Special Announcement - Kickstarter

[ddavison]

If I understand correctly buying a FGU licence (either during the kickstarter or later) will
a) not upgrade your existing FGC licence in any way. you will get a new licence for FGU that only works with FGU. So if you own a FGC Standard licence and buy a FGU Ultimate licence your FGC licence will stay Standard
b) not get you a FGC licence. So if you do not own a FGC licence and buy a FGU licence you will only have a FGU licence

I created this matrix.
The left column shows which FGC licence you own when plegding the kickstarter.
The top row shows the FGU licence you pledge for.
The intersections show which licences you will own afterwards.




FGU Standard pledged
FGU Ultimate pledged
no FGU licence pledged


FGC Standard owned
FGC Standard and FGU Standard
FGC Standard and FGU Ultimate
FGC Standard


FGC Ultimate owned
FGC Ultimate and FGU Standard
FGC Ultimate and FGU Ultimate
FGC Ultimate


no FGC licence owned
FGU Standard
FGU Ultimate
no licence for both



afaik:
The kickstarter offers discounts for FGU licences.
The kickstarter does not offer FGC upgrades (FGC and FGU licences are seperate ones).
The kickstarter does not give people without a FGC licence a FGC licence.

That matrix doesn't seem to be accurate. You don't change your license type when pledging if you go from FGC to FGU. You have to do that outside of the Kickstarter first and then you will get the same kind of license that you already have for FGC whenever you upgrade to FGU.

[tantauralus]

What do you mean by licence type? Standard/Ultimate or FGC/FGU?

As I interpreted it so far:
If if have FGC Standard and pledge for FGU Ultimate i will have FGC standard and FGU Ultimate

Or did you mean the kickstarter won't allow you to pledge for an FGU Ultimate (not even the newcommer level) if you only have a FGC Standard-Licence (you would have to upgrade to FGC Ultimate first)?

Edit:
fixed mixed up level from rookie to the newcommer which I ment

[ddavison]

If you have FGC Standard and you want FGU Ultimate you will have to do one of two things:

Buy FGU Newcomer. You will then have FGU Ultimate and FGC Standard
Buy FGC Ultimate Upgrade and then FGU Rookie Upgrade. You will have FGC Ultimate and FGU Ultimate.

[tantauralus]

If you have FGC Standard and you want FGU Ultimate you will have to do one of two things:
Buy FGU Newcomer. You will then have FGU Ultimate and FGC Standard
...

Sorry, I mixed up rookie and newcommer in my last post. fixed it.

So my matrix seems correct to me , it simply misses the pledge one would need to use for the result.
I will try to come up with a better/easier to understand matrix to reduce possible confusion.

[damned]

What programming language will be used to write new Rulesets in FGU?

How will be the localization of FGU? Can we expect some non english translations by the launch time?

I dont think that SmiteWorks have the resources to do localised versions...

[LordEntrails]

Has there been mention of a release date for this? I haven't seen one, but haven't read through the 25 pages of comments either (I did make it about half way through).
KS will go live May 1st. FGU v1 release date will be scheduled when the KS goes live, but it is expected to be December 2019.

[Keltyrr]

I am glad to see that Fantasy Grounds and Fantasy Ground Unity will be kept separate. Every piece of software and every game I've ever seen switch to Unity suffered a significant decline in quality due to Unity Bloat, Unity's primary feature.

[Valyar]

I am glad to see that Fantasy Grounds and Fantasy Ground Unity will be kept separate. Every piece of software and every game I've ever seen switch to Unity suffered a significant decline in quality due to Unity Bloat, Unity's primary feature.
Like? FG is not PC game in the full meaning. Also at some point FGC will be dropped and only Unity will remain.

[UltimateGM]

I've never seen any games decline because of the Unity engine and all I can see is Fantasy Grounds taking off from many improvements from Unity.

[Tyrannosaurus VeX]

The only issue I can see is if people are using PC's older than Methuselah (in tech timeline terms) already and barely running FGC now ...

But I already questioned my players and out of 12 players (two groups), one of them has a 5yr old PC but he upgraded the video card last year and the lowest system RAM any of them has is 12GB. Most have 16, I have 32. I really don't see any of my players having any performance issues with Unity. If anything, the 64x architecture will mean better performance.

[notrealdan]

For many people, I would expect performance to be better in FGU vs FGC. Graphically, FGC runs quite badly on Intel GPUs (for reasons which have been discussed at length and are not correctable on the FGC engine). Intel GPUs are probably the most common GPUs out there. Once FG is not held back by the old engine, I expect it will really shine!

Clarification: It's not because Intel GPUs are under-powered for FG. FG is not very graphically intensive. The FGC graphics engine is based on DirectX 9 and the Intel GPUs are not optimized for something so old, and some graphical functions suffer noticeably because of this. In my experience, this is most noticeable when FGC is trying to draw a lot text, like a large story entry. Unity should eliminate that particular issue, as I understand it.

[Patou]

Any chance we are going to see more video spoilers before the Kickstarter?

[JohnD]

The only issue I can see is if people are using PC's older than Methuselah (in tech timeline terms) already and barely running FGC now ...

But I already questioned my players and out of 12 players (two groups), one of them has a 5yr old PC but he upgraded the video card last year and the lowest system RAM any of them has is 12GB. Most have 16, I have 32. I really don't see any of my players having any performance issues with Unity. If anything, the 64x architecture will mean better performance.

I have an old Dell laptop that was probably 5 years old when I bought it in 2007... that thing runs FG. I guess the one thing that could screw people up is the move to 64-bit if the DM starts sharing a huge amount of stuff and overwhelms those with old systems.

[Tyrannosaurus VeX]

I have an old Dell laptop that was probably 5 years old when I bought it in 2007... that thing runs FG. I guess the one thing that could screw people up is the move to 64-bit if the DM starts sharing a huge amount of stuff and overwhelms those with old systems.

But how much RAM does your 5yr old system have? I'm betting it's still around 8 to 16GB. That's really the limit with GMs sharing stuff (and internet speed of course).

[roshne]

Please consider offering a FGC Standard to a FGU Ultimate level of some sort.

[LordEntrails]

Please consider offering a FGC Standard to a FGU Ultimate level of some sort.
You can upgrade anytime before the end of the KS from FGC Standard to FGC Ultimate and then buy the FGU KS Rookie, or you can just buy the FGU KS Newcomer. Their is only a $5 difference between the two.

It doesn't make sens e for SW to make a third option that might be somewhere in cost between the two.

[Ampersandrew]

But how much RAM does your 5yr old system have? I'm betting it's still around 8 to 16GB. That's really the limit with GMs sharing stuff (and internet speed of course).

It's not 5 years old. It was 5 years old 12 years ago ...

Chances that a 17 year old laptop has 16GB or even 8 is I would say approaching nil. Memory was really expensive in 2002.

[Trenloe]

I have an old Dell laptop that was probably 5 years old when I bought it in 2007... that thing runs FG. I guess the one thing that could screw people up is the move to 64-bit if the DM starts sharing a huge amount of stuff and overwhelms those with old systems.
How much RAM do you have, and are you running a 64-bit operating system?

[JohnD]

On that old thing? It has 3 gb of ram. Takes 8 minutes to fully start from a cold boot. With FG I have to be really careful about tokens and sharing maps, but in a pinch it's doable. W7 64-bit.

[TVDinner]

Data point: 2005 hp G60 laptop, 4gig memory, intel T4300 64-bit, whatever intel mobile graphics junk they sold back then. I stuck an ssd in it, noticed an hdmi port, stuck a 1080p monitor on it. Boots fine, runs win 10, sees use as a FG client. FG runs great. I try not to share too much, I haven't run into clients exploding...yet....

Nothing wrong with that old laptop. 17 seconds from power on to login screen.

[Sylver]

man, I bought December 22 2017.

[lostsanityreturned]

How will Alpha/Beta FGU work in regards to demo users connecting to an ultimate FGU Alpha/Beta session?

This was asked earlier but I figured it was worth pinging.

(I am getting my players to buy standard editions or upgrades regardless, but I can see this mattering for people who might back at ultimate level during the kickstarter or upgrade hoping to take part in the beta / alpha)

[LordEntrails]

How will Alpha/Beta FGU work in regards to demo users connecting to an ultimate FGU Alpha/Beta session?

Are you wondering if they will need to install FGU? Yes they will and they will run it as free/demo.

[Ampersandrew]

Are you wondering if they will need to install FGU? Yes they will and they will run it as free/demo.

I am unaware of Smiteworks having answered that. You could assume that a free client will be available to people who haven't backed the kickstarter, but I haven't seen anything official.

Apparently neither has lostsanityreturned , which will be why he's asked.

[Mindstalker]

Can´t wait for an answer to this.

For me, FGU will be an instant buy / backing it ASAP.
Most of my players though...are using the demo to connect to my Ultimate License so I could only profit from the beta access (which I really would like to test) if there will be an option for non-backers (since the demo players will stay demo players I guess) to join in to the fun ;-)

CAN´T.
WAIT.
ARGH!

[notrealdan]

I would suggest people stick with FGC for actual games until the full release of FGU. While it may be fully-featured (as far as FGU phase 1 is concerned), the beta will almost certainly be buggy and unreliable compared to FGC. That's just the nature of betas. Hitting a bug in the software is a crummy way to interrupt a game session...

