I'm really feeling bummed about how much money I've put into FG as a platform

[AzureBlade]

I've spent quite a bit of money on FG, both for licenses and modules. But as I look at other products that are out now, I feel FG has become seriously outclassed. I look at something like Foundry, and that not only blows away FG in features but seems to be more efficient for the players, and the players can even play from their phones since it uses web technology. Unfortunately, I'm stuck using a subpar product because if I don't use it, I've wasted several hundred dollars.

The development of FG as a platform seems to be going nowhere slowly, and part of that is probably due to the horrible decision to use Unity. I'm thinking it may be better to just pack it in on FG and just consider it lost money.

[Zacchaeus]

Depends on what you are looking for in a VTT. Each of them will outclass some aspects of the others and if that's the thing you are looking for then it'll be more attractive.

From what I've heard FG still outclasses Roll20 and Foundry in many respects; but as I say depends on what you are looking for. I've no interest in playing a VTT on a phone for example so having that available isn't a selling point for me.

[Dudin]

I agree it isn't fun to be looking over the fence to see some of the neat features in Foundry (really no other VTT than that offer anything comparable to FGU) that FGU lacks that I want and how quickly they seem to update/change. Comparing FGU to Foundry isn't an apples to apples comparison though in terms of resources for the dev team, but it feels frustrating none the less.

I have also spent my (far too large) share of money on FGU and associated products. Though I have heavily considered it, I don't think I am quite ready to leave as it so far still meets my needs with things like ready-to-play modules for DnD content and all the amazing extensions the community has made. I also still hold hope that the features I am looking for will eventually make its way into FGU.

That said, I wouldn't let sunken cost fallacy stop you from moving if it would be better for you in the long term.

[dragonheels]

As Zaccheus says, it depends on what you're looking for in a VTT.
I've been playing on FG since 2016 and have never regretted anything. I've also spent quite a bit of money on rulesets and adventures.
When I'm a single player, I sometimes play on roll20 or Foundry depending on the gamemaster.
It's true that the latter is good, and I bought it too. Not to play, but because I wanted to see how it works. I might use it if a ruleset is available and nothing exists on FG for the ruleset in question. What I like less in Foundry is its strength. Too many extensions made by many people (talented ones) for one and the same ruleset. And in case of an update, you have to pray that it still works...
However, my preference remains FG. I play DD5, Cthulhu, Savage Worlds (Deadlands, Beasts and Barbarians, ETU...), Alien, Vaesen, Tales from the Loop, Barbarian of Lemuria.
Yes, for me, FG still is the best.

[Myrdin Potter]

FG has way more official content available ready to play for more game systems.

Honestly, the only think it is lacking is a web client that allows a browser to connect. This is a barrier for new players - the need to download and install a program.

Otherwise FG compares pretty well with all the other major programs out there.

If you do not agree, then you can always go look at other options.

[LordEntrails]

There is a very long and detailed thread with discussion that covers this that you may wish to read; https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?70355-18-months-on-FG-vs-Roll20-vs-Foundry

[esmdev]

I've spent quite a bit of money on FG, both for licenses and modules. But as I look at other products that are out now, I feel FG has become seriously outclassed. I look at something like Foundry, and that not only blows away FG in features but seems to be more efficient for the players, and the players can even play from their phones since it uses web technology. Unfortunately, I'm stuck using a subpar product because if I don't use it, I've wasted several hundred dollars.

The development of FG as a platform seems to be going nowhere slowly, and part of that is probably due to the horrible decision to use Unity. I'm thinking it may be better to just pack it in on FG and just consider it lost money.

I have Foundry, I have FGU.

In my experience FGU takes me less time to setup an adventure, add my own content, and run the game. If I want to adlib something on the fly, FGU is easier.

Foundry is prettier and some LoS functionality is superior, but I find it to be kind of clunky and limited for actual gaming in comparison to FGU.

Using the web for players does make Foundry more accessible, though I don't think I'd play on a phone or my Kindle, cause too small! :)

[AzureBlade]

There is a very long and detailed thread with discussion that covers this that you may wish to read; https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?70355-18-months-on-FG-vs-Roll20-vs-Foundry

Thanks.

[celestian]

I have Foundry, I have FGU.

In my experience FGU takes me less time to setup an adventure, add my own content, and run the game. If I want to adlib something on the fly, FGU is easier.

