Can you help me communicate what makes Fantasy Grounds so great vs others?

[Atenhotep]

Hi,

I'm a YouTube content creator. For a while now I've been planning on making a video about why I like using Fantasy Grounds. I've held off on making this though for a few reason - for example I wanted to see some indication that WotC would allow other VTTs to have the new edition of D&D. I think it now looks like they will. (Any ideas about this?)

I know why I picked Fantasy Grounds over the others but I'm not familiar with playing on the other VTTs so it's harder for me to communicate the strengths and weakness compared to the others which is something I'd like to do, respectfully of course.

So basically I'm wondering if Fantasy Grounds has some sales pitch info already written out? But even more so I'm hoping community members here could lend my their brains and do a huge data dump of info and offer suggestions and their ideas that I might incorporate into creating this video I have in mind.

Any help is much appreciated.

My channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BFynPoJE9K7VqIhmRDkAw

[LordEntrails]

Foundry was granted a license the end of January. That now means FG, ROll20 and Foundry have licenses. d20Pro ? had one for awhile, but last I knew they had not released anything but the first couple of books in years.

You can find a bunch of thoughts and opinions at the following links;
https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?78139-Why-should-I-get-Fantasy-Grounds&p=689679&viewfull=1#post689679
Why is Fantasy Grounds so popular? : FantasyGrounds (reddit.com) (https://www.reddit.com/r/FantasyGrounds/comments/x3s4f4/why_is_fantasy_grounds_so_popular/)
18 months on : FG vs. Roll20 vs Foundry (fantasygrounds.com) (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/showthread.php?70355-18-months-on-FG-vs-Roll20-vs-Foundry)
Dungeons & Dragons - Fantasy Grounds | Why did you choose to use FGU instead of roll20 or foundry | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasyGroundsDnD/posts/10159521883348643/)

The official pitch is here; Fantasy Grounds Unity (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/home/FantasyGroundsUnity.php#:~:text=Fantasy%20Grounds% 20will%20get%20you,mechanic%20response%20as%20you% 20play.)

[ddavison]

We mostly don’t talk about weaknesses of competition, but focus on the strength of our platform.

I have seen fans of some platforms list it as a weakness that you have to buy official D&D modules versus platforms that don’t have those modules officially supported. That is pretty disingenuous. You can enter everything in FGU as well. It should be a positive that you can buy it all officially and done for you. Our official versions also come with extra bells and whistles, such as the full text, images, automation, character builder support, maps with LOS&lighting, tokens, and portraits.

The areas where FG shines, IMO, is campaign management, ease of running combat, and smart automation. Map and image support is also as good or better than most competitors with support for layers, painting with images, animation support, special Fx, and automatic lighting and vision support. The upcoming 2D/3D camera view and token view feature is also a new feature in the space, and one that will continue to grow and improve with more functionality.

You don’t have to configure your router to host the game and are only limited by your available storage and bandwidth. No monthly fees if you buy a Standard or Ultimate license. Some competitors have a perpetual monthly fee for the full features, and others are a 1-time cost but you may need to pay a monthly fee to host your games without configuring your router.

[Jiminimonka]

Hi,

I'm a YouTube content creator. For a while now I've been planning on making a video about why I like using Fantasy Grounds. I've held off on making this though for a few reason - for example I wanted to see some indication that WotC would allow other VTTs to have the new edition of D&D. I think it now looks like they will. (Any ideas about this?)

I know why I picked Fantasy Grounds over the others but I'm not familiar with playing on the other VTTs so it's harder for me to communicate the strengths and weakness compared to the others which is something I'd like to do, respectfully of course.

So basically I'm wondering if Fantasy Grounds has some sales pitch info already written out? But even more so I'm hoping community members here could lend my their brains and do a huge data dump of info and offer suggestions and their ideas that I might incorporate into creating this video I have in mind.

Any help is much appreciated.

My channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BFynPoJE9K7VqIhmRDkAw

As Doug says, I would just focus on what I like about using Fantasy Grounds, and demonstrate it in action.

[Atenhotep]

We mostly don’t talk about weaknesses of competition, but focus on the strength of our platform.

I have seen fans of some platforms list it as a weakness that you have to buy official D&D modules versus platforms that don’t have those modules officially supported. That is pretty disingenuous. You can enter everything in FGU as well. It should be a positive that you can buy it all officially and done for you. Our official versions also come with extra bells and whistles, such as the full text, images, automation, character builder support, maps with LOS&lighting, tokens, and portraits.

The areas where FG shines, IMO, is campaign management, ease of running combat, and smart automation. Map and image support is also as good or better than most competitors with support for layers, painting with images, animation support, special Fx, and automatic lighting and vision support. The upcoming 2D/3D camera view and token view feature is also a new feature in the space, and one that will continue to grow and improve with more functionality.