[Tyrannosaurus VeX]

I would suggest people stick with FGC for actual games until the full release of FGU. While it may be fully-featured (as far as FGU phase 1 is concerned), the beta will almost certainly be buggy and unreliable compared to FGC. That's just the nature of betas. Hitting a bug in the software is a crummy way to interrupt a game session...

On the other hand, if no one uses the BETA for games, bugs won't be found and fixed and we'll have a buggy "official release" version ...

[notrealdan]

On the other hand, if no one uses the BETA for games, bugs won't be found and fixed and we'll have a buggy "official release" version ...

I consider myself a technical user, so I'll play around with FGU, testing all the functions that are important to me and reporting on what I find if something doesn't work as expected, but when it comes to playing a real game with non-technical players, I'll stick to FGC until FGU is out for real. If you wish, use it for games with the understanding that there's a very good chance your game will be interrupted and you'll spend a lot of time fixing it, rather than playing. If immersion is important to you, keep FGC handy for those important games. Beta software is not meant for "production" use.

[Zacchaeus]

On the other hand, if no one uses the BETA for games, bugs won't be found and fixed and we'll have a buggy "official release" version ...

Quite so. Without people playing real games there'd be no point in beta testing.

[notrealdan]

I will say that with the high quality of software SmiteWorks produces, the beta will probably be safe for most, and more "ready" than most betas. My point is just that it will probably break and cause issues in some cases, and for some people that won't be acceptable during a real game. Then again, if you sign up for the beta, you should know what to expect.

[lostsanityreturned]

I would suggest people stick with FGC for actual games until the full release of FGU. While it may be fully-featured (as far as FGU phase 1 is concerned), the beta will almost certainly be buggy and unreliable compared to FGC. That's just the nature of betas. Hitting a bug in the software is a crummy way to interrupt a game session...

Yeah, I will be using it for when I test out different systems or run oneshots to explore new functions (primarilly combat map and memory constraint related).

Beta should be by definition be feature complete though.

[Ram Tyr]

With respect to the use of demo during the beta... I agree, you want people to use it for sessions to find those bugs. However, that must be balanced against their consenting to participating in a beta.

A demo user is a potential purchaser of the product. If they haven't opted in to the beta because only the DM opted in and the DM has an ultimate license... that is not a best case scenario.

Groups where all the users have opted in is the smart path ahead, in my opinion. That is obvious where everyone is already onboard with a license. It may require some obtaining of consent with respect to demo users. Smiteworks may develop a plan to address this. It is certainly not an insurmountable obstacle. (It may actually have to be addressed if any part of the beta will be under an NDA... which requires the consent of each individual.)

[Grommit57]

Have 5 DM's (out of our discord group of 19). We took a DM vote and decided we are all doing Kickstarter Ultimate. We will be testing between DM's before we throw it to the group. We left it up to them to decide if they wanted to purchase or run demo's. And that's the way it is.

[lostsanityreturned]

With respect to the use of demo during the beta... I agree, you want people to use it for sessions to find those bugs. However, that must be balanced against their consenting to participating in a beta.

A demo user is a potential purchaser of the product. If they haven't opted in to the beta because only the DM opted in and the DM has an ultimate license... that is not a best case scenario.

Groups where all the users have opted in is the smart path ahead, in my opinion. That is obvious where everyone is already onboard with a license. It may require some obtaining of consent with respect to demo users. Smiteworks may develop a plan to address this. It is certainly not an insurmountable obstacle. (It may actually have to be addressed if any part of the beta will be under an NDA... which requires the consent of each individual.)

Or it could create a kickback if people back at an ultimate level with alpha or beta in mind and cannot do anything with their hundred dollar purchase until December.

I think the best option for FG would probably be "purchases of FG:U during the kickstarter grant a FG:C license. Avoiding that issue somewhat with a statement regarding beta access requiring people to use standard edition FG:U or higher to connect for now.
This is if they do not wish to have a FG:U demo version open, but that could be its own issue.

But we don't know what they are planning at the moment, hence asking the question. Guessing does nothing at this point and only SW has the answer.

[LordEntrails]

SW has stated that purchasing an FGU license during the KS will not grant an FGC license.

SW has stated that in order to stream FGU you will need an agreement with SW because FGU Beta will be under a license (i.e. NDA) that requires an agreement to stream.

[twseifert]

I think the best option for FG would probably be "purchases of FG:U during the kickstarter grant a FG:C license.


Not your Business, so your thoughts on the matter are irrelevant.

I am sure that Doug thought about this ahead of time.

[Trenloe]

Please keep discussions and comments polite please.

It’s fine for people to post their thoughts and hopes for the FGU Kickstarter and product.

[Mellock]

I would be totally into that, just to be able to say I had to sign an NDA once.

[Mortar]

Hopefully the XML in FGU will be able to use the UTF-8 character set instead of ISO-8859-1. My biggest hope for FGU :)

[damned]

Or it could create a kickback if people back at an ultimate level with alpha or beta in mind and cannot do anything with their hundred dollar purchase until December.

IN most cases a Kickstarter is paid for at end of the campaign and delivered months later. I dont think that will be a big hurdle.
Beta testing does look like it could be restricted to groups where they all get in n the Kickstarter though?

[lostsanityreturned]

SW has stated that purchasing an FGU license during the KS will not grant an FGC license.

SW has stated that in order to stream FGU you will need an agreement with SW because FGU Beta will be under a license (i.e. NDA) that requires an agreement to stream.
I am not saying that they will, I was just hypothesising the best way I could think of for them to circumvent that issue.

It is why I wrote "I think" rather than "It would be" :)

I do not expect them to do so though. (keep in mind, again, I have FG:C, I plan on going all in on FGU and already asked every player to buy FG:U regardless so it literally has no bearing on my plans)


IN most cases a Kickstarter is paid for at end of the campaign and delivered months later. I dont think that will be a big hurdle.
Beta testing does look like it could be restricted to groups where they all get in n the Kickstarter though?

Peoples expectations impact quite heavily, I have seen this with a lot of non physical products before or when people have to wait longer to obtain something they perceive as already having paid for. The mental divide between owning an Ultimate edition and not getting any benefit out of owning an Ultimate edition until later on, it is recoverable of course, but it is better to get out ahead of these things.

Hopefully there is an influx of new users via the kickstarter. Ideally I would like to see it blow up somewhat and gain a decent amount of hype/excitement, another part of why I am encouraging my players to back now.

Actually, on that note. Standard license addon options and/or a 5 pack pledge level of standard licenses could be a good option for the kickstarter. For people wanting to buy gifts or buy licenses for their groups.

[Falselight]

I make my own Mod files will they still work in FGU

[Trenloe]

I make my own Mod files will they still work in FGU
Yes.

See post #1: "Backward compatibility with all existing campaigns and DLC from FGC" A user created module is essentially the same as DLC.

[Egheal]

why is this month of April so long? :cry:

[Tyrannosaurus VeX]

why is this month of April so long? :cry:

Because it's National Grilled Cheese month here in the US, and Grilled Cheese is awesome, so you want it to last as long as possible.

[Lensman]

why is this month of April so long? :cry:

May will be worse - just think about it, campaign due to start on 5/1 and will probably run for 30 days, campaign closes, 2 week wait for payment, another month of last-minute updates and fixes on the back-end. Backerkits go out, wait 30 days to close backerkits, two week wait for payment, another week for treatment of spreadsheet madness syndrome, then beta codes & download instructions go out. estimated arrival late july - early august. 3 months of testing and bug-squashing, then final release right before xmas break.

[lostsanityreturned]

May will be worse - just think about it, campaign due to start on 5/1 and will probably run for 30 days, campaign closes, 2 week wait for payment, another month of last-minute updates and fixes on the back-end. Backerkits go out, wait 30 days to close backerkits, two week wait for payment, another week for treatment of spreadsheet madness syndrome, then beta codes & download instructions go out. estimated arrival late july - early august. 3 months of testing and bug-squashing, then final release right before xmas break.

It will be interesting to see where the alpha phase fits in.

[LordEntrails]

May will be worse - just think about it, campaign due to start on 5/1 and will probably run for 30 days, campaign closes, 2 week wait for payment, another month of last-minute updates and fixes on the back-end. Backerkits go out, wait 30 days to close backerkits, two week wait for payment, another week for treatment of spreadsheet madness syndrome, then beta codes & download instructions go out. estimated arrival late july - early august. 3 months of testing and bug-squashing, then final release right before xmas break.
Umm, except didn't Doug et al say on the stream that they were expecting FGU Beta to available in December? Or was that v1 and Beta would be available something like you timeline?

[notrealdan]

Umm, except didn't Doug et al say on the stream that they were expecting FGU Beta to available in December? Or was that v1 and Beta would be available something like you timeline?

I'm pretty sure he said the full release would be targeted for December, with the alpha and beta versions coming well before that.

[notrealdan]

From here (https://youtu.be/tI7-eKbEMtQ?t=379), it sounds like Alpha to be put out during the party in Florida this summer, Beta roughly 2 months later, and full release in December. If all goes well. :)

[LordEntrails]

From here (https://youtu.be/tI7-eKbEMtQ?t=379), it sounds like Alpha to be put out during the party in Florida this summer, Beta roughly 2 months later, and full release in December. If all goes well. :)
Thx

[Egheal]

Sorry if we've already talked about it, but would it be possible for a strechgoal to propose new rulesets (yes, I'm talking about you Chaosium's Runequest, and you Modiphius's Star Trek !).