Foundry is prettier and some LoS functionality is superior, but I find it to be kind of clunky and limited for actual gaming in comparison to FGU.

Using the web for players does make Foundry more accessible, though I don't think I'd play on a phone or my Kindle, cause too small! :)

Similar situation, I use FG and play in some Foundry games. FG is definitely ahead of everyone if you're looking for premade content. Foundry seems to be ahead in performance tho I hope FGU can catch up soon. The one thing I'd caution about Foundry tho is they are still fairly new and at times make pretty dramatic changes that do cause issues with systems until they can catch up (modules included).

Otherwise, I'd pick which works for your group at the time. There is no need to only use one system all the time.

[Elawyn]

So, every one have to make the choice, what vtt fits best. F. E. I am GMing several campaigns with my self made rules and world. FGU is the one and only vtt that allows me to Do so with the CoreRPG (morecore is great but usermade) Foundry is Kind of eye catching (TDE is on foundry and i have made a OS there). But for me as GM FGU still ist the Best Platform. But if foundry gives a better immersion for you, just try. Its a very Individual decision. I know couple of people playing more than one vtt and every vtt shines in some points.

[similarly]

Yeah, it just depends on what you're looking for.
I was looking for -
- an established product from an established developer, something that I could feel confident would be around for a while.
- a product I could simply buy outright and not pay a subscription for
- a product that wouldn't limit the amount of homebrew maps and images I uploaded
- a product with official content I could buy
- a product with content already set up, so I don't have to do it myself
- a product whose content is on steam (where I have less trouble paying)
- a product still in active development, still growing and improving
- a product with a supportive community

There are vtts that are cheaper. I rated reliability higher. There are vtts whose advocates talk about "free" content. I wanted legal content that rewards content developers. There are vtts that are prettier, with animated maps, sounds, etc. But I want to play a ttrpg, not a video game. I want to use my imagination.

FGU is still the best for me. Is it perfect? No. Are there things I'd like to see improve or done differently? SURE! But, it works for me

[Morenu]

There are vtts that are cheaper. I rated reliability higher. There are vtts whose advocates talk about "free" content. I wanted legal content that rewards content developers. There are vtts that are prettier, with animated maps, sounds, etc. But I want to play a ttrpg, not a video game. I want to use my imagination.

FGU is still the best for me. Is it perfect? No. Are there things I'd like to see improve or done differently? SURE! But, it works for me

All of this.
I PLAY video games. I do not want my TT to be a video game or LARP. FGU is exactly what our group wanted (but still want more in some spots). and I have spent 700+ on 2E, 5-600 on 5E and extensions, and 300 on PF1e (including an INSANE humble bundle deal) and I am still happy even though I will never play 5E again (shudder) and never actually played 2e. so around $1000 in unused stuff, BUT that was my choice.

[ddavison]

We do have lots of projects in development currently. We just like to get them very close to release before we start talking about them, because sometimes other items take precedence or we development takes longer than expected.

[AzureBlade]

We do have lots of projects in development currently. We just like to get them very close to release before we start talking about them, because sometimes other items take precedence or we development takes longer than expected.

That's good to know. That explains why you all tend to seem so radio silent when it comes to updates, though that has the downside of the users feeling like you're not paying attention to them. I think a team like Coffeestain Studios is a good group to look at when it comes to communication with their players.

[Elawyn]

As acompany with a product life its impossible to catch the people want Instant All gadgets they aware of. But All the others took fgu for a bundle of reasons and stay because over all its a good Platform (for me the Best) and fullfill every Thing a vtt should. As i explained before, for me, playing own Modules, its fantastic and no other vtt gives me that possibilities. And its a vital product with good Support (my opinion). I try to translate somerhing directly from german, so sorry for that ;) "you can't hop on every Train, passing by, or you will end nowhere"

[Laerun]

If you want to see some of the things that are being tested and such, you can always peep into the "Laboratory," as this is the closest thing to a roadmap you can get.
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?55-The-Laboratory

[dsaraujo]

I started using FG in 2007. I wonder if the alternatives we have today are going to be around in 10 years from now. :)

[Temmpest]

Smiteworks has the best customer service I have ever experienced with any company. Period. Issues are immediately addressed and they take the time to engage their customers. It's why I was able to get back into D&D after a long hiatus.

