to the session...)
--I have purchased the H1 module, but I have not seen anything in the book that looks like an unlock code. I know of nothing that has been stated, but I was wondering if WoTC is considering releasing Premade gametable versions of published products like the new 4e H series, and also if you have considered making the VMinis for the exact monsters used in said premade adventures available with said gametable versions (if indeed this has been considered).
Yes, we have considered it, and we are still working on the exact details, but there will be premade digital products related to the published adventures. Like in the case of the book, the digital product enhance the published adventures, and do not replace them.
--What if a regular group is missing a player one night and there is someone out there wishing they could play? It would be great if there was a facility to put these folks together
The D&D Game Table will have a lobby where you can find "chairs" in a game session (the term "chair" is used to match the term Table, but we are talking about virtual chairs of course), and Dungeon Masters can publish their game session information in the D&D Game Table and expose it to players looking for game sessions.
Dungeon Masters will be able to "lock" chairs for their regular players, as well as keep chairs open to all.
They will also be able to mix and match as needed.
So for example, if a DM wants to play online with his regular group of 4 players, but they are looking for another player that could be available at that time, the D&D game Table lobby system will allow that. The DM will have the possibility to "lock" four chairs with an access code (that his regular players can then use to directly connect to his session), while keeping the fifth chair open for any player that would be available.
At launch, the lobby system integrated with the D&D Game table will be fairly basic, but should fill the core function of allowing players to find game sessions.
--Will the only way to communicate using the Game Table be by the voice over IP?
We will also have an integrated text chat, because we are aware that not everybody can use VOIP in the best conditions. Plus, we understand that there will be people that will prefer to not use VOIP for individual preferences, but we strongly believe that in that day and age, integrated voice communication had to be part of the launch features.
--Will the Game Table support sound effects?
Support of sounds effects is in our backlog, and certainly will be something we will look at closely for future upgrades (I myself have been using sounds for my own games for years now, and I can tell you that it was hard for me to have to keep that item in the backlog).
--Can you mix and match dungeon tiles from different sets at the virtual table?
The Digital sets are different from the published sets.
There is a basic set of digital set of tiles that will be available to all subscribers, and provides enough various tiles to create map levels. There are 3D digital tiles that can be acquired individually and will be displayed in 3D in your session of the D&D Game Table.
Anybody owning a specific 3D digital tile will allow any other participant to their session to see this tile 3D in the D&D Game Table
[/INDENT]
Character Visualizer:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.
Non subscribers can load characters file done by others, print wallpapers of those, create characters with some limited assets and functionalities.
Subscribers will have full access to all available assets and customization options, and can export Virtual Miniatures, as well as get updates for the software when new content is available.
--Lastly (this has just occurred to me) there is in 4e the ability to adapt any MM humanoid or other creature to be a PC race. How will that work in the Character modeler. Will I be able to make a gnoll pc and represent him on the v-table if I don't have a gnoll v-mini? How is that going to work?
When the character visualizer launches, it will support the eight PHB races, and will not include the races from the monster manual.
If at any point we release an update with the gnoll as a race (as in your example), then yes you can certainly create gnolls and load them in the D&D Game Table.
The character visualizer custom Miniatures, though, are designed to be used for player characters or major NPCs, and normal Virtual miniatures for common monsters will always be more easy to use, and less taxing on your system.[/INDENT]
Character Builder:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber?
Non subscribers can print character sheets from characters created with the character builder.
Subscribers can level up 4th Edition Characters, and will have calculation functionalities based on ability modifiers, levels, items equipped... Subscribers can print power cards .
--Will the Character Builder be Web Based?
The character Builder is not web based. it is a windows application.
On another note:
The requirements currently posted are the recommended specs for the two application based on our 3D graphic engine (the Character visualizer and the D&D Game Table). The minimum requirements for these two applications are not yet fully fleshed out, but we already know that at the minimum, you will need a graphic card supporting shader 1.1
The minimum requirements for the character builder and the Dungeon Builder are closer to the minimum requirements for Windows XP SP2. If you can run Windows XP SP2, you *should* be able to run these two applications. I say *should* because we have not yet run these applications through all the QA loops to confirm this.
--Are you going to be able to use the character generator offline? I loved the E-Tools and the ability to install it on your computer and make your character up and then pull it up during gaming night and do a print preview to see your character sheet and use it while you play. The place I play does not have internet access, so this new character generator would have to be offline use as well as online use. Does anybody know if it can be used offline?