[lostsanityreturned]

Sorry if we've already talked about it, but would it be possible for a strechgoal to propose new rulesets (yes, I'm talking about you Chaosium's Runequest, and you Modiphius's Star Trek !).

I wouldn't be holding out hope for startrek, well atleast not until after modiphius get their conan ruleset done... it has been over 12 months since they started on that with no end in sight... so...

[LordEntrails]

Sorry if we've already talked about it, but would it be possible for a strechgoal to propose new rulesets (yes, I'm talking about you Chaosium's Runequest, and you Modiphius's Star Trek !).
I think anything is possible, but the timeframe for development of a ruleset probably doesn't fit well in the KS timeline. Besides, most rulesets originate as community projects that reach a level of maturity and professionalism that then they become official/supported rulesets.

But, it never hurts to ask :)

[ddavison]

Targeted kickstarters for specific rulesets might be the best approach. That way we can see if there is enough interest to support any given system and fail prior to making any commitment if there is not enough customer interest. If there is, then we can have those funds guaranteed in order to hire or contract someone to do the development.

[notrealdan]

Since almost anything in a stretch goal will take additional time to develop and deliver, here's my thought... Anything offered in stretch goals could come with the caveat that those would be developed and delivered *after* the initial, full release of FGU. That way "phase 1" doesn't need to be delayed, and the stretch goals sort of become features that are promised to be next on the list. That could open up more possibilities for interesting stretch goals, if we don't have to worry about them delaying the initial FGU release.

[Niven81]

Question on Veteran Ultimate: How do we tell you we are veterans to ultimate? Order Number?

[LordEntrails]

Question on Veteran Ultimate: How do we tell you we are veterans to ultimate? Order Number?
By the date you should be able to find in your Order history?

[ddavison]

Question on Veteran Ultimate: How do we tell you we are veterans to ultimate? Order Number?

We will ask for your license key and match based on that.

[ofidian]

I started looking up FantasyGrounds today based on a recommendation of some people I know. I'm very much interested in the Unity edition but if I purchase an ultimate license now it would be $149+30 (179) as opposed to the $135 as a newcomer. Is there going to be a Kickstarter tier where you can get access to the older edition until unity comes at a reasonable discount?

[LordEntrails]

I started looking up FantasyGrounds today based on a recommendation of some people I know. I'm very much interested in the Unity edition but if I purchase an ultimate license now it would be $149+30 (179) as opposed to the $135 as a newcomer. Is there going to be a Kickstarter tier where you can get access to the older edition until unity comes at a reasonable discount?
Nope. KS is only for the new version, FGU. Note that the expected release of the production version of FGU is December. So if you don't go for a classic license, FGC, then you will have to wait some time. Hence why the discounted KS prices.

That said, those of us who have been using FG for some time feel that you will feel the purchase now and then the KS update is well worth it.

Or, you could always go for the &9.95/mo subscription Ultimate license, but then you would still need the Newcomer KS licenses, so you wouldn't really be saving much since it will probably be 3 months or more until the beta is where you might want to use it for live games.

EDIT: Oh, and welcome!

[Laerun]

Hello and well met people. At FG College we've tried to create a synopsis or overview of what was covered in the Fantasy Ground Fridays show to help the community at large. If you are not into watching videos and trying to scroll through the Q&A's posted in the forums, please consider this alternative article to help summarize the information presented to all of us. https://fantasygroundscollege.net/fgc-times-fantasy-grounds-unity-becomes-a-reality/

Sincerely,
The Community

[Falselight]

will we be able to build cool spell effects ie have a fire ball explode on screen or a light bolt fly across screen if we cast lighting in D&D

[Zacchaeus]

will we be able to build cool spell effects ie have a fire ball explode on screen or a light bolt fly across screen if we cast lighting in D&D

Certainly not on initial release but who knows what might be possible down the road.

[MysticCelt]

Just want to confirm whether or not the content I have paid hundreds of dollars for (after the cost of the ultimate license) will transfer to FGC Unity.

[Mindstalker]

Just want to confirm whether or not the content I have paid hundreds of dollars for (after the cost of the ultimate license) will transfer to FGC Unity.

FGU will be compatible with the stuff you already purchased for FG classic

[Zacchaeus]

Just want to confirm whether or not the content I have paid hundreds of dollars for (after the cost of the ultimate license) will transfer to FGC Unity.

Read the first post in this thread.

[Smoltok]

Very happy about this news ( Thanks for an ultimate user like me before 2018, there is no much to pay)

Anyone could tell me if it will be possible to have a pointer ? ( in order to point out a special location in the maps to others players in a rapid way )

[JohnQPublic]

Is it just me, or does it feel like April has 240 days this year?

[njohn858]

Very happy about this news ( Thanks for an ultimate user like me before 2018, there is no much to pay)

Anyone could tell me if it will be possible to have a pointer ? ( in order to point out a special location in the maps to others players in a rapid way )

A quick way in the existing FG is to left+right click and drag to create your arrow pointer. Then left+right click on it again to remove it

[Smoltok]

A quick way in the existing FG is to left+right click and drag to create your arrow pointer. Then left+right click on it again to remove it

I didn't konw this. Useful, nevertheless I was lokking for a tool to pin a location in the map like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ekQ3uLLqL8&feature=youtu.be&t=200

[Gezzer]

FGU will be compatible with the stuff you already purchased for FG classic

With the disclaimer that it might not all be compatible at launch. From what I understand everyone is working feverishly to make sure everything works in Unity, but how much will work at launch is hard to say at this point.

[JennyRB]

Question - I bought a standard licence in 2017, but bought the ultimate licence in 2018 (took a while to save up to the ultimate). Would the pricing be Rookie or Veteran?

[Zacchaeus]

With the disclaimer that it might not all be compatible at launch. From what I understand everyone is working feverishly to make sure everything works in Unity, but how much will work at launch is hard to say at this point.
All current DLC will work with Unity.

[Zacchaeus]

Question - I bought a standard licence in 2017, but bought the ultimate licence in 2018 (took a while to save up to the ultimate). Would the pricing be Rookie or Veteran?
The date when you bought your licencse at whatever level you upgrade to Unity. So since you bought the Ultimate and presumably you will be upgrading to Unity ultimate it will be 2018 and therefore Rookie.

[Trenloe]

I didn't konw this. Useful, nevertheless I was lokking for a tool to pin a location in the map like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ekQ3uLLqL8&feature=youtu.be&t=200
There’s a lot of different things in that video. Exactly what are you looking for? Please provide a time stamp if you’re referencing anything specific in the video.

[njohn858]

There’s a lot of different things in that video. Exactly what are you looking for? Please provide a time stamp if you’re referencing anything specific in the video.

The youtube link has an embedded timestamp in it. The feature he's asking about is being able to 'ping' an area on the map which focuses the players' attention on it.

[Trenloe]

The youtube link has an embedded timestamp in it. The feature he's asking about is being able to 'ping' an area on the map which focuses the players' attention on it.
As was seeking clarification as the poster asked to "pin a location" which means something different in FG - because you can pin a link to a location (story entry, etc.) on a map.

For "ping" like functionality, use the arrow pointer as already suggested, and also use the right-click menu to "sync client view": https://www.fantasygrounds.com/wiki/index.php/Images#Viewing

Or, if you’re using the 5E ruleset, look at the combat enhancer extension - this has map "ping" functionality.

[jwarlander]

So, eh, let's say I'm a bit ancient and purchased a Fantasy Grounds II Lite + a Fantasy Grounds II Full License around 2009.. how will that work out for the FG Unity Kickstarter pricing? :P

[damned]

So, eh, let's say I'm a bit ancient and purchased a Fantasy Grounds II Lite + a Fantasy Grounds II Full License around 2009.. how will that work out for the FG Unity Kickstarter pricing? :P

Ho grey beard - you would be a veteran.

[Patou]

Hi all you super FG users. I was wondering if Doug and Dave had mentioned if the beta version could be used immediately for FGU Ultimate license users? Will we be able to host?

[Patou]

Hi all you super FG users. I was wondering if Doug and Dave had mentioned if the beta version could be used immediately for FGU Ultimate license users? Will we be able to host?

Got my answer in Discord. All good

[thefile]

Is there an upgrade path from FGC Standard to FGU Ultimate?

[Zacchaeus]

Is there an upgrade path from FGC Standard to FGU Ultimate?

No.

[edcasasa]

Will this support PFRPG and PFRGP 2?

[Egheal]

Yes (see first post :Backward compatibility with all existing campaigns and DLC from FGC ).

[Trenloe]

Is there an upgrade path from FGC Standard to FGU Ultimate?
You have 2 options - upgrade to FGC Ultimate and then get the FGU Ultimate rookie pledge, or just get the FGU Ultimate newcomer pledge.

[Gojurob]

Will I still be able to play DGC if I get the FGU upgrade, or will I only have Unity then? I would like to have both options, in case my players have a preference.

[Tyrannosaurus VeX]

Will I still be able to play DGC if I get the FGU upgrade, or will I only have Unity then? I would like to have both options, in case my players have a preference.

Both.

[Guoccamole]

Patou, would you care to share the answer with the rest of us?

[Jemmy]

This "one time license" confuses me, I had the basic pack that I upgraded to ultimate before 2018, I wonder if I can get the ultimate unity pledge ...

[Egheal]

yes you can, with the veteran price of 60€.