[redba]

Smiteworks has the best customer service I have ever experienced with any company. Period. Issues are immediately addressed and they take the time to engage their customers. It's why I was able to get back into D&D after a long hiatus.

I can absolutely confirm.. Two days ago made an order.. Check the products and I was not satisfied.. so contact customer service to ask them the 30 money back.. and in less than 24 hours they refund me without any question on my Credit Card.. so to thank them it seemed right to spend the refund on another product in the shop..

Great great support..

[Arrix]

I played for around 8 years on Roll20. And paid for it's subscription and some additional content. 100 bucks a year, with around 100 - 200€ of additional content comes to around 1000€ spent on only subscription and a few (quite good) maps and tilesets. No rulesets, no adventures purchased since the systems we play don't have any official VTT support.

Comming to FG I bought the ultimate version (100 in a sale I believe), downloaded MoreCore which gave us more support for Exalted 3rd Edition than the Pro Subscription on Roll20 was able to and not a single player in my group wants to go back to Roll20. I have no experience with Foundry but the money I spent on FG is the best VTT investment I made so far.
I just bought a whole lot of CoC stuff - my first venture into an acutally supported ruleset - and the Ruleset Wizard for 80 I believe. All in all it comes to around ~300, maybe 400. For stuff that will probably last myself and my group a lot longer than 8 years.

In my book this sounds like quite a good deal.

Also I despise subscriptions. Alone for that I prefer FG.

[Aramis Dante]

The only real concern I have is if they create a new version of this system, (I have FGU), will all the modules I bought, be able to integrate with the new system. I am looking far ahead I suppose but it is a concern. As for its usefulness, I have no experience with other VTT's though I have watched games and seen reviews. I like FGU. For me to love a VTT it would have to be able to allow a user to create any rpg and game system without any coding involved. One way might be with a core system and then modules for different types of games, such as a module for rpg type games and one for wargames, one for card based games. This is no complaint, FGU is pretty good at what it does, better than the rest. But as a DM / creator I want to be able to modify, change, enhance and structure my game as I want rather than just a set way. Example; I noticed that you can't embed a picture in a story tab or item tab without using a link. I would like to be able to have the item shown when you click on the item rather than having to click on another link to get it. Conversely, there is no text tab associated with an image link. It would be nice to have one so you can make notes about that image. Again, this is not a criticism about FGU because I enjoy the product. I just want to point out small things that can only make it better, of course this is only my opinion. Thanks for reading the developers and users make this a great forum to be apart of. Sincerely Aramis

[bmos]

The only real concern I have is if they create a new version of this system, (I have FGU), will all the modules I bought, be able to integrate with the new system. I am looking far ahead I suppose but it is a concern.While they haven't specifically said that it will, history suggests they will..
Modules purchased for use with FGC, for instance, also work with FGU (and continue to receive updates).

[Jiminimonka]

The only real concern I have is if they create a new version of this system, (I have FGU), will all the modules I bought, be able to integrate with the new system. I am looking far ahead I suppose but it is a concern. As for its usefulness, I have no experience with other VTT's though I have watched games and seen reviews. I like FGU. For me to love a VTT it would have to be able to allow a user to create any rpg and game system without any coding involved. One way might be with a core system and then modules for different types of games, such as a module for rpg type games and one for wargames, one for card based games. This is no complaint, FGU is pretty good at what it does, better than the rest. But as a DM / creator I want to be able to modify, change, enhance and structure my game as I want rather than just a set way. Example; I noticed that you can't embed a picture in a story tab or item tab without using a link. I would like to be able to have the item shown when you click on the item rather than having to click on another link to get it. Conversely, there is no text tab associated with an image link. It would be nice to have one so you can make notes about that image. Again, this is not a criticism about FGU because I enjoy the product. I just want to point out small things that can only make it better, of course this is only my opinion. Thanks for reading the developers and users make this a great forum to be apart of. Sincerely Aramis

You need to travel far into the future and bring back some super AI (but make sure it doesn't take over the world) - then you can have something that doesn't exist; a system that can make any thing you want with no programming required.

FGC is the old version of Fantasy Grounds, and FGU supports all the old FGC content.. there will not be another version of Fantasy Grounds (aside from update version numbers) for many years, so that point is kinda from 5 years ago when Smiteworks announced a new version of Fantasy Grounds and promised backward compatibility with all the many THOUSANDS of products already written, which they did.

