Fgu ui

[Akril]

Hi all, I’m new here (currently using another ‘brand’ of VTT). I cannot say I much like the approach of the developers in that other place, but was deterred from FG by two things: (a) lack of Dynamic Lighting and (b) user interface. The UI looked very clunky and dated (c.1993). I was therefore very excited to see the announcement of FGU.

I’ve been checking out some YouTube clips in anticipation but unfortunately the UI doesn’t appear to have been updated? It still has a pre-Windows 1995 look to it. Even the dynamic lighting looks incredibly clunky. Cf it to the other place which literally lights up the terrain with a fade towards the edge of vision.

That said, I’m wondering if what I’m seeing is truly reflective of the current Beta/ final product. I know I can wait until launch in a few months time but I need to purchase some more content and so am weighing whether to hold off. Does anyone have any info?

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

[Valyar]

You are referring to the Fantasy Grounds Unity version of the software. Based on the Unity engine, it contains dynamic lighting and weather effects and potential for many more things. The UI is just one of them, and the way all rulesets are presented today is to be backward compatible with the Classic versions. In future, enhancements might be made, but for now it is more or less the same.

Also, the style of the UI is entirely subjective. I prefer the way FG delivers the immersion with this "Dated" interface, rather than have the web page of Roll20 or the Windows forms of MapTools.

[damned]

Welcome Akril

There will be some changes to the UI but mostly the UI approach is deliberate and will continue.
The UI does not suit everyone but UIs are like that...

You can mention other VTTs here..

[esmdev]

Hi. Another important thing to understand about FG both Classic and Unity is that they are basically underlying engines upon which the various rulesets are build. The screen presentation, button placement, colors and various objects are in the various rulesets. While some of the UI features do derive from the engine there would have to be changes to the rulesets as well.

With the new capabilities of FGU in terms of memory and the underlying Unity software itself I'm sure that Smiteworks and the small army of community developers will be coming up with all kinds of possibilities.

[Akril]

I’m unsure what you mean by immersive? I personally do not like the web-interface of Roll20. It has no character at all (if that is what you mean)? But the FGU client I’ve seen is not just ‘dated’ in terms of - for example - medieval design but is dated in terms of technology. It looks like the old Bitmap games of the Early 90s. Clunky, low-res buttons and lacking in general quality of life feel. Even the new weather effects look very 1990s tech.

I entirely accept that a UI is subjective but given its premium price tag, I’m just surprised this hasn’t been addressed in the new version. I was just wondering if what I’d seen just isn’t reflective.

[Kelrugem]

I’m unsure what you mean by immersive? I personally do not like the web-interface of Roll20. It has no character at all (if that is what you mean)? But the FGU client I’ve seen is not just ‘dated’ in terms of - for example - medieval design but is dated in terms of technology. It looks like the old Bitmap games of the Early 90s. Clunky, low-res buttons and lacking in general quality of life feel. Even the new weather effects look very 1990s tech.

I entirely accept that a UI is subjective but given its premium price tag, I’m just surprised this hasn’t been addressed in the new version. I was just wondering if what I’d seen just isn’t reflective.

About the reolution of the buttons: There are also other standard themes for FG :) They might fit you better and come with FG :)

Er, please show me a game of 1990s with such weather effects :p they really look nice in FGU in my opinion :)

(About Dynamic lighting: This is not there yet, it comes after release. At the moment we have dynamic line of sight, so only vision with infinitely large range :) That's the reason why you do not see the fade in form of dim light etc. at the boundary of the vision :) So, I mean such things are also subject of change, and thence there might be some fade at the boundary at some point, with or without dynamic lighting :) It is difficult to estimate the new features coming after release)

[esmdev]

I’m unsure what you mean by immersive? I personally do not like the web-interface of Roll20. It has no character at all (if that is what you mean)? But the FGU client I’ve seen is not just ‘dated’ in terms of - for example - medieval design but is dated in terms of technology. It looks like the old Bitmap games of the Early 90s. Clunky, low-res buttons and lacking in general quality of life feel. Even the new weather effects look very 1990s tech.

I entirely accept that a UI is subjective but given its premium price tag, I’m just surprised this hasn’t been addressed in the new version. I was just wondering if what I’d seen just isn’t reflective.

Just as an example of how the standard ruleset UI can be modified by others to change how everything looks and feels.