[Jemmy]

Niiiiice ! can't wait :D

[Lensman]

5 days till launch!!

I can hardly wait to read more details about FGU (and the party) as they are revealed during the campaign!

[Patou]

Patou, would you care to share the answer with the rest of us?

Answer from came Zacch...

players would need the FGU Demo; so we don't know if a demo version will be released or not. Equally obviously if the players have the Standard or Ultimate then, yes.

[Oso Buho]

Just wondering if the chatlog system will remain the same. I programmed a software for my streaming that relies heavily on it (to display the Character's Info in my overlay).

Any info on that?

Thanks

[Guoccamole]

@Patou: TY for the info!

[lmontecosta]

Don't know if anyone has done this question, but... How would it be for Brazilian customers? There will be a price for us in BRL?

[Nylanfs]

I "think" KS has regional pricing?

[Egheal]

Not 100% sure but I think it is a direct conversion of the price in your currency..

[Trenloe]

Not 100% sure but I think it is a direct conversion of the price in your currency..
Correct. KS doesn't have different "regional pricing", it converts the base price to your local currency based off standard exchange rates.

[Nylanfs]

So depending on the country it could be concealable that getting it afterwards via steam is better for them.

[Trenloe]

So depending on the country it could be concealable that getting it afterwards via steam is better for them.
If you want to wait until after the Kickstarter, maybe... For most pledge levels the Kickstarter is not just a pre-order of FGU - it's early access, and perhaps more...

[UltimateGM]

it's early access, and perhaps more...

Perhaps MORE!!!! See this is why Smiteworks will always take my money! :p

[Kumajuhl]

I don't know if this has been asked... just recently joined FG and will start DMing soon (very new at DMing and RPing in general). I saw this and was wondering if the current rule books/content we buy would be transferred over to the unity version? I don't want to start buying content if I need to buy it again for unity based FG. I don't mind paying a bit more for the ultimate license again, but buying all of the content/rule books again would hurt.

[damned]

Hi Kumajuhl your purchased DLC will work with FGU.
Some of it will also receive updates to utilise new FGU features.

[Kumajuhl]

Thank you for the quick response! I am currently on a monthly ultimate, but plan to upgrading to the one time ultimate soon.

[Lensman]

Don't know if anyone has done this question, but... How would it be for Brazilian customers? There will be a price for us in BRL?

Based on what I have seen, Kicstarter will automatically convert the running total to your currency. For the actual pledge amounts, they will show in USD, but the amount it converts to will be displayed in light grey right below this, (in slightly smaller print). Conversion rates may change a bit during the campaign, and whatever the rate is at the time the campaing closes will be your actual price, all done automatically by Kickstarter.

Hope this helps,
Lensman!

[Samarex]

Ok Question,
I was a Standard Lic Owner for the Longest time at first by Sub. (Then I got the one-time) , then Mar 2018 is when I got my Ultimate 1-Time. So which package do I pledge to....

[damned]

N00b!

[Ampersandrew]

Ok Question,
I was a Standard Lic Owner for the Longest time at first by Sub. (Then I got the one-time) , then Mar 2018 is when I got my Ultimate 1-Time. So which package do I pledge to....

You are a Rookie Ultimate License pledger.

[Magnimost]

Any plans to add a license for groups which have multiple GMs? Now technically every GM would have to buy a separate Ultimate license, which is prohibitively costly.

[ddavison]

Any plans to add a license for groups which have multiple GMs? Now technically every GM would have to buy a separate Ultimate license, which is prohibitively costly.

A group of multiple GMs would be best served by everyone having a Standard license.

[Kyler]

Many have posted comments and questions related to what they want or what they can get cheaper. This is not about what each individual gets, it's about what the community gets in the long run and we can achieve this together. First, as someone who understands good development, there are stages in the process. You are not going to get everything you want immediately. That thought is childish. Second, the push to greatness is not immediate. Development is expensive and iterative. "Nothing in life is free". Last, the prices noted are more than fare. I was expecting to pay more than either of the tiers when SmiteWorks got to this stage. As such, I want to poste something a bit different.

A shout out to SmiteWorks!! They are a wonderful company. Unlike many big name companies today, they care about the community, are user focused, they participate, they give creds to those in the community who contribute, and they are extremely responsive to customer opinion and questions. It is obvious that Doug and crew care. The community itself shows the same characteristics. I think, not feel, that many larger companies with more resourses than those of SmiteWorks have forgotten this trait. It is one that Doug could teach them more about.

So, that being said, I have a question. Is there anything we can do during the kickstarter that will help you to meet the goals that you wish to meet? That could mean making a contribution above and beyond what you have asked, or if that means providing feedback during the testing phase, or if that means simply participating, please let those of us that care know. A person once said - "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for it". ROFL I am more than certain that many will stand up and help promote your company!! You all are great and we appreciate each and every one of you!!

[LordEntrails]

Welcome to the forums Kyler. Always nice to have another user active in the community :)

FYI, its Doug, not Dave. But I think he pretty much answers to anything civil *g*

To all, Do we know at what time the KS will go live? And is their a url/page for it yet?

[Kyler]

It is my hope that this becomes the VTT of choice without thought or hesitation! :)

[ddavison]

FYI, its Doug, not Dave. But I think he pretty much answers to anything civil *g*


I have even been known to answer to less than civil names. *shrug*

We plan to go live at noon EST on Wednesday, May 1st.

The link will be posted once we get the final one from Kickstarter. We are previewing it for a few folks currently to get final feedback prior to launch.

[LordEntrails]

I have even been known to answer to less than civil names. *shrug*

We plan to go live at noon EST on Wednesday, May 1st.

The link will be posted once we get the final one from Kickstarter. We are previewing it for a few folks currently to get final feedback prior to launch.
Kyler and I figured it out, it's because of your last name that people think Dave. We have now determined that you must blame your parents for all the ills you have ever suffered in life. for if they had named you Mike instead, no one would ever call you anything else...

Anyway, thanks for the info, and will be looking forward to checking it out once the link is published and for noon EDT? on the first! (Since I assume you are using daylight savings time adjustment?)

[Magnimost]

A group of multiple GMs would be best served by everyone having a Standard license.

Hmm, hadn't thought of that. My group has 7 regular players. We have 1 Ultimate license, but we have two other people who would like to GM (so 3 GMs). Our options as far as I can tell:

Option all standard: 7 x FGU Standard = 7 x 35 = $245 ($35 per player)
Option mixed: 4 x FGU Standard + 2 x FGU Ultimate + 1 x FGU Ultimate upgrade from FGC Ultimate = $35 x 4 + $135 x 2 + $60 x 1 = $470 ($67 per player)

Still would like to have one group license as everyone buying their own makes adding new players a pain and a recruitment nightmare ("you need to buy this just to be able to play with us, you're stuck with it if it doesn't work out between us"). And for those who drop buy every few sessions it doesn't make sense, either.

[LordEntrails]

Still would like to have one group license as everyone buying their own makes adding new players a pain and a recruitment nightmare ("you need to buy this just to be able to play with us, you're stuck with it if it doesn't work out between us"). And for those who drop buy every few sessions it doesn't make sense, either.
What would be, in your opinion, a reasonable model for a "Group License"? And how would that be licensed and be "fair" to SmiteWorks while not turning into something abused?

Do note, their are several related items on the wishlist. I will also add, I don't think SW is opposed to this (such has been discussed on the forums before) but we have to keep in mind practical considerations as well as licensing agreements SW has with other companies that might impact this. i.e. a DLC product purchased by one person can already be simultaneously shared with all players, but are their other restrictions in those licensing agreements? Don't know.

[madman]

I would not have someone in my group that was not willing to pay the money for like 4 trips to MckiD's for the software. Just sayin...

[Eru the One]

I've found that people with demo licenses tend to be a little unreliable for campaigns and I've replaced them for users with a standard license. I do like the demo license for one-shots/conventions though.

I would not have someone in my group that was not willing to pay the money for like 4 trips to MckiD's for the software. Just sayin...

But my Big Mac!

[madman]

You use the Demo? OK your out........
LOL

[Beerbelly]

Hmm, hadn't thought of that. My group has 7 regular players. We have 1 Ultimate license, but we have two other people who would like to GM (so 3 GMs). Our options as far as I can tell:

Option all standard: 7 x FGU Standard = 7 x 35 = $245 ($35 per player)
Option mixed: 4 x FGU Standard + 2 x FGU Ultimate + 1 x FGU Ultimate upgrade from FGC Ultimate = $35 x 4 + $135 x 2 + $60 x 1 = $470 ($67 per player)

Still would like to have one group license as everyone buying their own makes adding new players a pain and a recruitment nightmare ("you need to buy this just to be able to play with us, you're stuck with it if it doesn't work out between us"). And for those who drop buy every few sessions it doesn't make sense, either.

A subscription membership for standard is $4/month, or less than $50/year. Have someone new to your group do the subscription, which gets them a month free and try it out. 2 months for $4. If they like it, they can then buy it. What my whole group did years ago and anytime we have someone who wants to try it out with us does.

[mlbrown]

While there may be a place for group licenses, I am afraid it will be like subscriptions (after the kickstarter). And if they did it, I suspect it would be by subscription only and at least 3x the ultimate price (and I suspect you would find everyone would still need to buy their own copies of the books because of the license from the copyright holder, i.e. not something Smiteworks can control).