FGU is new, only just released really and the maintenance of backward compatibility with FGC has meant slow updates. Now that FGC is retired, things will change more rapidly. (EDIT: Also, why would Smiteworks make another version of FG when they just released a new version?)

As a DM/Creator you can do all those things you want, but you have to learn to code. Look at some of the non-5e rulesets to see what is possible.

[AzureBlade]

You need to travel far into the future and bring back some super AI (but make sure it doesn't take over the world) - then you can have something that doesn't exist; a system that can make any thing you want with no programming required.

FGC is the old version of Fantasy Grounds, and FGU supports all the old FGC content.. there will not be another version of Fantasy Grounds (aside from update version numbers) for many years, so that point is kinda from 5 years ago when Smiteworks announced a new version of Fantasy Grounds and promised backward compatibility with all the many THOUSANDS of products already written, which they did.

FGU is new, only just released really and the maintenance of backward compatibility with FGC has meant slow updates. Now that FGC is retired, things will change more rapidly. (EDIT: Also, why would Smiteworks make another version of FG when they just released a new version?)

As a DM/Creator you can do all those things you want, but you have to learn to code. Look at some of the non-5e rulesets to see what is possible.

With the recent issues with Unity, I really hope that's not the case. With FG being a product in continuous development, it's going to be strongly hit by whatever horrible things Unity is planning to do in the future if it remains on Unity. They should bail out now, while they still can. Using Unity was a horrible decision at the time and it's only showing itself to be worse as time goes on. Fortunately, I'd bet most of their important code is fairly system agnostic and it wouldn't be all that difficult to port over to another, better, engine. It'd give them a chance to really focus on a "web server" approach like Foundry, which is really where they should have been looking in the first place if they'd actually been forward-thinking when they first started rebuilding FG. Let the web browser do the heavy lifting of your UI.

[similarly]

I don't want to derail this thread, and if this is too off-topics, Mods, you have my permission to delete it before it goes off the rails.


With the recent issues with Unity, I really hope that's not the case. With FG being a product in continuous development, it's going to be strongly hit by whatever horrible things Unity is planning to do in the future if it remains on Unity. They should bail out now, while they still can. Using Unity was a horrible decision at the time and it's only showing itself to be worse as time goes on. Fortunately, I'd bet most of their important code is fairly system agnostic and it wouldn't be all that difficult to port over to another, better, engine. It'd give them a chance to really focus on a "web server" approach like Foundry, which is really where they should have been looking in the first place if they'd actually been forward-thinking when they first started rebuilding FG. Let the web browser do the heavy lifting of your UI.

If by "issues", you're talking about the recent acquisition of IronSource by Unity, just some things to think about.
1 - Although described by some sources as a "merger" or "partnership", it's actually an acquisition. Unity is buying out IronSource, and IronSource will become a subsidiary of Unity. While I assume that Unity will keep IronSource's corporate structure and management more or less intact, it does mean that Unity is ultimately their boss and will decide what they do and how they do it going forward.
2- IronSource, contrary to what some sources are "reporting", as far as I can tell, never produced any malware. IronSource produced InstallCore, which was a way to bundle various exe files or apps in one installer. InstallCore has been used by unscrupulous 3rd parties to bundle malware along with installers for other software. However, InstallCore (and by extension IronSource) are no more to blame for this than a developer who makes torrent app is responsible for piracy. There ARE legitimate legal uses for torrent apps. And there have been legitimate legal uses of InstallCore. I've seen it in old games where you could buy a bundle of games (for example, part 1, 2 and 3) and instead of installing them one by one, you could just use InstallCore to install them together.
3 - Even if it turns out that IronSource had done something wrong in the past, they are now owned by Unity, and Unity is the boss, and hopefully Unity's management will see to it that from now on, IronSource follows Unity's business practices and ethics.

I think there has been some hysterical hand-wringing in the "press" over this, but for me, from what I've seen: it's probably a non-issue.

[AzureBlade]

I don't want to derail this thread, and if this is too off-topics, Mods, you have my permission to delete it before it goes off the rails.