When you are offline, there will be limited functionalites. For example, you can't level up a character offline, but you can print a character sheet from a character file created with the Character Builder application.
When you are online, and a D&DI subscriber, you will get the full benefit of the application (leveling up your character, as well as printing your character's detailed power cards).
--Will I be able to print my characters?
The Character Builder application will allow people to print character sheet as well as, for subscribers, the power cards for their characters.
[/INDENT]
Dungeon Builder:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.
Non-subscribers can build and print 2d maps
Subscribers can import these into game table.
--Would we be able to Print the maps for on table use, or be stuck to use the tools online for the created maps?
The Dungeon Builder can be used offline to create tactical maps, and can be used without being a D&DI subscriber.
It is mainly an evolution of the previous Dungeon Tile Builder tool offered in the tool sections of the D&D web site, but the map output can be used in the D&D Game Table.
Unlike the tile builder though, it is a windows application, not a web application.
--Will the software allowing the construction of miniatures-scale D&D maps have a companion program or alternate mode intended for world map design, or will we still have to use sketches/3rd party resources for that?
For launch, the main focus of the D&DI Insider software designed to create maps (the Dungeon Builder) is mainly to focus on tactical maps, using digital tiles.
It will be possible to put a custom background image on the maps, and use this in some ways to represent larger maps, like city or outdoor maps, but the images will have to be generated with other programs.
[/INDENT]
Rules Compendium:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.For subscribers, the Compendium offers detailed text of the 4th Edition core rules mechanical elements (a power, a class, a race, a feat, a skill, a magic item...). The combat chapter, for example, is not part of the compendium. There will be some information about some of the combat related information, like conditions, in the game table, but the D&D Insider Compendium is not meant to replace the rule book.
--Will the Rules Compendium provide the page numbers and book where the rule can be found?
Once it is available, the compendium will not provide pages numbers, but the reference to the book the element is printed in.
--Will the Rules Compendium be multilingual?
We do not plan to have multilingual rules database for the D&DI launch.
It is certain that we will be looking into this as soon as we can after launch (and in fact we do our best to prepare for multilingual support already)
--"I do have a question/reques about the compendium. Even though it will not have full rules, but "rules elements" why were page numbers taken out?"
We decided not to have page numbers because we occasionally print different editions of our books, and the page numbers between editions might not match up. For example, a Player's Handbook published this year might have different page numbers than that same Player's Handbook that's reprinted years later.
--"On the front of the display of the elements itself, it may be needed to have some sort of advanced search where you can find all items matching both Elf and Wizard, or matching either Elf or Wizard for example so you can make a more defined search with multiple terms."
We absolutely agree. Eventually the Compendium will have many different "search filters" The first version will not. There will be an article going up about the Compendium and our plans for it along with the Compendium release.
[/INDENT]
Dragon:
Dungeon:
To run the online tabletop, given a DM and some players, who in the group will need to subscribe to D&Di to play online?
Are we looking at a 2008 release of the tabletop, or is that out of the question?
Ken and I both agree that our first priority should be to compile an FAQ with all the information on D&Di that has been posted by Ken, Didier, and I over the past week or so. Unfortunately, Ken's out of the office this week, and I'm home sick with what can only be called the "Game Day Flu".
I'm going to try to do my best today to get some information together, but it would be a great help if anyonein the community could reply to this thread with frequently asked questions and the answers (either in your own words or by quoting wotc staff).
Thanks in advance.
-Mike
There was a valiant effort to compile an FAQ under 4th Fundamentals, IIRC that was maintained by the poster for at least a few weeks afyer GenCon. If staff did not nuke it it clearly strikes me as a strarting place. The FAQ had quotes of WotC staff answering questions.
I do understand that answers have changed over the months, but an edit of a document strikes me as slightly faster then writing a new one.
Pricing:
[INDENT]--1)Pricing Policy --
Let's start with what the pricing policy is as of today. I say "as of today" because the pricing model is subject to change. Why? Because we think we know what the value propositions in our applications are. We think we know what's going to excite the audience. We think we know what the last remaining technical obstacles are and how to overcome them. Why do we only think? Why don't we know? Because we've never had this type of model before. Wizards historically hasn't done subscriptions, and D&D has never had a digital package before meant to enhance the experience.
So right now, I'm pretty sure the model I'm describing is the model we will launch with, or at least very very close. But that's not a promise it won't change, because it might.