In your group, I would give two options: 1) Everyone get standard (this lets everyone get FGU as part of the kickstarter) or 2) Pass the hat to pay for the other 2 ultimate licenses (but you cannot switch to playing FGU until after the GA release since I don't think a demo license will be available until then).

The impression I have from comments here and on Fantasy Grounds Fridays is that FGU is close, the kickstarter is a way to let some of the current users (I hope all and then some) pay to upgrade at a discount and have early access so that we can be part of the final testing. This is software, someone always does something that the developers never event conceived of anyone trying. When this happens, as a developer, you hope you handled the unexpected, but that is not always the case. The goal of getting some of us to pay to be guinea pigs is to find as many of those issues as possible before the full release (in the software industry this is usually called General Acceptance or GA). Any one who does development knows that no product is bug free, the goal is to have as few bugs as possible when the product is released. If anyone else has been around long enough to remember the product, I will grant that Invisicalc was bug free (and ran equally well on all platforms).

[Egheal]

I have even been known to answer to less than civil names. *shrug*

We plan to go live at noon EST on Wednesday, May 1st.

The link will be posted once we get the final one from Kickstarter. We are previewing it for a few folks currently to get final feedback prior to launch.

Note to myself and other time zone losers : it will start at 18h (6pm), may the 1st, in France, most European countries and something like a third of Africa. Be ready guys!

[Magnimost]

What would be, in your opinion, a reasonable model for a "Group License"? And how would that be licensed and be "fair" to SmiteWorks while not turning into something abused?

A license that covers up to X players with the same license key. Everyone using that license key could be a GM or a player, one GM at a time but that could be anyone holding that key. Should be very straightforward to implement, as that's how many corporate software licenses work so I imagine the tech is fairly robust. Probably requires FG to phone home, though.

Pricing could be compared to FGU Standard $35 per player with a discount as otherwise it wouldn't make sense, so perhaps $25 or $30 per license. Or if that's too confusing, have group size tiers, e.g. up to six players for $180, up to ten for $275 and up to fifteen players $375, perhaps even bigger one for those who host online games with random groups. Just throwing numbers up in the air here.

Can't speculate about licenses with authors and publishers, as they're obviously not public knowledge and IANAL.


I would not have someone in my group that was not willing to pay the money for like 4 trips to MckiD's for the software. Just sayin...

All our group members are irl friends, and not everyone is well off financially. A couple balked at the price of FG and the CoC stuff we bought. I tried to explain it would last us several years (it lasted four) and used similar arguments, but a one-time payment like that is hard to justify to someone who is struggling with their finances (I also offered them to pay me in instalments). They didn't play for two years because of that. Recently we finally got them back to play, and weeks later we'll be asking them for more money to cover FGU and Horror on the Orient Express, again a one-time payment.

Not everyone has money to forgo four mickey dee meals for a luxury that is RPGs. Real-life friendships are more important to me than financial grandstanding. Just sayin...

[seycyrus]

...Or if that's too confusing, have group size tiers, e.g. up to six players for $180, up to ten for $275 and up to fifteen players $375, perhaps even bigger one for those who host online games with random groups.

*I don't work for SW.*

See, that right there is the sort skullduggery that just smells off to me. That REAALLLY sounds like "head over to the gaming store", and get everyone and their aunt to get a *group* discount for how many, 30? 40? more ? players in their *group*

In reality, no ones group pushes much past 6 players. Pushing this pricing model SW would have to contend with (All of sudden!) a bunch of *groups of friends* of 20+.

SW is not a charity organization.

Did I mention that I don't work for SW?

[Magnimost]

*I don't work for SW.*

See, that right there is the sort skullduggery that just smells off to me. That REAALLLY sounds like "head over to the gaming store", and get everyone and their aunt to get a *group* discount for how many, 30? 40? more ? players in their *group*

In reality, no ones group pushes much past 6 players. Pushing this pricing model SW would have to contend with (All of sudden!) a bunch of *groups of friends* of 20+.

SW is not a charity organization.

Did I mention that I don't work for SW?

I said I'm just throwing numbers up in the air. And I don't appreciate what you are implying about me and my group.

I expect most RPG groups to be 4-10 people, so a group license in that range should cater to the vast majority of groups while avoiding edge cases like you describe. Besides, people who would go to such lengths to avoid paying would get a cracked copy anyway, so the lost revenue is probably close to zero.

[esmdev]

Discounts for bulk licensing is not uncommon in the software industry.

001-010 $35
010-025 $33
026-100 $31
Etc...

It's not that much of a savings compared to what they could do with the ultimate license.

Still, I find a one time outlay of $35 to be an already low price to pay for a product that is in a state of perpetual free upgrade.

[seycyrus]

I said I'm just throwing numbers up in the air. And I don't appreciate what you are implying about me and my group.

I'm sorry. I got you and your group confused with that *other* random internet person and group over there. The message was directed at them, not you and your noble group of paladins.

That being said, your original message mentioned very large numbers, and if you don't think that there are folks out there would try to abuse the system ...



... Besides, people who would go to such lengths to avoid paying would get a cracked copy anyway, so the lost revenue is probably close to zero.

I don't think it is a good business model to live in fear of the hackerz.

I want SW to continue to make their awesome product. I want them to sink their revenue into making it better for me and my group, not giving huge discounts to others.

[Zacchaeus]

So, let’s keep it friendly please.

[LordEntrails]

A license that covers up to X players with the same license key. Everyone using that license key could be a GM or a player, one GM at a time but that could be anyone holding that key. Should be very straightforward to implement, as that's how many corporate software licenses work so I imagine the tech is fairly robust. Probably requires FG to phone home, though.

Pricing could be compared to FGU Standard $35 per player with a discount as otherwise it wouldn't make sense, so perhaps $25 or $30 per license. Or if that's too confusing, have group size tiers, e.g. up to six players for $180, up to ten for $275 and up to fifteen players $375, perhaps even bigger one for those who host online games with random groups. Just throwing numbers up in the air here.
Except wouldn't it be MORE functional than a Standard license? So then it should cost more, not less.

Second, the phone home part would be necessary, unless SW used something like FlexNet so each user or group could install their own license server. Licensing FlexNet or other license management software like that is expensive, and would easily increase the cost of each FGU user/group license by a few hundred dollars. So that woudn't work. (And FlexNet is one of those big license management software companies that all those business applications use to management concurrent licensing that you referred to.)

Not everyone has money to forgo four mickey dee meals for a luxury that is RPGs. Real-life friendships are more important to me than financial grandstanding. Just sayin...
Absolutely.

And again, I think SW would be open to something that actually worked as a business model. But works for your use case may not work for them. Hence the points I asked originally. It has to be no more challenging, resource intensive or expensive to manage than their current system. It s needs to be just as secure. And it needs to be on par with the financial incentive (i.e. profitable) for them so they can make a fair wage and continue to grow and take the financial risks that they have and receive reasonable returns.

As for bulk or group licensing, Steam also has the 4 for the price of 3 deal. And unless SW were to build a new automated system for buying ana managing bulk licensings (i.e. a investment in capital) the break even point for bulk licenses is probably upwards of 10 or 12. (i.e. the over head with dealing with special cases actually makes them more expensive, not less).

But, we are pretty far OT and maybe should move this into a thread of its own.

[Magnimost]

Except wouldn't it be MORE functional than a Standard license? So then it should cost more, not less.

Not as I understand it. With everyone having a Standard license anyone can be a GM AFAICT, exactly like with a group discount. Essentially the group license would be a discount on the Standard license. A bulk discount as someone else pointed out, which is very common. A way to encourage groups to migrate to or pick up FG.


Second, the phone home part would be necessary, unless SW used something like FlexNet so each user or group could install their own license server. Licensing FlexNet or other license management software like that is expensive, and would easily increase the cost of each FGU user/group license by a few hundred dollars. So that woudn't work. (And FlexNet is one of those big license management software companies that all those business applications use to management concurrent licensing that you referred to.)

That sounds like a corporate solution, there's nothing cheaper for SMBs?


And again, I think SW would be open to something that actually worked as a business model. But works for your use case may not work for them. Hence the points I asked originally. It has to be no more challenging, resource intensive or expensive to manage than their current system. It s needs to be just as secure. And it needs to be on par with the financial incentive (i.e. profitable) for them so they can make a fair wage and continue to grow and take the financial risks that they have and receive reasonable returns.

I know the financial and profitability side well, I do that for a living.


Is a subscription model being looked at for FGU? Perhaps one that would count towards buying a Standard license? Say, $5 per month, and after 10 months you'd get a Standard license? That way people who just don't have or won't pay $35 could dip their toes in, and get a Standard license if they like the product enough and stick with it. Require enough months so you essentially get interest from these customers.

[LordEntrails]

Subscriptions will be available for FGU v1, not beta version. Standard subscription is $4/ month and does not count towards a one time license (has been asked before)

[The High Druid]

I am very, very disappointed that multi-monitor support isn't going to be a thing. It's been top of the wishlist for a very long time, and screen space is one of the biggest annoyances in FG. Just the ability to put the map in another window would make a world of difference.

What's stopping this from happening?

[Magnimost]

I am very, very disappointed that multi-monitor support isn't going to be a thing. It's been top of the wishlist for a very long time, and screen space is one of the biggest annoyances in FG. Just the ability to put the map in another window would make a world of difference.

What's stopping this from happening?

Probably the small portion of users who have multi-monitor setups. Not sure if there are statistics (Steam hardware survey?), but I imagine it being in the single percentage digits.

