DDI compatibility - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

DDI compatibility

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
t1ck_t0ck
Jan 25, 2009 0:30:54 Hello all,

I have a simple question that I have not been able to find an answer for.

Does WotC intend to bring DDI to OSX when it is the "Full" version? I see and hear nifty things about it but cannot participate. I know that I can dual boot Windows or run Windows as a virtual machine but it is my personal choice not to. I would imagine that I am not the only Mac user though would subscribe to product.
#2
kyros_tachyus
Jan 25, 2009 3:22:19 This is an issue that I think they have already officially commented on. I don't have a link for you and I COULD BE WRONG, but iirc the word was they have no plans to release DDi for multiple operating systems.

Don't take my word on it though.
#3
whitebaron
Jan 25, 2009 5:34:29 ddi is a .net 3.5 application. once there are proper versions out for that in the linux/mac world, they might as well support those OS's. however, this is entirely independent of wotc, and i hate them for their decision to make it .net 3.5 - which is by my guess at least 1(2) years away from seeing completion in mono.
#4
Quintarius
Jan 25, 2009 10:06:46 uhm DDI is NOT a software.
The Character Creator, Character Visualizer, Dungeonbuilder and Game Table is a software.
The D&D Compendium is a web-software (should be compatible with OSX)
The Dragon & Dungeon Magazine is PDF (which should also be OSX compatible)
The DDI Bonus-Tools are Websoftware (Flash based, which should also be compatible with OSX)

This all is DDI, Dungeons & Dragons Insider.

For everythign else, MAYBE there could be emulators or virtual machines.
But PLEASE don't say "DDI is not OSX compatible" DDI is so much more than the character builder or the "Game table"
#5
whitebaron
Jan 25, 2009 10:12:17
uhm DDI is NOT a software.

the "ddi suite" was supposed to be primarily software tools to bring the gaming experience to a new level. everything else is just value-added service that was brought in way later, when they realized they could not keep up with the schedule. (especially the bonus tools)

btw: take some history lessons, before you start to nitpick...
yes there are ways to run windows in osx or linux. but it should really not be necessary.
#6
thax
Jan 25, 2009 10:34:27 From what I know, the two programs that needs windows specifically are the Visualizer and the Game Table. They are 3d style programs that needs a graphics codec to work, and Wizards went with Direct X, which is native to the windows OS.

Now I am not sure if the NET 3 (or whatever it is) can be use within the OSX in mac without having windows and still work, but it is available for free online. (the installation of the Character generator... err, Builder downloads it for you if it isn't up to date or there)

Might need an official answer or look up the NET stuff on Microsoft's websight.
#7
whitebaron
Jan 25, 2009 13:29:21
From what I know, the two programs that needs windows specifically are the Visualizer and the Game Table.

every application released for the desktop from the ddi suite will feature .net framework 3.5, which is currently not at all supported under macos or linux.

mono, the open source variant of .net, will be compatible to that in maybe some months, maybe never, we'll see. microsoft does not support any other platforms than windows, and the .net framework does also not install on older windows versions...
#8
thax
Jan 25, 2009 13:45:36 Wow... so Wizards ended up making the Mac Owners be completely left out.

Not a good idea. I would think that college students would be a big part of revenue for DDi, and this is mostly lost because Macs are favored almost 3 to 1, especially for lap tops.

How stupid can Wizards get?
#9
t1ck_t0ck
Jan 25, 2009 18:53:29 Thank you all for the fast replies, I was unaware that DDI was .Net based. Looks like no DDI for me, it seems silly to pay a subscription and not get the full product.
#10
kyros_tachyus
Jan 26, 2009 1:36:33
Wow... so Wizards ended up making the Mac Owners be completely left out.

Not a good idea. I would think that college students would be a big part of revenue for DDi, and this is mostly lost because Macs are favored almost 3 to 1, especially for lap tops.

How stupid can Wizards get?

The market is much greater in PC's favor.