Tentative D&D Insider pricing model --
1 Month upfront -- $14.95 per month
3 Months upfront -- $12.95 per month
12 Months upfront -- $9.95 per month
--1a) Why won't you guys sell the components of D&D Insider separately (a la carte)?
It's because we're trying to offer the most value to the player for D&D Insider, truly. If we were to price each application separately, we'd come up with a price much higher than $14.95 a month for everything, and more than double the $9.95 a month a year-long subscriber pays.
We want this decision to be an easy one for players -- we want D&D Insider to be a great value pickup for most players. We also want players to have generall the same gaming experience...every D&D Insider knows that every other D&D Insider has access to the Visualizer, and to the magazines, and to the Game Table, etc., so it builds more of a shared community and shared experience. For all these reasons we originally decided against the a la carte approach.
That said, we have and do occasionally revisit the issue. Obviously, we want to maximize players' happiness with D&D Insider (and while some of that is good feeling, a lot of it is just common sense -- we also want to maximize revenue). This is one of those areas where we'll see, depending on our sense of the market and what players are actually doing and saying.
--1b) "Question -- "Do you guys plan on starting to charge with the launch of the first app, or when they are all out?"
This question fits in well with the pricing issue, so I'm including it here. The answer is, "It depends." If we feel that the time window between launching any two given applications is long enough, we may decide the right answer for us is to offer a different version of D&D Insider...one that costs less money, but also offers fewer features. But we're not going to have any definitive plan in that direction until we get further along in this year.
In some ways, the answer to this question overrides the answer to 1a. If we launched the applications all at the same time, it's very unlikely we'd be offering ala carte. However, given that we're not launching them all at the same time, it is certainly possible we may have different versions of subscriptions.
--What is the current pricing model on the Virtual Minis?
In this area also, I do not believe there has been public announcement yet.
The song model from I-tunes is certainly an interesting model.
--Why do we have to purchase 3d mini's and why aren't they part of the monthly fee? The reason that WoTc said the high fee was worth it was due to the fact that you get all the services and it pays for improvements to the software. The fact that they would not do an Al' a cart option runs down this same thought process. So why all the sudden are we getting an 'extra' addon fee for something that our monthly fee should cover?
The decisions regarding the sale of the Vminis as micro transactions added on top of the general subscription is one that has been in the plans for a very long time (as far as I remember at least as far as I joined the project, in March 2007). My task is to help coordinate the technology of the clients applications to accomplish this business plan, so my answers can only be driven by this role, and I can't provide much input on the subject you are raising.
--Do you have any idea what additional passes cost?
I do not believe this information is public yet, and it is not for me to make it public
[/INDENT]
General D&Di:
[INDENT]--Where is the D&DI applications, how come I can't find them to download?
As mentioned in Ampersand column here, the client applications will be added into the D&DI mix later, so there will be no program to download on release day, as the initial D&DI offering will be web based.
When the applications will become available, there will be a link and indications on how to download them.
To be able to download them, you will need to have a D&DI account. You will not need to be a subscriber though.
--What does the subscription cost include?
The plan is for the subscription to include --
- All Dragon and Dungeon content we produce during your subscription.
- The Online Compendium. The database that fuels the Compendium would include data from all official books and e-magazines.
- The Character Visualizer that allows you to create 2d and 3d images of your character.
- The Character Builder that allows you to create a digital character sheet. This application will draw from the same database as the Compendium, which means that you eventually need just the one stop-shop to refer to material from all the official books and e-magazines.
- The Digital Game Table and Dungeon Builder which allows you to create dungeons and play in them with other people online. The Game Table will very likely include a starter's set of Virtual Minis and Dungeon Tiles to start you off.
--What doesn't the subscription include?
- Additional virtual minis and dungeon tiles that we produce. These likely would be sold separately.
- E-adventures that we produce for the Game Table (these would likely come with their own set of v-minis and d-tiles necessary to play the adventure). Sold separately.
- E-book .pdfs. Sold separately.
- Back-issues of Dragon and Dungeon that were produced before your subscriptions. Sold separately.
--What is the order in which the applications will be released?
Someone asked about what the likely order of release would be for the applications. This list assumes the Compendium is already out there.
a) Character Visualizer -- this application is currently the closest to being done.
b) Character Builder -- this application is also close to being done, but slightly farther away than the Character Visualizer. I understand that for many people, the Character Builder would be great to have as soon as possible...if we can get it out first, we will, but the way that things look right now, it's likely to be second.
c) Game Table and Dungeon Builder -- many people are very excited about the Game Table...but it is also the most complex of all of our applications, as well as the one that needs the most "game" and user polish of all of our applications. This is the application that will take the most time to complete and for which the schedule is least reliable..."is it done" is not the only question that needs to be answered, but also "is it fun?"