[The High Druid]

Probably the small portion of users who have multi-monitor setups. Not sure if there are statistics (Steam hardware survey?), but I imagine it being in the single percentage digits.

I find that very hard to believe. I'm in three games, I only know of one player that doesn't have access to at least 2 screens.

[damned]

I am very, very disappointed that multi-monitor support isn't going to be a thing. It's been top of the wishlist for a very long time, and screen space is one of the biggest annoyances in FG. Just the ability to put the map in another window would make a world of difference.

What's stopping this from happening?

There is no robust cross platform multi monitor support in Unity.
There are multi monitor libraries available but they do not have the required cross platform support.


I find that very hard to believe. I'm in three games, I only know of one player that doesn't have access to at least 2 screens.

I use two screens on my computer when GMing and playing. But I only use one for FG. I have always only used one for FG.
I usually have open Chat and Combat and the current Map as background.
Everything else I open, use, and then close.
I use the shortcut bar and pins on maps to keep anything important close by.
Im not saying multi-monitor support wouldnt be useful - Im just saying that even having access to 2 screens I personally dont use or need them for FG.

[Patou]

So... who's excited for Wednesday? Real anxious here! Trying to remember if Doug had said most pre-existing 5E modules were updated (new features)....or will be during and up to the December official release

Too early....need coffee:)

[JennyRB]

ikr =^^= I'm excited as well, I need hot coco ... sorry i don't drink coffee that often :P

[The High Druid]

There is no robust cross platform multi monitor support in Unity.
There are multi monitor libraries available but they do not have the required cross platform support.


And yet multiple monitor support was requested almost 6x more than native Mac/Linux support, not that the wishlist represents user demographics well. But . . .

Meah. Like I said; very, very disappointed.

[Zacchaeus]

And yet multiple monitor support was requested almost 6x more than native Mac/Linux support, not that the wishlist represents user demographics well. But . . .

Meah. Like I said; very, very disappointed.

Requesting it and being able to implement it are two very different things. As damned says there's no proper support for it in Unity.

[seycyrus]

... As damned says there's no proper support for it in Unity.

Is this something that an extension could handle? Targeted towards a specific platform?

[Egheal]

Multi monitor work very well if you drag FG window in order to cover both screens (of course you will need same definition on both, but if you do a lot of multi monitor I assume you do have that configuration). Then use Turbotop to keep other windows on top of FG, et voilà ! https://i.imgur.com/3adJfz3.jpg

[The High Druid]

Requesting it and being able to implement it are two very different things. As damned says there's no proper support for it in Unity.

Only if you continue to be worried about the cross-platform support (also according to damned) which was requested 6 times less. I guess there must be user data somewhere that support the current choice being the better one.


I assume you do have that configuration

In this case that's a bad assumption. I have access to 4 screens, none of which are the same size, and only 2 are the same resolution. Window-strtching is messy in any combination. Not to mention laptop+TV seems to be a popular way to go.

[Egheal]

In this case that's a bad assumption. I have access to 4 screens, none of which are the same size, and only 2 are the same resolution. Window-strtching is messy in any combination. Not to mention laptop+TV seems to be a popular way to go.

I see...
Just in case somebody want a good multi monitor solution for FG : if you can, use two monitors with preferably same size and resolution, and the little software Turbotop, you won't be disappointed. A look with 5e ruleset : https://i.imgur.com/DxC0F4n.jpg

[Ampersandrew]

So... who's excited for Wednesday? ...

Too early....need coffee:)

Not really excited for Wednesday,. As far as I know there's no early bird level available. I'll probably look in on it on Wednesday, but I'll be playing when the Kickstarter opens. I am quite excited for July or August when we actually get the Beta.

[Egheal]

Perhaps there will be some sort of early bird with the possibility to be part of the Alpha ?

[Valyar]

I see...
Just in case somebody want a good multi monitor solution for FG : if you can, use two monitors with preferably same size and resolution, and the little software Turbotop, you won't be disappointed. A look with 5e ruleset : https://i.imgur.com/DxC0F4n.jpg
This looks like quite nice application... :)

[ddavison]

We would do multi-monitor support if we could do so easily. I use it exclusively across two monitors by stretching the application screen across and I've even used it on slightly different monitors in the past (not ideal, but usable). Without the ability to break out windows from the main application (what people are really asking for), people will still play on Fantasy Grounds. If it doesn't support the OS from someone in the group then that entire group won't play. Unity allows us to more easily tackle the multi-OS support feature than it does to allow for windows to be broken out from the main application space.

[notrealdan]

One important thing that we need to keep in mind when talking about what features "are" coming and which "aren't" is that this is all within the context of the "phase 1" release of FGU. Even if the feature you really, really want isn't promised to be included, that just means it's not coming in phase 1. Nobody wants to over-promise and risk under-delivering.

My understanding is that the main reason for moving to Unity is to make it possible to bring new features down the road. Launching FGU is a necessary step towards that future flexibility. Given how large a project this is for a small team, I'm really glad SW is taking such a long-term view of FG. It makes me even more sure that my money has been and will continue to be well-spent here.

If there is someday a practical way to bring mutli-monitor support (or some other feature that hasn't been promised yet) to FGU, I'm sure the SW team will seriously consider it. It's a matter of laying the proper foundation first. Of course, I don't speak for them, but this has been my observation.

[lostsanityreturned]

We would do multi-monitor support if we could do so easily. I use it exclusively across two monitors by stretching the application screen across and I've even used it on slightly different monitors in the past (not ideal, but usable). Without the ability to break out windows from the main application (what people are really asking for), people will still play on Fantasy Grounds. If it doesn't support the OS from someone in the group then that entire group won't play. Unity allows us to more easily tackle the multi-OS support feature than it does to allow for windows to be broken out from the main application space.

My only issue with multi monitor support with stretched windows would be solved by being able to place a second set of toolbars. (rather than purely stretching and having everything over left.)

maybe a toggleable option with aspect ratios to auto define where it would be placed? A bit hacky but it could work.

[DouglasBryantDE]

If this is a joke.
Update, 30Dolars, isn't too much, I misread I thought, I would have to repurchase.

[lostsanityreturned]

If this is a joke.

I just paid out for the bundel and ultimate, now I find out, I have to throw more money at them a week later.

I will hold a grudge for this, now I am considering a refund.

@ddavison "Do you on purpose try to push your paying customers away, or does it just come naturally."

If this is a joke, What the f##k were you thinking!

*weighing in but not staff*

A few things

1. you can continue to use the product you have bought, Unity will not stop that. You bought a product and will be gaining access to that product.

2. It is a $30 upgrade fee if you bought ultimate within the last year half. None of the DLC needs to be repurchased. Again though, this is not a necessary purchase, it is more akin to a graphics card manufacturer releasing a new generation of graphics card a week after my buying their old top end card. I can get a refund but other than that they don't really owe me anything.

3. You can apply for a refund as they have a 30 day no questions asked policy. Just be aware that FGU won't be released proper until around december with the currently announced dates.

I am not sure why this is bad for business or pushing customers away, they are trying to accommodate people with cheaper entry points and still make money as a business. If you start offering free upgrades people will be questioning when that period starts and why they fell a day or two out of that period, it isn't worth it imo.

[mlbrown]

*weighing in but not staff*

A few things

1. you can continue to use the product you have bought, Unity will not stop that. You bought a product and will be gaining access to that product.

2. It is a $30 upgrade fee if you bought ultimate within the last year half. None of the DLC needs to be repurchased. Again though, this is not a necessary purchase, it is more akin to a graphics card manufacturer releasing a new generation of graphics card a week after my buying their old top end card. I can get a refund but other than that they don't really owe me anything.


Minor point, $30 is for purchases in 2018 or 2019 (for which I am grateful, once I had FG for over a year, I expected little or no discount to upgrade. The pricing being offered just shows me Doug and the rest of Smiteworks commitment to quality customer service).

That aside, I agree with the rest of the comments.

DouglasBryantDE, You could take the refund, do the newcomer kickstarter, but then you would not get any product until the beta is released. It would run you more than the upgrade price to subscribe to ultimate until the full release of FGU. I don't see how you are not coming out ahead with your current purchase and doing the kickstarter for the upgrade.

[kane280484]

I can see there is LoS which is super-cool but how about the light sources and LoS? Especially light sources carried by other players like torches? This is crucial imo and couldn't find info about that anywhere.

Edit: thank you, Tyrannosaurus VeX!

[Tyrannosaurus VeX]

I can see there is LoS which is super-cool but how about the light sources and LoS? Especially light sources carried by other players like torches? This is crucial imo and couldn't find info about that anywhere.

I believe they've said that at release, LoS is in, but light sources are WiP.

[ddavison]

Light sources are not in for Phase 1.

[kane280484]

Ok thanks! I can imagine it's a feature hard to implement, but I really hope you can do it in a Phase 2 :) Waiting for the Kickstarter, we will smash the goalline in no time!

[damned]

We would do multi-monitor support if we could do so easily. I use it exclusively across two monitors by stretching the application screen across and I've even used it on slightly different monitors in the past (not ideal, but usable). Without the ability to break out windows from the main application (what people are really asking for), people will still play on Fantasy Grounds. If it doesn't support the OS from someone in the group then that entire group won't play. Unity allows us to more easily tackle the multi-OS support feature than it does to allow for windows to be broken out from the main application space.

This is a good explanation.