Although it is kind of pathetic that it isn't going over, it does exactly come as a shock to me either. Macs are still only 10% of the market.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 t1ck_t0ck Jan 25, 2009 0:30:54	Hello all, I have a simple question that I have not been able to find an answer for. Does WotC intend to bring DDI to OSX when it is the "Full" version? I see and hear nifty things about it but cannot participate. I know that I can dual boot Windows or run Windows as a virtual machine but it is my personal choice not to. I would imagine that I am not the only Mac user though would subscribe to product.
#2 kyros_tachyus Jan 25, 2009 3:22:19	This is an issue that I think they have already officially commented on. I don't have a link for you and I COULD BE WRONG, but iirc the word was they have no plans to release DDi for multiple operating systems. Don't take my word on it though.
#3 whitebaron Jan 25, 2009 5:34:29	ddi is a .net 3.5 application. once there are proper versions out for that in the linux/mac world, they might as well support those OS's. however, this is entirely independent of wotc, and i hate them for their decision to make it .net 3.5 - which is by my guess at least 1(2) years away from seeing completion in mono.
#4 Quintarius Jan 25, 2009 10:06:46	uhm DDI is NOT a software. The Character Creator, Character Visualizer, Dungeonbuilder and Game Table is a software. The D&D Compendium is a web-software (should be compatible with OSX) The Dragon & Dungeon Magazine is PDF (which should also be OSX compatible) The DDI Bonus-Tools are Websoftware (Flash based, which should also be compatible with OSX) This all is DDI, Dungeons & Dragons Insider. For everythign else, MAYBE there could be emulators or virtual machines. But PLEASE don't say "DDI is not OSX compatible" DDI is so much more than the character builder or the "Game table"
#5 whitebaron Jan 25, 2009 10:12:17	uhm DDI is NOT a software. the "ddi suite" was supposed to be primarily software tools to bring the gaming experience to a new level. everything else is just value-added service that was brought in way later, when they realized they could not keep up with the schedule. (especially the bonus tools) btw: take some history lessons, before you start to nitpick... yes there are ways to run windows in osx or linux. but it should really not be necessary.
#6 thax Jan 25, 2009 10:34:27	From what I know, the two programs that needs windows specifically are the Visualizer and the Game Table. They are 3d style programs that needs a graphics codec to work, and Wizards went with Direct X, which is native to the windows OS. Now I am not sure if the NET 3 (or whatever it is) can be use within the OSX in mac without having windows and still work, but it is available for free online. (the installation of the Character generator... err, Builder downloads it for you if it isn't up to date or there) Might need an official answer or look up the NET stuff on Microsoft's websight.
#7 whitebaron Jan 25, 2009 13:29:21	From what I know, the two programs that needs windows specifically are the Visualizer and the Game Table. every application released for the desktop from the ddi suite will feature .net framework 3.5, which is currently not at all supported under macos or linux. mono, the open source variant of .net, will be compatible to that in maybe some months, maybe never, we'll see. microsoft does not support any other platforms than windows, and the .net framework does also not install on older windows versions...
#8 thax Jan 25, 2009 13:45:36	Wow... so Wizards ended up making the Mac Owners be completely left out. Not a good idea. I would think that college students would be a big part of revenue for DDi, and this is mostly lost because Macs are favored almost 3 to 1, especially for lap tops. How stupid can Wizards get?
#9 t1ck_t0ck Jan 25, 2009 18:53:29	Thank you all for the fast replies, I was unaware that DDI was .Net based. Looks like no DDI for me, it seems silly to pay a subscription and not get the full product.
#10 kyros_tachyus Jan 26, 2009 1:36:33	Wow... so Wizards ended up making the Mac Owners be completely left out. Not a good idea. I would think that college students would be a big part of revenue for DDi, and this is mostly lost because Macs are favored almost 3 to 1, especially for lap tops. How stupid can Wizards get? The market is much greater in PC's favor. Although it is kind of pathetic that it isn't going over, it does exactly come as a shock to me either. Macs are still only 10% of the market.