-- I desperately hope that the VMiniatures will not be random, that I will be able to buy the exact ones I want when i need them. Random boosters suck. I have never bought the random mini packs, I only buy singles at my local store, to represent the exact monsters I need in my games.
We have clearly stated that, even if at some point using random distribution was considered (after all, a business always need to consider all its options), it has been clearly discarded.
--Why are we charging extra for v-minis?
We're charging extra for v-minis because we have a cost associated with producing the v-mini that isn't accounted in our subscription price.
I'm happy to get more into this conversation and release more information as we get a little closer to the Game Table being released. Specific info about how many v-minis we'll give away for free and what v-minis are included in the initial giveaway.
What if I don't buy the extra v-minis?
There will always be a 2d token you can use which has the image of the monster.
--I have purchased a VMini, will I be able to place as many of that mini as I like on my game table? Asking a customer to buy multiple versions of a physical object is one thing, but there is no intrinsic cost to the manufacturer in allowing me to use multiple copies of a digitized 3d image. If we are asked to do this, I would balk, for it would feel like exploitation.
I do not think the exact model about V miniature usage has been made public yet, and this is not for me to do so here.
The only thing I can confirm at that stage is that the 3D map tiles will have unlimited usage.
So if you buy a 3D statue tile, for example, all the statue tiles in your dungeons will be shown in 3D.
Also, keep in mind that through the Character visualizer, you can generate Custom Virtual Miniatures of your characters, and use those in the D&D Game Table.
--What if I buy Virtual minis and then cancel my subscription?
If you cancel your subscription you can still benefit from the 3D pieces (Miniature or Tiles) that you have bought.
If you participate to a D&D Game Table session, all such 3D assets a participant has are pooled to the benefits of everybody. You can play with guest passes, still own 3D assets, and see the 3D Miniature or 3D tiles you have bought (and all other players of the same game session can see them too, even if you are the only one to have bought them)
--How customizable are the tokens? Does anyone know? Have they indicated?
Monster tokens will come with the D&D Game Table. Some of the monsters will be associated with a Virtual Miniature and can be seen in 3D. As tokens, all the monsters from the Monster Manual 1 and other publications will be there (for example, the new monsters/NPC from Keep on the shadowfell), and we will regularly update with tokens representing new monsters from the published material.
The DM can add custom tokens in the D&D Game Table, and save them from one session to another, or create collection of their own tokens.
At launch, there will be a mechanism to customize the tokens data sheet based on a XML file template, and later, more sophisticated customization options will be provided
It will also be possible to customize the token appearance with a 2D image, and/or assign a 3D VMini you own to any custom token.
--Could a third party publisher sell down loadable components for the virtual game table, i.e. virtual mini's, dungeon tiles and already build dungeons for the game table? I'm just wondering if such digital components are also covered by the GSL?
From the technical point of view, users can generate maps for others to use with the Dungeon Builder.
The D&D Game Table will offer basic options to "export" an adventure file, so that others could use it too.
Later, the encounter builder will provide more advanced tools to package an adventure together.
Regarding creation of Virtual Miniatures or Tiles, there are no plans I know of at launch to allow community created content in that area.
I do not know about the rights to sell such content though. This is a question that needs to go in the GSL forum there.
--Is there a spot that I can log onto for all of the lateset info on DDi (besides the forums) that WoTC has put up?
Ampersand's columns
Design and development columns
Interview at RPG Virtual Tabletop
Chirs Perkins' Gamespy interview
D&D Insider at D&D Experience
--Is there any truth behind what I have heard, which is that DDi will support D&D 3.5?
D&D Insider is supporting 4th Edition, for example the Character Builder (to create character sheet), the Rules Compendium or the online Magazines are specific to 4th Edition.
There are some elements of D&D Insider, like the character visualizer, the dungeon builder or the D&D Game Table, that are more generic, and could be used with other RPG Game Systems.
--My concern is, as a DM, what V-minis will be allocated to the game. I dont want to use a Kobold to represent a Dragon or a Elf to represent a Giant. Will D&D Insider contain the same information/V-Minis as the Monster Manual, Players Handbook and DM's Guide?
D&D Insider will not have v-minis for every single monster present in the Monster Manual or future monster material. We will have a lot of them, but not all of them.