[RoleforFun]

Multi monitor work very well if you drag FG window in order to cover both screens (of course you will need same definition on both, but if you do a lot of multi monitor I assume you do have that configuration). Then use Turbotop to keep other windows on top of FG, et voilà ! https://i.imgur.com/3adJfz3.jpg

That image is a thing of beauty. I need that desktop setup - a lot.

[Lensman]

I just thought of this, but with the release window set during the holidays, would it be possible to purchase multiple copies as gifts??

It is just a thought, as this could make a wonderful gift.

Any thoughts

[LordEntrails]

I just thought of this, but with the release window set during the holidays, would it be possible to purchase multiple copies as gifts??

It is just a thought, as this could make a wonderful gift.

Any thoughts
Multiple KS copies or waiting until December to buy?
Their is already a way to gift FG, but not sure if their is a way to gift with KS, but I assume if you reach out to SW they will say yes.

[Nylanfs]

48 hrs and counting!

[zertox]

does it make sense to buy an ultimate licence now if I want to play next week, or am I making bad life decisions if I do that?

[rob2e]

does it make sense to buy an ultimate license now if I want to play next week, or am I making bad life decisions if I do that?

If you buy the Ultimate now you'll then be able to get the Kickstarter upgrade for the less expensive "Rookie" Rate. BOTH versions will be something to be used for many years. And keep in mind, even though the KS is happening now, Unity doesn't actually get released until DECEMBER.

[Trenloe]

does it make sense to buy an ultimate licence now if I want to play next week, or am I making bad life decisions if I do that?
Welcome to the FG forums.

If you want to play next week it makes total sense to buy your FG Classic license now. For the future - with FG Unity you'll be able to take advantage of the rookie upgrade cost - when/if you decide to move to FG Unity. Fantasy Grounds is completely usable right now - many thousands of people use it every week, and any DLC you purchase now will be complatible with FG Unity.

[rob2e]

Trenloe. Like minds!

[lostsanityreturned]

Trenloe. Like minds!

The program is very useable, you won't regret it :)

[Grommit57]

The wait is killing me.

[Grommit57]

Best money ever spent on a computer program. Can't say it any clearer than that.

[Stadlerc]

I really don’t know if this has been addressed. If I pledge to alpha or beta for ultimate, will I be able to share a unlicensed version to a friend who is not on alpha or beta for testing. I will assume NDA’s will be in place for us both.

Also if I use it as a VTT, will there be a NDA I can use for my group?

[Nylanfs]

heh (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20190501T16&p0=%3A&msg=%23FGUnity&font=sanserif)

[LordEntrails]

I really don’t know if this has been addressed. If I pledge to alpha or beta for ultimate, will I be able to share a unlicensed version to a friend who is not on alpha or beta for testing. I will assume NDA’s will be in place for us both.

Also if I use it as a VTT, will there be a NDA I can use for my group?
We don't know yet. But, it seems to me that the FGU Beta will need to be available in an free/unlicensed version. Otherwise how would an FGU Ultimate GM actually test the program with their group? The NDA will probably be built into the license agreement you agree to when you install or when you start the program.


heh (https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20190501T16&p0=%3A&msg=%23FGUnity&font=sanserif)
And yet no link to the KS page!

[Zacchaeus]

I really don’t know if this has been addressed. If I pledge to alpha or beta for ultimate, will I be able to share a unlicensed version to a friend who is not on alpha or beta for testing. I will assume NDA’s will be in place for us both.

Also if I use it as a VTT, will there be a NDA I can use for my group?

An educated guess from Moon Wizard on Discord yesterday

That's a long way in the future to be able to answer with a firm answer. My guess at this point is that any initial alpha release will be for KS supporters to check out, but not for running games right away. As the alpha/beta progresses, we'll get to the stage where we are ready to let people test running games, and we'll make one available then. At this point, this is just an educated guess how it will work.

[zertox]

And the kickstarter probably takes 30 days, yeah it makes sense to buy now.

[Moon Wizard]

I knew Z was going to grab that blurb, and that I better be careful. ;)

JPG

[The Canterbury Tail]

And I've only known about 5% of Kickstarters to deliver on time, so yeah you're good to buy an Ultimate now.

[Thete]

Holy smokes, I'm not ready for this :D

[Guoccamole]

does it make sense to buy an ultimate licence now if I want to play next week, or am I making bad life decisions if I do that?

As already pointed out (short version):
Yes.

Long version:

FYI, the Kickstarter could last (I believe) up to 60 days. The KS money does not clear (to SmiteWorks) for about two weeks, so another 1/2 month. So (normal) minimal timeframe would be 45-75 days before any release would be possible (if it were already ready to ship). However, this kickstarter is for alpha, beta, and general releases staggered over months in 2019. So the Kickstarter will promise dates, but FGUnity ETA will (according to posts from Doug Davison) still be months in the future... end of year general availability... ETA.

All that is a long way of saying that FGClassic Ultimate license will get you lots of use now and through the rest of 2019, and for $30 on Kickstarter, you can pledge the upgrade for the (ETA) FGU Ultimate to receive (ETA) end of 2019.

[Lexfire]

Steam user here - waiting in the wings for FGU. Exciting times!!!

[DungeonNoir]

This will fund in the first day.

[JohnD]

This will fund in the first day.

That is largely dependent on what the goal is set at. FGU is a given at this point so the target may be lower than if they were funding the entire development from Kickstarter funding.

Regardless probably in the first few hours.

[Lexfire]

Is there no way for a steam user to help the KS and it’s goals? There could be several 100 steam users who will remain silent on the KS. How about a donor steam tier to at least allow us to assist on the dollar and backer totals

[lostsanityreturned]

Is there no way for a steam user to help the KS and it’s goals? There could be several 100 steam users who will remain silent on the KS. How about a donor steam tier to at least allow us to assist on the dollar and backer totals

Being a steam user doesn't limit anything? Unless you wanted a steam version and didn't own it already?

[Moon Wizard]

A license from Steam is the same as a license from our web store; and licenses from our web store are synched with Steam every 6-8 weeks. So, there should not be any issues for Steam users.

Regards,
JPG

[LordEntrails]

In short, just back the KS as you wish, and anything gained there will be sync'd to Steam as Moon says.

[Egheal]

Less than 23 hours guys...

[Lexfire]

In short, just back the KS as you wish, and anything gained there will be sync'd to Steam as Moon says.

Perfect summary I was looking for.

[Mytherus]

I may have posted this earlier in the month but now that May 1st is tomorrow was hyping myself a bit for FGU kickstarter tomorrow. It'll be $30 for me to get ultimate.....that's a no brainer decision for me, especially because I enjoy being a DM .

[Patou]

In short, just back the KS as you wish, and anything gained there will be sync'd to Steam as Moon says.

same here. Was wondering how that was going to work tomorrow. I've got my Ultimate to purchase one of my players has his regular to purchase. Good times!!! Can't wait!

[JackBurton]

Just looked.... Ultimate purchase date of .... 12/24/2017! Still $60.00 is a great deal. I originally pledged Carl's 'Tabletop Connect: 3D Virtual Tabletop for Windows and Mac' and was bummed when you guys snatched him up. I am now glad that Carl is part of your team. It is obvious that both Carl and Smiteworks are passionate about gaming and making the best VTT for it's customers. I'm sure your KS will be a big success and can't wait for the ride, they can be a lot of fun.
DBS

[GMScott]

I have checked Kickstarter, and I can't find the campaign!

It's 12:01am May 1st.

[damned]

It launches in approx 12 hours.

[GMScott]

Hmmm, I don't think I'll hit F5 for that long. I might go to bed, and then to work tomorrow.
:)

[donpaulo]

It launches in approx 12 hours.

because it IS May 1st here :rv:

[lostsanityreturned]

Hmmm, I don't think I'll hit F5 for that long. I might go to bed, and then to work tomorrow.
:)

Unacceptable! Obviously smiteworks should have provided us all with custom macro bots and alarm timers ;)

[mhorgunn]

Where is it??? It's a whole 15 minutes after 12 AM??? :)

[GMScott]

because it IS May 1st here :rv:

It's May 1st for me also! I even waited an entire minute after midnight to post my question... I thought I was being VERY patient.

[backwardoracle]

6am May 1st 32 user's champing at the bit to get FGU asap, in 11 hours there will be hundreds,

[Kanbie]

6am May 1st 32 user's champing at the bit to get FGU asap, in 11 hours there will be hundreds,

Don't exclude me Backwardoracle, I want my steak too.

[Varsuuk]

Are we there yet?

[Valyar]

This is the first time I will ever back something in KS despite my principles... what have you done to me, SW!

[trigun27]

Ahahaha, I'm from Moscow. We have already May 1st. So I am like mad man push update button hoping to see a link to KS

[gandred]

In Italy is 9 am... And we are pushing refresh and waiting, pushing, waiting...

[Egheal]

In Italy is 9 am... And we are pushing refresh and waiting, pushing, waiting...

or you can wait till 6 pm. https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20190501T16&p0=%3A&msg=%23FGUnity&font=sanserif
(thanks for that countdown Nylanfs).

[SuperSpratt]

You think it's bad for you!!! I'm in South East Asia and have to wait until 6pm!!! ARGH!!!!!! I literally played and finished a game already today!!!

[Plaindog]

Can I give you my money soon :D

[donpaulo]

You think it's bad for you!!! I'm in South East Asia and have to wait until 6pm!!! ARGH!!!!!! I literally played and finished a game already today!!!