Starfinder Alternate Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27870&d=1562829499)

[notrealdan]

Hi all, I’m new here (currently using another ‘brand’ of VTT). I cannot say I much like the approach of the developers in that other place, but was deterred from FG by two things: (a) lack of Dynamic Lighting and (b) user interface. The UI looked very clunky and dated (c.1993). I was therefore very excited to see the announcement of FGU.

I’ve been checking out some YouTube clips in anticipation but unfortunately the UI doesn’t appear to have been updated? It still has a pre-Windows 1995 look to it. Even the dynamic lighting looks incredibly clunky. Cf it to the other place which literally lights up the terrain with a fade towards the edge of vision.

That said, I’m wondering if what I’m seeing is truly reflective of the current Beta/ final product. I know I can wait until launch in a few months time but I need to purchase some more content and so am weighing whether to hold off. Does anyone have any info?

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

Hi and welcome!

As I recall, the main point of developing FGU was to have FG running on a more modern engine that will allow the flexibility to do more in the future. It was also one of their main goals to keep the experience as close to the current experience as possible for the initial FGU release, while adding a few new features (dynamic line-of-sight, weather effects, etc.). Once FGU is out and stable, I'm sure they'll be considering all kinds of ideas for new features and improvements. They need to get the work on the new engine done first.

If you have specific suggestions about how the interface could be improved, those should be put up on the Wish List (https://fg2app.idea.informer.com/) so that others can up-vote them if they also would like to see those changes. SmiteWorks use this as part of their decision-making process for what to place priority on.

[Akril]

Just as an example of how the standard ruleset UI can be modified by others to change how everything looks and feels.

Starfinder Alternate Theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27870&d=1562829499)

Now that is very impressive and far more what i was expecting. So is it just a skin thing?

Thank you for everyone’s prompt responses. I’m certainly not trying to do down a product that so many people love. I’m speaking purely from preference/ VP. The only reason I’m commenting is because I’m in a dilemma as to whether to go ahead and by additional content on Roll20 or hold off and trial FGU.

Thanks again.

[notrealdan]

Now that is very impressive and far more what i was expecting. So is it just a skin thing?

Thank you for everyone’s prompt responses. I’m certainly not trying to do down a product that so many people love. I’m speaking purely from preference/ VP. The only reason I’m commenting is because I’m in a dilemma as to whether to go ahead and by additional content on Roll20 or hold off and trial FGU.

Thanks again.

Personally, I would suggest trying FGU when it comes out. SW have a no-questions 30-day refund policy, so there's no risk except to your own free time.

[Akril]

That’s great to hear. I will definitely give it a go. It was more about whether I should hold off buying content in Roll20. From what I’ve read there’s no release date for FGU but likely March?

[notrealdan]

That’s great to hear. I will definitely give it a go. It was more about whether I should hold off buying content in Roll20. From what I’ve read there’s no release date for FGU but likely March?

I'm hoping earlier, but it could be March or so. I'd personally rather it be ready than too soon. We won't know until SW are ready to announce for sure. In the meantime, you could also get a subscription to FG Classic and give it a try. Most/all of what you learn while using it will apply to FGU, and any content you get will transfer over.

There is a learning curve with FG (as with any powerful program). I suggest checking out the FG College (https://fantasygroundscollege.net/) to get your feet wet and start figuring out if it's for you.

[LordEntrails]

Now that is very impressive and far more what i was expecting. So is it just a skin thing?
All the graphics part of the UI, button placement, images, resolutions, coloring, window styling etc is stuff that can be modified with an extension. The community has several resources for those that want to build such a theme, and their are dozens of themes already shared with the community for all sorts of different desires. Some people make themes for specific campaigns they are running, other because they want something different like that Starfinder theme.


Thank you for everyone’s prompt responses. I’m certainly not trying to do down a product that so many people love. I’m speaking purely from preference/ VP. The only reason I’m commenting is because I’m in a dilemma as to whether to go ahead and by additional content on Roll20 or hold off and trial FGU.

Thanks again.
We try to keep a positive attitude around here and assume everyone has the best intentions.

Of course we here are going to think you should choose FG. May of the current FG folks used to be long time Roll20 subscribers, some (like myself) did in depth comparisons before choosing, but we are all here now so we think we made the right choice. But it does have to be right for you. Lots of us would be happy to share why we chose FG, but if you have specific questions, let us know.