--Via D&Di I will be able to refer to my physical books or PDF, or b) that the complete reference (as it apppears in the manual) will be available in the D&Di applications?
The Compendium and the Character Builder both ultimately derive their info from the same database. This database will contain the exact info the book contains in regards to feats, powers, skills, race info, etc. (sometimes the database will even be more current, due to errata). Neither the Compendium nor the Character Builder are electronic versions of the printed books...we will be selling .pdfs of our printed books separately.
--If I stop my subscription (say I can't afford it one month) and start back up at a later date, will I lose v-content I have purchased (adventures, minis, tiles, objects to place on the v-table)?
No, you will not lose v-content you have already purchased if your subscription lapses.
--"I want to know exactly what will happen when I stop paying my monthly fee. Will I lose everything? Will I get to export jpgs of dungeons that I've created? Will I be able to use the client apps (unlikely)? Will I retain access to the magazine articles released while I was subscribed?"
No, you will not lose everything. Assuming you've downloaded/saved a copy of the magazines, you will still be able to view those magazine articles. You will get to export .jpgs of the dungeon. In general, you will be able to use the client applications, although you will not be able to connect to the server (D&D Game Table) nor will you be able to get new data/content (Char Builder, Char Visualizer)
[/INDENT]
Game Table:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.
Non subscribers can only join a game session with a guest pass. Guest pass only allows player access
Subscribers can start game sessions as DM or play as player at any time. The Game Table will have links to the Rules compendium to check the details of the rules available online.
--I read in another thread that there would also be a limited number of sessions you could play per month, but this was not an official post so I do not know the authenticity of it. Has anyone else heard this from an official source?
If you are a subscriber, there are no limits to the number of sessions you can play each month. For various reasons, one session can't go beyond 24 hours, but if you feel like it, you can start a new one right after the previous one stopped.
--Will DMs and Players be able to "share" their V-minis during a session?
Yes. DMs and players will be able to share their VMinis and tiles during a session. This will happen automatically and is handled by the game table application.
Sharing VMiniatures happens during a game session, and you are sharing your assets only with those that participate to the same game session, and only for the duration of this game session.
You are not transfering ownership of your Virtual miniatures with everybody else in any way.
--If for some reason a party member leaves the game, perhaps due to character death, Real Life or any other reason, does he take his virtual mini's home with him, or do they stay with the game until the session is over?
He would take the virtual miniatures and 3D mapping elements (we call them 3D tiles) he owns with him, and the game pieces that he owns would revert back to tokens, while the 3D tiles would revert to flat tiles.
--Will tokens have an editable "notes" field in which I can copy/paste my own custom notes?
Yes, there will be note field available with the game pieces you can put on the D&D Game Table.
--Also, will I be able to create and import as many custom 3D minis as I want or will there be a limit? Essentially, I'd like to have the ability to create custom NPC minis rather than use the premade minis from miniature sets. I feel that custom NPC minis will really add a lot to the perceived unique characteristics of the NPC.
There will be a way to assign a custom Virtual Miniature to a custom token.
This said, the custom Virtual Miniature are taxing the game engine more than the standard virtual miniatures.
The base design is to support between 10 and 15 players in your game session. We are planning for a reasonable number of characters, not for entire armies.
Virtual miniatures are designed somewhat differently to allow a higher number to be usable, but once again, the D&D Game Table is done mainly to support a Role Playing Game, not large crowds or armies.
So there will be a limit to the number of custom virtual miniatures you can use, and this limit will probably increase according to the users' hardware. This limit is not set yet, but should not in any way impair the basic functions of the D&D Game Table to support a Role Playing Game.
--Wil the Game Table do things like track damage, decide if the character gets hit, calculate saves etc.
The D&D Game Table will not adjudicate rules.
There will be some basic tools to track data, like hit points, but answering if an attack hit or misses will not be automatically adjudicated. Players and DM will do exactly like they do on a normal table, discuss it, possibly add the current combat modifiers and the character or the monster that has been hit can have it's hit points updated on the data sheet by the player that controls it.
The calculation of defenses or skill bonuses for a character can be generated using the character Builder application. If you have used this application to create your character, you will be able to upload a data sheet for your character that has the precalculated values. The Game Table will offer you preset shortcuts to roll the right dice with your calculated skill bonuses for example.
--I think one good way to get the community more behind the game table would be to allow people to load in their own models for monster, and if we can get the specs, for characters. This could cut into the 'virtual minis' I've been hearing about, but really, which is more important, getting a few bucks off of players, or having a rallying point that draws in the community at large?