If by "issues", you're talking about the recent acquisition of IronSource by Unity, just some things to think about.
1 - Although described by some sources as a "merger" or "partnership", it's actually an acquisition. Unity is buying out IronSource, and IronSource will become a subsidiary of Unity. While I assume that Unity will keep IronSource's corporate structure and management more or less intact, it does mean that Unity is ultimately their boss and will decide what they do and how they do it going forward.
2- IronSource, contrary to what some sources are "reporting", as far as I can tell, never produced any malware. IronSource produced InstallCore, which was a way to bundle various exe files or apps in one installer. InstallCore has been used by unscrupulous 3rd parties to bundle malware along with installers for other software. However, InstallCore (and by extension IronSource) are no more to blame for this than a developer who makes torrent app is responsible for piracy. There ARE legitimate legal uses for torrent apps. And there have been legitimate legal uses of InstallCore. I've seen it in old games where you could buy a bundle of games (for example, part 1, 2 and 3) and instead of installing them one by one, you could just use InstallCore to install them together.
3 - Even if it turns out that IronSource had done something wrong in the past, they are now owned by Unity, and Unity is the boss, and hopefully Unity's management will see to it that from now on, IronSource follows Unity's business practices and ethics.

I think there has been some hysterical hand-wringing in the "press" over this, but for me, from what I've seen: it's probably a non-issue.

Yes, they bought a company that specializes in user data harvesting and in-game ads. And the CEO of Unity has demonstrated himself to be completely amoral and willing to do anything for money and has even mocked those NOT willing to do anything for money. Then they fired 200 people two weeks after stating that no one was going to get fired.

[LordEntrails]

Then they fired 200 people two weeks after stating that no one was going to get fired.
I've worked for multiple companies who have done this and it sucks. But their are legitimate and legal reasons that can force a company to make such statements, even when they know they will contradict them in short order. I blame such behavior on forces larger than just the company.

[Jiminimonka]

So this new topic has absolutely nothing to do with the OP, just a way to bring up the merger of a company....

[*Neuro*]

As Zaccheus says, it depends on what you're looking for in a VTT.
I've been playing on FG since 2016 and have never regretted anything. I've also spent quite a bit of money on rulesets and adventures.
When I'm a single player, I sometimes play on roll20 or Foundry depending on the gamemaster.
It's true that the latter is good, and I bought it too. Not to play, but because I wanted to see how it works. I might use it if a ruleset is available and nothing exists on FG for the ruleset in question. What I like less in Foundry is its strength. Too many extensions made by many people (talented ones) for one and the same ruleset. And in case of an update, you have to pray that it still works...
However, my preference remains FG. I play DD5, Cthulhu, Savage Worlds (Deadlands, Beasts and Barbarians, ETU...), Alien, Vaesen, Tales from the Loop, Barbarian of Lemuria.
Yes, for me, FG still is the best.

It is a good VTT, but it is CLUNKY, all my players are saying this, and we play on FG since 2016.

They need to make the UI better and optimize code, if possible.

As it still feels CLUNKY.

[t3xx3r]

I bought a subscription to FGU Ultimate for the purposes of becoming a GM. Since then, I have bought CoC 6e because I GM it for one of my players. I also have downloaded custom rulesets from other community developers here. The main point to take away here is: "If you can afford to spend on a product you intend to use, then make the purchase worth it." IMHO, Fantasy Grounds outclasses roll20 in my own view:

1. The character setup is pretty fast in FGU as compared to roll20.
2. Character sheets are predefined, automated, and easily set up for fast combat, despite how slow or sluggy the actual combat is in real life tabletop roleplaying on FGU as compared to roll20.
3. The learning curve for FGU seems to be very high in appearance; in reality, if you take the time to learn the ropes of FGU, understanding the combat tracker, how to set up NPCs, sharing images and having actual tabs for things like items, spells, equipment, vehicles, etc. It makes it all worth it. roll20 is limited because you have to subscribe for more money in order to use the roll20 API and enhance your sheet for more complicated automaton.
4. The content you add to the ruleset depends on the development of the ruleset, whether it be official or not. I use WFRP 2e as a Gamemaster and have added a lot of content to the tabs such as Careers, Spells, Skills, Items (equipment, melee weapons, missile weapons, etc.) and it all makes my life easier as a GM and a whole lot more easier for my players who are very thorough about their characters, and either are magic users or have more specific careers that helps max out their character story-wise.
5. What roll20 can't beat FGU on is the community of developers. Those who would develop custom rulesets for dead but still living through players RPGs like WFRP 2e, W40K Roleplay (FFG), and others. This is not something you can really beat.
6. With some time spent on Lua programming and understanding ruleset development with the help of Ruleset Wizard, you could develop *your* own ruleset as you desire and have players play the game.