[Akril]

Personally, I would suggest trying FGU when it comes out. SW have a no-questions 30-day refund policy, so there's no risk except to your own free time.

That’s good to hear. I’ll definitely do that. Thank you.

[hlee7114]

New to this as well (VTT that is), and recently played a one shot on Roll20 with a few friends. It was basically to get back in the feel of playing D&D again, after a 20+ yr absence, so I could get my own campaign going as a DM. As such I did some research to see what other systems were available, and came across FG and saw what their plans were for the Unity addition, so I passed this on to my group. After playing on Roll20 and then using the demo for FG it became clear this was the VTT for us. 2 days later the Ultimate version was gifted to me by one of the players and soon all of us had either the Standard or Ultimate lifetime editions. What really brought us in was just how slick this UI is and the control we have, and of course the whole Unity concept, and where FG is heading.
We're an older group and we found this to be just what we needed. Of course it could be the big buttons us old folks can see easier that really cinched the deal...All of us are really looking forward to the release of FGU!

[Neovirtus]

New to this as well (VTT that is), and recently played a one shot on Roll20 with a few friends. It was basically to get back in the feel of playing D&D again, after a 20+ yr absence, so I could get my own campaign going as a DM. As such I did some research to see what other systems were available, and came across FG and saw what their plans were for the Unity addition, so I passed this on to my group. After playing on Roll20 and then using the demo for FG it became clear this was the VTT for us. 2 days later the Ultimate version was gifted to me by one of the players and soon all of us had either the Standard or Ultimate lifetime editions. What really brought us in was just how slick this UI is and the control we have, and of course the whole Unity concept, and where FG is heading.
We're an older group and we found this to be just what we needed. Of course it could be the big buttons us old folks can see easier that really cinched the deal...All of us are really looking forward to the release of FGU!
Welcome hlee7114! I also played on Roll20 for a bit, but for me, as a DM, I found the web browser interface to be slow and unresponsive. On top of that, when I saw how much cheaper official content is on FG and the way the automation works... I was sold!

There are as many different pros/cons lists between different VTT as there are people. Those of us who chose FG are always willing to share our thoughts!

[Damon]

The UI looked very clunky and dated (c.1993)..

Hi and welcome!

I think for many of us the clunky and dated nature of the UI hit exactly the right nostalgia notes. But yeah, there are plenty of user-made extensions that allow for a completely different experience, the Starfinder one being a good example, so don't let the default look and feel turn you away. One you get past the initial learning curve, you'll find FG is a fantastic application!

[Henrique Oliveira Machado]

I also fond the UI of FG very outdated and it hurts me a lot. I mean, probably the UI is the worst thing on FG in my opinion. This and how old is the conection.

I would love to be able to hide/show the right side ui so i have more space for maps and notes.
But everything else is by far superior to what i've know on Roll20. Specially now with the FGU.
I'm in beta and i'm loving the speed on wich the developers takes action, solves main issues, etc.

Let us remember they are few, but they are excelent and passionate about their jobs. And i feel they love their fans.
So in time i learned not to be so harsh on them (specially when i found out they are so few). Just take your time, and your expectations will be met.

Also. Where can i find those "skins" that change UI?

[Neovirtus]

I also fond the UI of FG very outdated and it hurts me a lot. I mean, probably the UI is the worst thing on FG in my opinion. This and how old is the conection.

I would love to be able to hide/show the right side ui so i have more space for maps and notes.
But everything else is by far superior to what i've know on Roll20. Specially now with the FGU.
I'm in beta and i'm loving the speed on wich the developers takes action, solves main issues, etc.

Let us remember they are few, but they are excelent and passionate about their jobs. And i feel they love their fans.
So in time i learned not to be so harsh on them (specially when i found out they are so few). Just take your time, and your expectations will be met.

Also. Where can i find those "skins" that change UI?

Search for "Theme" in the forums and you will find some. Some change more than others. If none meet your needs, it's always possible to customize them yourself (that's what I did when I made the "Simple Dark" theme (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?43389-Simple-Dark-Theme)), and I'm no pro.

I am hopeful that Unity will allow for more elaborate themes, and more drastic changes to the UI for those of us who would like to see options for "modern" UI extensions.