It will be 02:00 here in East Asia, so you are kinda lucky actually

[Mavrik6666]

Is there a link to the Kick Starter Page ?

[Zacchaeus]

Is there a link to the Kick Starter Page ?

Not yet.

[MarianDz]

I think link will be placed on first page of this thread "Special Announcement - Kickstarter (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?48729-Special-Announcement-Kickstarter&p=431958&viewfull=1#post431958)"

see row:

Where: Kickstarter (URL pending)

[BubaDragon]

Rumor has it that the Kickstarter opens at 12:00 CDT (UTC -4)
Can anyone verify? Otherwise I will be forced to spend my day between searching the Kickstarter site and watching this thread.
...

Must... give... SmiteWorks... money...

[Zacchaeus]

Rumor has it that the Kickstarter opens at 12:00 CDT (UTC -4)
Can anyone verify? Otherwise I will be forced to spend my day between searching the Kickstarter site and watching this thread.
...

Must... give... SmiteWorks... money...

The launch is set for noon EST.

[ddavison]

The launch will happen in just over 2.5 hours.

I'm planning to post an early preview link here in the next hour or so. You will have an advanced sneak peek at the Kickstarter campaign page. Once it is launched, the same link should auto-direct to the final page where it accepts pledges. Please don't share it until after it goes live.

[UltimateGM]

I'm so excited! I cant wait to see this in action! I feel like a kid at Christmas!

[feldrol]

Can't wait !
Did you keep a surprise for the opening ?

[lostsanityreturned]

The launch will happen in just over 2.5 hours.

I'm planning to post an early preview link here in the next hour or so. You will have an advanced sneak peek at the Kickstarter campaign page. Once it is launched, the same link should auto-direct to the final page where it accepts pledges. Please don't share it until after it goes live.

Looking forward to it, convinced all my regulars to support the campaign :) (despite my ultimate status)

I hope some of the more invested youtubers have enough material to help hype the kickstarter.
I was quite happy when I saw taking20 spruiking FG over R20 :D

[Grifron]

The launch will happen in just over 2.5 hours.

I'm planning to post an early preview link here in the next hour or so. You will have an advanced sneak peek at the Kickstarter campaign page. Once it is launched, the same link should auto-direct to the final page where it accepts pledges. Please don't share it until after it goes live.

It's been an hour or so... :D

[Atreides Ghola]

It's been an hour or so... :D

Ah, the sweet anxiety of impatience for something longed for...

[Zomnivore]

I wouldn't wait here. I imagine if there are any last minute corrections to be made that they would need to work on those first. I would 100% understand if they forgot to put up a teaser here, when the teaser would only be for like...an hour before the campaign.

[BubaDragon]

... I'm planning to post an early preview link here in the next hour or so. You will have an advanced sneak peek at the Kickstarter campaign page. Once it is launched, the same link should auto-direct to the final page where it accepts pledges. Please don't share it until after it goes live.

You do understand my commitment to funding your kids education right? :p:cool:

[Doswelk]

Just take my money!!!

:p

[ddavison]

You do understand my commitment to funding your kids education right? :p:cool:

You are in luck. I'm a proponent of public education.

[UltimateGM]

You are in luck. I'm a proponent of public education.
Priceless!

[JohnD]

I'm looking forward to this. I've backed quite a few Kickstarter projects and only have been mildly annoyed with one (started selling the product to the general public before fulfilling all the backers), and truly deeply, terribly disappointed with just one of them (3 years overdue and 1/2 of the team having washed his hands of involvement going forward).

Thankfully, I have full and complete confidence in Smiteworks as a company and FG as a product; the best gaming dollars I've spent in the last probably 10 years have been FG or FG related.

[Voxpopuli]

Looking forward to this!!!

[ddavison]

Everyone on this thread has been awesome, so we are going to reward you with a sneak peek look at the upcoming Kickstarter page.

Here is a link to our Preview page. This link should automatically redirect to the final URL we use for the Kickstarter campaign once it officially launches.

Preview Link:
Fantasy Grounds Unity Kickstarter Campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smiteworks/2119401266?ref=802034&token=3b5d46c7)

The campaign will go live in 1 hour at noon EST/9 AM Pacific Time

[lostsanityreturned]

I'm looking forward to this. I've backed quite a few Kickstarter projects and only have been mildly annoyed with one (started selling the product to the general public before fulfilling all the backers), and truly deeply, terribly disappointed with just one of them (3 years overdue and 1/2 of the team having washed his hands of involvement going forward).

Thankfully, I have full and complete confidence in Smiteworks as a company and FG as a product; the best gaming dollars I've spent in the last probably 10 years have been FG or FG related.

What was the second one O.o

I was super concerned about CoC 7e back in the day, really glad it ended up being something I am glad to own though.

[Ampersandrew]

"We will send out the demo license links to backers when we launch the Alpha and Beta versions and those can be shared with players for your game."

sweet :-)

[TrentLane]

Looks great! Can't wait to throw some money at you

[ddavison]

"We will send out the demo license links to backers when we launch the Alpha and Beta versions and those can be shared with players for your game."

sweet :-)

Oops, I might want to change that then prior to launch. We had some internal discussion around that and we were leaning towards maybe releasing just to backers at first to play around with before they start adding players. Doing that might allow us to get it into hands of some backers sooner than if we have to wait until we also feel confident about all the networking stuff working the way we want.

I reworded that part to this:

Initial copies will go out to backers only, but we will try to send out the demo license links to backers at some point prior to launch so those can be shared with players for your game.

[viresanimi]

I really hope you don't reconsider that. Knowing my players, they are not the kind that kickstart and if I can't test it with them, then there's little point in it really.

Edit: Beyond supporting Smiteworks. Which I will. Just hope to get to tinker with it, before full release.

[ddavison]

The big thing is that we need to ramp it up steadily to ensure that our facilitator server scales appropriately. That means we need to bring up the numbers of users steadily. There is also a lot to test with the new functionality before you are going to want people to hop into the game as well.

[damned]

I really hope you don't reconsider that. Knowing my players, they are not the kind that kickstart and if I can't test it with them, then there's little point in it really.

The primary reason for you to back the KS is you get a substantial discount on your license during the KS - one that you are not likely to get after the KS...
The beta is not the primary reason for most people to back it...
There is no dates for beta release.

[Grifron]

Are we going to have FGU test games set up somewhere? Like in it's own forum?

[esmdev]

I was reading over the KS promo page and it still doesn't make clear how exactly we upgrade multiple licenses. I have 1 veteran and 2 rookie standard licenses which makes it even more complicated. It doesn't really show a clear path for upgrading more than one of them. You might want to add that into the page or add it to the FAQ because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person with more than 1 license.

[lostsanityreturned]

Hmmm, shame to see that alpha is only at $1000 and higher pledges.

Oh well, will swing for the CoC addon regardless.

[ddavison]

The primary reason for you to back the KS is you get a substantial discount on your license during the KS - one that you are not likely to get after the KS...
The beta is not the primary reason for most people to back it...
There is no dates for beta release.

Well, for some people the beta access will be a driving reason and for others it will be the discount. We will try to accommodate people as early as we possibly can. I decided to make a quick change to the description that was there, however, because we haven't 100% locked in what we are going to do there and when. We want everyone's first experience with the new version to be as positive as possible.

[arcanjl]

I just can't wait for 64bit. I am so tired of it crashing on my 6 hour games

[ddavison]

I was reading over the KS promo page and it still doesn't make clear how exactly we upgrade multiple licenses. I have 1 veteran and 2 rookie standard licenses which makes it even more complicated. It doesn't really show a clear path for upgrading more than one of them. You might want to add that into the page or add it to the FAQ because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person with more than 1 license.

Good point. I will add some info for that. In short, you would back at the appropriate level for your main license and then just increase your pledge amount for each additional license according to what it's upgrade costs would be. During the survey stage, you would send us all the keys.

[Saz]

I'm more than happy to take a look after pledging my Rookie pledge. I've been streaming FGC with my group for a few episodes now and the exact issues I have will be addressed by FGU. I really look forward to getting the Beta and getting good with the system for future streams. :)

[trigun27]

By the way, will FGU support 4k resolution and proper scaling?

[SporkFortuna]

Doug, is there any plan for an addon for early backers to include a new F5 key to replace the ones they wore out following the topic and waiting for the kickstarter to open?

[ddavison]

Doug, is there any plan for an addon for early backers to include a new F5 key to replace the ones they wore out following the topic and waiting for the kickstarter to open?

I hope you don't have anything bad in your F5 hotkey in Fantasy Grounds. Otherwise, you might end up launching it a few times by accident.

[gaara6666]

https://youtu.be/QTk7AZV2OB8?t=47 this song sums up this thread right now

[ddavison]

https://youtu.be/QTk7AZV2OB8?t=47 this song sums up this thread right now

:D

Love it. That shaved off a few minutes of waiting.

[esmdev]

Good point. I will add some info for that. In short, you would back at the appropriate level for your main license and then just increase your pledge amount for each additional license according to what it's upgrade costs would be. During the survey stage, you would send us all the keys.

So basically, I pledge veteran standard, and then add 30 extra for the 2 rookies? The survey will be after the KS has completed?

[lokomotiv]

No time plans for betas? That sounds like it can take forever. Maybe should wait with backing until there is a release plan made. Don't you even have a preliminary time plan to share?