We are not planning at that stage to allow the community to load 3D models into the D&D Game Table.
This said, every game piece token can be represented by an image that can be loaded by the users, and each custom token will have an XML import feature that allow uploading custom stats blocks or character related data(or what we call more generally data sheet).
This data sheet allows to interact with some of the features of the Game Table, like Hit points tracking, initiative bonus or die rolls.
Even if the D&D Game Table is designed primarily for D&D and 4th Edition, we do want it to be flexible and open to any RPG on the long run.
--If we have a paid subscription to DDI, is there any manner of printing out tokens for regular real-life use.
There is no specific function to print out tokens out of the D&D Game Table. From the character visualizer you can create tokens/portraits from your character.
--How do the game passes work for the non-subscribers?
The basic design for Guest passes is that One Guest pass is designed to allow to play in One game session.
To accomodate various possible random factors (server outage is one of those, but definitely not the only thing that can happen.. for example, it is also possible that a DM starts a session and has to stop it after a few minutes for personal reasons, after his players have used up their guest passes).
We have established this 24 hour window to account for these various cases that can happen and can't be foreseen, and allow the player that had planned for some game time to find other games sessions and be able to play after using a Guest Pass.
Once a guest pass is used, it is used up. The plan, once Guest passes are introduced, is to provide subscribers with a certain number of guest passes on a monthly base, so in some way this is an ongoing benefit of the subscription.
--Will the 24 hour pass count down from the moment it is issued, or is it 24 hours of play time?
It will be 24 hours from the moment it is issued.
--Will people buying one-time passes get refunds for things like this if a game is disrupted due to some sort of downtime with the Game Table!?
One time pass (or guest pass as we call them) will grant a user a 24 hour window of access to the Game Table as a player. So you could even play two or three game sessions during that span of time, if you want to.
We do not plan for Guest Pass refunds if we have server issues, but we do plan to extend this time if our servers are down according to the duration of the down-time.
Obviously, in the first place, we will do our best to not have the servers be down.
There may be some scheduled down time maintenance, and we will do our best to communicate those well in advance, as well as rotate the maintenance time so as to not always impact the best gaming time of the same geographic area.
--Do you have any idea what additional passes cost?
I do not believe this information is public yet, and it is not for me to make it public.
--I heard that you can play multiple characters from one account at the same time (i.e. I can play two characters), is this true?
Yes, this is true. The D&D Game table allows for a player to handle multiple characters (A companion for example or another player's character if that player can't make it to the session...)
--I have purchased the H1 module, but I have not seen anything in the book that looks like an unlock code. I know of nothing that has been stated, but I was wondering if WoTC is considering releasing Premade gametable versions of published products like the new 4e H series, and also if you have considered making the VMinis for the exact monsters used in said premade adventures available with said gametable versions (if indeed this has been considered).
Yes, we have considered it, and we are still working on the exact details, but there will be premade digital products related to the published adventures. Like in the case of the book, the digital product enhance the published adventures, and do not replace them.
--What if a regular group is missing a player one night and there is someone out there wishing they could play? It would be great if there was a facility to put these folks together
The D&D Game Table will have a lobby where you can find "chairs" in a game session (the term "chair" is used to match the term Table, but we are talking about virtual chairs of course), and Dungeon Masters can publish their game session information in the D&D Game Table and expose it to players looking for game sessions.
Dungeon Masters will be able to "lock" chairs for their regular players, as well as keep chairs open to all.
They will also be able to mix and match as needed.
So for example, if a DM wants to play online with his regular group of 4 players, but they are looking for another player that could be available at that time, the D&D game Table lobby system will allow that. The DM will have the possibility to "lock" four chairs with an access code (that his regular players can then use to directly connect to his session), while keeping the fifth chair open for any player that would be available.
At launch, the lobby system integrated with the D&D Game table will be fairly basic, but should fill the core function of allowing players to find game sessions.
--Will the only way to communicate using the Game Table be by the voice over IP?
We will also have an integrated text chat, because we are aware that not everybody can use VOIP in the best conditions. Plus, we understand that there will be people that will prefer to not use VOIP for individual preferences, but we strongly believe that in that day and age, integrated voice communication had to be part of the launch features.
--Will the Game Table support sound effects?
Support of sounds effects is in our backlog, and certainly will be something we will look at closely for future upgrades (I myself have been using sounds for my own games for years now, and I can tell you that it was hard for me to have to keep that item in the backlog).
