Encounters for DDI users via VTT? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Encounters for DDI users via VTT?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
creed5757
Aug 02, 2011 5:57:10 Hello all, just an idea for the powers that be. Currently there is no way I can get to a store running encounters, I live in the UK so there are not many stores, also I work full time so its tricky to get there. I suspect this is the case with a lot of people, for a program designed to attract new players it also mangages to exclude a lot who want to get into the game. Each time I log onto the site I am greeted with the encounter adverts and I constantly feel like I am missing out. I understand the reasoning for this, Wizards want more people in store, playing the games whilst being stood next to a rack of the games on sale, can't fault that.

If it was possible to run encounters over the VTT with the maps, tokens and characters all ready to go, it would be a big draw to DDI for people that want to play encounters and go a long way to giving further value to DDI. You could even go as far as giving trial access to the VTT for Encounters players playing games run by DDI members or staff, inticing them into DnD and DDI.

Just a thought.

#2
nightwalker450
Aug 02, 2011 10:36:00 I'd heard the policy was you can't run encounters on the VTT, until after the season is over. So I guess if people wanted to get together and run old season's on the VTT there should be no problem with that.

But the purpose of encounters, is to get new people in the stores to play D&D. You won't get new people from the D&D VT, because the only people visiting the site are those who play D&D already.
#3
Jharii
Aug 02, 2011 10:59:25
I'd heard the policy was you can't run encounters on the VTT, until after the season is over. So I guess if people wanted to get together and run old season's on the VTT there should be no problem with that.

But the purpose of encounters, is to get new people in the stores to play D&D. You won't get new people from the D&D VT, because the only people visiting the site are those who play D&D already.

Theoretically, they could advertise it and it could get new DDI subscribers. I am not necessarily agreeing that it should be available on the VT, just that it would have results.
#4
Alphastream
Aug 02, 2011 11:02:23 Encounters is a store-only program (you can read about it on the Events page). You must order and run the program through (and at) a game store that is subscribed to the WPN program.

After having run the program there, and at the conclusion of the season, a DM receives the adventure as a reward. At that point that DM can do what they want with their reward (within obvious legal limits, such as not distributing/copying it). A DM that ran the session and received the adventure could run the adventure via the VTT. This would no longer be Encounters (the season would already have ended) and would just be your home campaig using the adventure. (No rewards, no player points, etc.).

WotC absolutely knows that many people would love to have other ways to run Encounters. However, it is a store-only program and needs to be that way to be successful. They have made it clear they won't be changing that anytime soon.
#5
_Mithreinmaethor_
Aug 02, 2011 11:05:38 I have seen previous seasons of Encounters run on the VT and actually played in a couple. Since Encounters is meant to bring people into the FLGS' you wont see the current season run on the VT, well at least not authorized or supported by WotC.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 creed5757 Aug 02, 2011 5:57:10	Hello all, just an idea for the powers that be. Currently there is no way I can get to a store running encounters, I live in the UK so there are not many stores, also I work full time so its tricky to get there. I suspect this is the case with a lot of people, for a program designed to attract new players it also mangages to exclude a lot who want to get into the game. Each time I log onto the site I am greeted with the encounter adverts and I constantly feel like I am missing out. I understand the reasoning for this, Wizards want more people in store, playing the games whilst being stood next to a rack of the games on sale, can't fault that. If it was possible to run encounters over the VTT with the maps, tokens and characters all ready to go, it would be a big draw to DDI for people that want to play encounters and go a long way to giving further value to DDI. You could even go as far as giving trial access to the VTT for Encounters players playing games run by DDI members or staff, inticing them into DnD and DDI. Just a thought.
#2 nightwalker450 Aug 02, 2011 10:36:00	I'd heard the policy was you can't run encounters on the VTT, until after the season is over. So I guess if people wanted to get together and run old season's on the VTT there should be no problem with that. But the purpose of encounters, is to get new people in the stores to play D&D. You won't get new people from the D&D VT, because the only people visiting the site are those who play D&D already.
#3 Jharii Aug 02, 2011 10:59:25	I'd heard the policy was you can't run encounters on the VTT, until after the season is over. So I guess if people wanted to get together and run old season's on the VTT there should be no problem with that. But the purpose of encounters, is to get new people in the stores to play D&D. You won't get new people from the D&D VT, because the only people visiting the site are those who play D&D already. Theoretically, they could advertise it and it could get new DDI subscribers. I am not necessarily agreeing that it should be available on the VT, just that it would have results.
#4 Alphastream Aug 02, 2011 11:02:23	Encounters is a store-only program (you can read about it on the Events page). You must order and run the program through (and at) a game store that is subscribed to the WPN program. After having run the program there, and at the conclusion of the season, a DM receives the adventure as a reward. At that point that DM can do what they want with their reward (within obvious legal limits, such as not distributing/copying it). A DM that ran the session and received the adventure could run the adventure via the VTT. This would no longer be Encounters (the season would already have ended) and would just be your home campaig using the adventure. (No rewards, no player points, etc.). WotC absolutely knows that many people would love to have other ways to run Encounters. However, it is a store-only program and needs to be that way to be successful. They have made it clear they won't be changing that anytime soon.
#5 _Mithreinmaethor_ Aug 02, 2011 11:05:38	I have seen previous seasons of Encounters run on the VT and actually played in a couple. Since Encounters is meant to bring people into the FLGS' you wont see the current season run on the VT, well at least not authorized or supported by WotC.