While there are some valid gripes about not having a browser for players to log into FGU while the GM hosts the game, my players find it very convenient to just download the demo program, keep updating it, and log into my server when the game runs. They all have a blast playing FGU because the more they play in it, the easier it got for them to understand how FGU works. They like the LOS, the walls, doors, and how the environment works. They also love the fact they don't get to type in /roll 1d10. They just click on the dice box and it rolls for themselves. Easy peasy.

NOTE: In regards to it being clunky, every VTT is clunky. MapTools is intimidating, clunky, and requires high level of Java programming to utilize it at maximum. Foundry VTT is clunky in its early stages and still will be clunky. roll20 is very erratic and autistic when it comes to certain browsers, has the tendency to shut you out and force you to relog back in, and is still clunky with its automaton system, the character sheets not responding at times.

Every VTT system is clunky, whether you like it or not. It depends on how programmatic the code is, how optimized it is, and how stable it becomes with each new version. So far, Roll20 kicks me out any time of the day whenever it feels like it; with FGU, none of my players or myself have been kicked out of a game session once. Not even once. I'd think FGU wins here.

[JohnD]

What a strange thread.

[Ryuson]

Why strange? Online play, and consequently VTTs, have surged in popularity since the pandemic. This has increased the market AFAIK and competition. So shopping for the “best” VTT seems natural.

[AzureBlade]

I've been watching Joshua Watmough's videos on map making in FG and, I must say, I'm feeling much better about FGU after seeing them.

[Doswelk]

I have been using Fantasy Grounds for 17 years and NOTHING is going to make me stop now...

[damned]

Yes, they bought a company that specializes in user data harvesting and in-game ads. And the CEO of Unity has demonstrated himself to be completely amoral and willing to do anything for money and has even mocked those NOT willing to do anything for money. Then they fired 200 people two weeks after stating that no one was going to get fired.

Did you read the actual interview?

[AzureBlade]

Did you read the actual interview?

Yes, though I don't know why you'd bring it up because the rest of the interview makes him sound even worse than just him calling developers f-ing idiots for not abusing their players.

[celestian]

There is a good video discussing the topic of Unity as a platform with the CEO's stance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg6FbN_BqM4

I'd suggest watching the entire video as I think he does give it a balanced view (he is a developer also).

Now, how, if at all, this affects FGU? I dunno. It's certainly something worth keeping an eye on if you're in the field.

[damned]

If you are making a game, to make money from, use the analytics to understand how to make the game as valuable as possible. The data analytics can also tell you that you are charging too much or too early. They dont only tell you to charge money or charge more money. These tools might help you make your game cheaper and appeal to a wider audience. Downside?

There is nothing where he is saying if you dont monetize you are in idiot. He is saying if you are going to monetize then our tools will give you the data to help you do it efficiently. If you are going to monetize and you dont do it smart and your game is not optimized then you are a (swear word) idiot.

I dont know why he thought swearing was a good idea but I think he is otherwise doing what he thinks is right. His core market is people who want to make money from their games. He is telling those devs - wake up and use the analytics so you know what parts of your game rock and how to make money off it.

I see dozens of click bait articles but that is what the world runs on today. Outrage. Fortunately it seems that we are slowly beginning to weary of outrage and look at things a little more open mindedly.

And ultimately none of this has anything to do with FGU.

[srbongo]

People love to talk about features of x VTT, then compare it to another VTT. Frankly, I'm a little done with it. Load up Star Wars FFG on Foundry, it works - but there's less automation than the system built by ONE person here for FGU. Same thing for any number of systems you can find here on the forms, like those made with MoreCore or some FinalFantasyD20 project someone's doing. These systems work on FGU - and literally no where else.

If you play 5E, go ahead and argue over which VTT is better for that system - but sitting here and comparing VTTs to one another without discussing what system you're using seems pointless - some need mapping, LOS, ect - and some do not.

I've been sitting on this a while, (years since these threads began popping up) but I really think that most of these are from people who play/run one system and one system only, and view all optimization and 'features' within that framework. Heck, even the replies to this thread are from a multitude of developers who work on dozens of systems. FGU is multi-system functional, and I for one greatly appreciate that.