--Can you mix and match dungeon tiles from different sets at the virtual table?
The Digital sets are different from the published sets.
There is a basic set of digital set of tiles that will be available to all subscribers, and provides enough various tiles to create map levels. There are 3D digital tiles that can be acquired individually and will be displayed in 3D in your session of the D&D Game Table.
Anybody owning a specific 3D digital tile will allow any other participant to their session to see this tile 3D in the D&D Game Table
[/INDENT]
Character Visualizer:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.
Non subscribers can load characters file done by others, print wallpapers of those, create characters with some limited assets and functionalities.
Subscribers will have full access to all available assets and customization options, and can export Virtual Miniatures, as well as get updates for the software when new content is available.
--Lastly (this has just occurred to me) there is in 4e the ability to adapt any MM humanoid or other creature to be a PC race. How will that work in the Character modeler. Will I be able to make a gnoll pc and represent him on the v-table if I don't have a gnoll v-mini? How is that going to work?
When the character visualizer launches, it will support the eight PHB races, and will not include the races from the monster manual.
If at any point we release an update with the gnoll as a race (as in your example), then yes you can certainly create gnolls and load them in the D&D Game Table.
The character visualizer custom Miniatures, though, are designed to be used for player characters or major NPCs, and normal Virtual miniatures for common monsters will always be more easy to use, and less taxing on your system.[/INDENT]
Character Builder:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber?
Non subscribers can print character sheets from characters created with the character builder.
Subscribers can level up 4th Edition Characters, and will have calculation functionalities based on ability modifiers, levels, items equipped... Subscribers can print power cards .
--Will the Character Builder be Web Based?
The character Builder is not web based. it is a windows application.
On another note:
The requirements currently posted are the recommended specs for the two application based on our 3D graphic engine (the Character visualizer and the D&D Game Table). The minimum requirements for these two applications are not yet fully fleshed out, but we already know that at the minimum, you will need a graphic card supporting shader 1.1
The minimum requirements for the character builder and the Dungeon Builder are closer to the minimum requirements for Windows XP SP2. If you can run Windows XP SP2, you *should* be able to run these two applications. I say *should* because we have not yet run these applications through all the QA loops to confirm this.
--Are you going to be able to use the character generator offline? I loved the E-Tools and the ability to install it on your computer and make your character up and then pull it up during gaming night and do a print preview to see your character sheet and use it while you play. The place I play does not have internet access, so this new character generator would have to be offline use as well as online use. Does anybody know if it can be used offline?
When you are offline, there will be limited functionalites. For example, you can't level up a character offline, but you can print a character sheet from a character file created with the Character Builder application.
When you are online, and a D&DI subscriber, you will get the full benefit of the application (leveling up your character, as well as printing your character's detailed power cards).
--Will I be able to print my characters?
The Character Builder application will allow people to print character sheet as well as, for subscribers, the power cards for their characters.
[/INDENT]
Dungeon Builder:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.
Non-subscribers can build and print 2d maps
Subscribers can import these into game table.
--Would we be able to Print the maps for on table use, or be stuck to use the tools online for the created maps?
The Dungeon Builder can be used offline to create tactical maps, and can be used without being a D&DI subscriber.
It is mainly an evolution of the previous Dungeon Tile Builder tool offered in the tool sections of the D&D web site, but the map output can be used in the D&D Game Table.
Unlike the tile builder though, it is a windows application, not a web application.
--Will the software allowing the construction of miniatures-scale D&D maps have a companion program or alternate mode intended for world map design, or will we still have to use sketches/3rd party resources for that?
For launch, the main focus of the D&DI Insider software designed to create maps (the Dungeon Builder) is mainly to focus on tactical maps, using digital tiles.
It will be possible to put a custom background image on the maps, and use this in some ways to represent larger maps, like city or outdoor maps, but the images will have to be generated with other programs.
[/INDENT]
Rules Compendium:
[INDENT]--What is the difference for this feature between the subscriber and non-subscriber.For subscribers, the Compendium offers detailed text of the 4th Edition core rules mechanical elements (a power, a class, a race, a feat, a skill, a magic item...). The combat chapter, for example, is not part of the compendium. There will be some information about some of the combat related information, like conditions, in the game table, but the D&D Insider Compendium is not meant to replace the rule book.
--Will the Rules Compendium provide the page numbers and book where the rule can be found?
Once it is available, the compendium will not provide pages numbers, but the reference to the book the element is printed in.
--Will the Rules Compendium be multilingual?
We do not plan to have multilingual rules database for the D&DI launch.
It is certain that we will be looking into this as soon as we can after launch (and in fact we do our best to prepare for multilingual support already)
--"I do have a question/reques about the compendium. Even though it will not have full rules, but "rules elements" why were page numbers taken out?"
We decided not to have page numbers because we occasionally print different editions of our books, and the page numbers between editions might not match up. For example, a Player's Handbook published this year might have different page numbers than that same Player's Handbook that's reprinted years later.
--"On the front of the display of the elements itself, it may be needed to have some sort of advanced search where you can find all items matching both Elf and Wizard, or matching either Elf or Wizard for example so you can make a more defined search with multiple terms."
We absolutely agree. Eventually the Compendium will have many different "search filters" The first version will not. There will be an article going up about the Compendium and our plans for it along with the Compendium release.
[/INDENT]
Dragon:
Dungeon:
Tomorrow, I might work on the layout and get things better organized.
I hope this helps.
Unfortunately, Ken's out of the office this week, and I'm home sick with what can only be called the "Game Day Flu".
LOL so Ken, despite all the complaints and what is going on, ISN'T at work finishing what should have been finished a week ago.
Heck of a job on that compilation, Cart_Sprinter!
Thanks, I'll fix it up and lay it out better tomorrow. I'll add some of the things from the transcribed videos and Dragon articles as well. Right now I need some sleep.
Thanks, I'll fix it up and lay it out better tomorrow. I'll add some of the things from the transcribed videos and Dragon articles as well. Right now I need some sleep.
Awesome. If you want to make it a new post, we can sticky it and call it official. =)
--What is the current pricing model on the Virtual Minis?
In this area also, I do not believe there has been public announcement yet.
The song model from I-tunes is certainly an interesting model.
If you do decide to use this model I want credit for the idea. A consulting fee, as I brought this up and DM seems to have run with it. If I choose to become a paid insider member I want some perks for being so darn brilliant (read: gimme free stuff! :D)!
http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15997693&postcount=12
http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15997769&postcount=14
Awesome. If you want to make it a new post, we can sticky it and call it official. =)
Will do, but it may take a little while to get it all reorganized.
If you do decide to use this model I want credit for the idea. A consulting fee, as I brought this up and DM seems to have run with it. If I choose to become a paid insider member I want some perks for being so darn brilliant (read: gimme free stuff! :D)!
http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15997693&postcount=12
http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=15997769&postcount=14
Maybe I should add a link to the source, so that people asking the questions can get credit for them, and people will know I'm not faking any of the answers.
LOL so Ken, despite all the complaints and what is going on, ISN'T at work finishing what should have been finished a week ago.
I have to agree here. After the touchy feely posts he gave he takes a week off.
More that leads us to believe that DDI is not only extrememly behind schedule (we also believe this because of the lack of ETA's) and further that it might never come out.
Great way to keep on the ball.
(I can only assume it is a vacation since you're out for the whole week according to zer0...
Look, I understand that we all have vacation times, but if you take your vacation time RIGHT AFTER you have FAILED to deliver YOUR product on time it shows a lack of interest in what you're doing and no respect for your product or the audience that is waiting for your LATE release.)
Look, I understand that we all have vacation times, but if you take your vacation time RIGHT AFTER you have FAILED to deliver YOUR product on time it shows a lack of interest in what you're doing and no respect for your product or the audience that is waiting for your LATE release.)
In fairness, depending on what (if any) travel he's choosing to do, he probably booked this vacation 6+ months ago - to celebrate what should have been the smooth launch of DDI.
It wasn't until a couple months ago that he would have started to "know" that DDI wasn't going to launch on time, but by then it would be too late to change plans.
I highly doubt he was sitting in his office last week and said "Well, DDI didn't launch, I'm gonna spend a week at home".
The fact that he is out of the office NOW, as the leader of the group that is supposed to head up DDI, after it is LATE and obviously not prepared for ANY sort of usage (as we see from the lack of substance from Dragon or Dungeon and from the very short amount of time that the rules compendium was up before it shut down) is just mind boggling. Mind boggling.
His product is late and yet he is out of the office... just disgusting honestly. I for one can't believe I applauded that he spoke to us now when he first posted on here. He said they were working as hard as they could on this, well theres one guy who obviously isn't and he happens to be leading the whole project. Give you any clue on how DDI is going to go yet?
(/end_rant)