I remember the 3D modeling post from ages ago which was the same deal: people talk about it as if it's a feature FGU is 'missing', while entirely missing the point that many, many, systems do not use grids at all - and so do not need a 3D dungeon to portray what's happening.

There have been some honest and amazing answers here to the real question: "Should you buy/use FGU over [insert VTT here]", but frankly I agree with John - this thread is a little strange.

[AzureBlade]

If you are making a game, to make money from, use the analytics to understand how to make the game as valuable as possible. The data analytics can also tell you that you are charging too much or too early. They dont only tell you to charge money or charge more money. These tools might help you make your game cheaper and appeal to a wider audience. Downside?

There is nothing where he is saying if you dont monetize you are in idiot. He is saying if you are going to monetize then our tools will give you the data to help you do it efficiently. If you are going to monetize and you dont do it smart and your game is not optimized then you are a (swear word) idiot.

I dont know why he thought swearing was a good idea but I think he is otherwise doing what he thinks is right. His core market is people who want to make money from their games. He is telling those devs - wake up and use the analytics so you know what parts of your game rock and how to make money off it.

I see dozens of click bait articles but that is what the world runs on today. Outrage. Fortunately it seems that we are slowly beginning to weary of outrage and look at things a little more open mindedly.

And ultimately none of this has anything to do with FGU.

This is hardly the place to have such a discussion, especially with one such as yourself.

[damned]

With the recent issues with Unity, I really hope that's not the case. With FG being a product in continuous development, it's going to be strongly hit by whatever horrible things Unity is planning to do in the future if it remains on Unity. They should bail out now, while they still can. Using Unity was a horrible decision at the time and it's only showing itself to be worse as time goes on. Fortunately, I'd bet most of their important code is fairly system agnostic and it wouldn't be all that difficult to port over to another, better, engine. It'd give them a chance to really focus on a "web server" approach like Foundry, which is really where they should have been looking in the first place if they'd actually been forward-thinking when they first started rebuilding FG. Let the web browser do the heavy lifting of your UI.


This is hardly the place to have such a discussion, especially with one such as yourself.

You started the conversation about Unity and made your opinions on Unity quite clearly. Now you state this is not the place to discuss the topic you brought up and you are making some comment about me or my character? What is it that I have done that leads you to such a statement?

[AzureBlade]

You started the conversation about Unity and made your opinions on Unity quite clearly. Now you state this is not the place to discuss the topic you brought up and you are making some comment about me or my character? What is it that I have done that leads you to such a statement?

What you have done is bend over backward to try to support a despicable excuse for a human with incredibly fallacious statements.

This is a place to discuss Fantasy Grounds and as you stated, "ultimately none of this has anything to do with FGU." I don't think that's quite the case, because I'm pretty sure Unity is going to start forcing very invasive analytics into its engine that get reported back to Unity HQ, and not the developer, but we'll just have to wait and see. But the discussions of "click-bait articles" and your twisting of Riccitiello's words to make him not come off like a monster certainly don't. If you want to discuss Unity, we can discuss Unity, but unless that discussion is in the context of how it hinders FGU, this is probably not the place for it.

[superteddy57]

Alrighty let's get back onto the original topic please. This is starting devolve and time to move back to the original topic.

[gtw2017]

I can absolutely confirm.. Two days ago made an order.. Check the products and I was not satisfied.. so contact customer service to ask them the 30 money back.. and in less than 24 hours they refund me without any question on my Credit Card.. so to thank them it seemed right to spend the refund on another product in the shop..

Great great support..

Hey! I recognize that logo/avatar! lol

[redba]

Hey! I recognize that logo/avatar! lol

Ahahah Kris.. Yes.. finally the Avatar is MY Avatar.. I am very very happy.. :-) I use it everywhere!!! I have to say thank you to you for making this possible.. :-)

(I am sorry if this is OFF TOPIC)..

[Jiminimonka]

Ahahah Kris.. Yes.. finally the Avatar is MY Avatar.. I am very very happy.. :-) I use it everywhere!!! I have to say thank you to you for making this possible.. :-)

(I am sorry if this is OFF TOPIC)..

This whole thread is off topic ;)

It should be renamed "Unity Merger and Business Model Concerns I Have"

[Moon Wizard]

I'm going to go ahead and close this thread, since it has squirreled into several directions and the original question/concern has been discussed fairly thoroughly in the first half of the thread.

Regards,
JPG