You don’t have to configure your router to host the game and are only limited by your available storage and bandwidth. No monthly fees if you buy a Standard or Ultimate license. Some competitors have a perpetual monthly fee for the full features, and others are a 1-time cost but you may need to pay a monthly fee to host your games without configuring your router.


I agree, I believe in talking up the things we love rather than criticizing the things we don't. My channel is all about positivity, and my only "drama video" is actually a history lesson on why negativity gets us nowhere.
Thanks for your response Doug, your commitment to your company was one of the major attractions to Fantasy Grounds. I'm also a small business owner Here is my company: https://hauntedhistoryseattle.com/

[BelleMuerte]

Hello, I sent you an email with some more information and an updated Fantasy Grounds logo. Please reach out if I can help you further.

[Atenhotep]

Hello, I sent you an email with some more information and an updated Fantasy Grounds logo. Please reach out if I can help you further.

Thank you very much! I received your message.

Thanks to everyone, you've been a great help.

[Nylanfs]

Matt Colville did a video on why he liked FG. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFj48x0c4EM

[rigerco]

I think the ease of automation and how fast combat can flow is something that needs a major highlight in any "pro" piece. The biggest arguments I hear from people who don't want to use FGU are: 1) steep learning curve/too intimidating, and 2) not being browser based. I'd also add in the depth of support they have with both DnD and Pathfinder. Its even better in my neck of the woods, Savage Worlds. Ikael, Jimini, Doswelk, Lonewolf and the rest of the gang do a bang up job of getting PEG product to us within a week of the official release, and they really highlight the automation capabilities of FGU. The other VTTs wait months to a year to get their SWADE content and rely on a bewildering array of add ons that conflict with each other to get what we have out of the box.

Personally I think the learning curve is overstated if you enter the process willing to learn. @Laerun does an excellent job with the Academy. There are tons of videos giving how to do various things.

As for the FGU/Unity Engine vs Browser, I think that there are some legit reasons for why they did what they did - both from a historical transition POV as well as a future support issue. Our turnkey software at work is borked at least once a year because Google has changed something in Chromium that was a key dependency and we have to spend hours to days figuring out a work around. It becomes even more convoluted when dealing with non-Chromium browsers. Coding for all of the browser and platform options just make the whole process slower and more expensive.

Thems my $0.02.

[anstett]

Reach out if you would like additional comments.

I have run my 2e game on VTT since 2003. The first 18 years using KloOge, since then on FGU. I moved my game here and invested because I know this is the best platform for my game over the long term.

We will pass the 31 year mark later this spring. I expect Smiteworks will be around when I hit the 40+ mark.

[Nylanfs]

Also don't forget how nice the community is. :)

[Morenu]

Also don't forget how nice the community is. :)

This needs a restatement. we started FGU at the beginning of the pandemic. Our group played together as kids from Basic - 3.5/4th ed plus so many other RPGs/LARP... I spent 2 months evaluating the various offers in 2019. we did NOT want a video game. we wanted the feel of TTRPG / pen & paper with less of the during session hassle, so the fun could flow through Discord without interruption. I like that if you have money you can save time and if you have time you can save money with entering or buying the books. I will admit that I absolutely love the automation options and the vast number of extensions and mods available by the fanbase. and the forum crowd is the absolute best. I have seen maybe 3 mildly snarky posts in 5 years (and all 3 were immediately dealt with in a kind/firm manner) and I am on the forum every day. the number of improvements over 5 years for such a small company is truly outstanding. their willingness to listen and respond is commendable.

A bonus for me has been that Paizo syncs up and discounts their product if you own it on their site. Humblebundle.com has Paizo bundles 2-4 times a year. I have saved a TON by picking up the Bundle, then buying what I want on FGU at typically half to 1/3 the cost. Owning 5e, 2e, PF1e and 2e and Starfinder books at a level I never expected, yet am truly happy about is awesome. FGU offers a way to trial run for free or a cheap monthly fee before deciding to purchase. and if you can run on the free for a while they put their software on sale multiple times a year in my experience. if you are patient, and grab the humble bundles, wait and buy as much of FGU bundles all at once and wait for sales, you can do a lot of the older, non WotC, material cheaper than you think.

Honestly, without the Extensions/Mods I would be MUCH less happy, but Smiteworks seems to understand this and seems to support them well, giving them beta access before release and creating the Forge.

[SilentRuin]

This question is easy to answer...

FGU is great because it supports the ability to change how the game plays via extensions. This way, the game can be played as it properly should be played - the only way it should be played really...

My way :)

Or if you want, you can create your own way with your own extensions or just use raw FGU out of the box.

But really, my way is best :)

[Jiminimonka]

My way is the best too!

[Morenu]

Silentruin’s way would be best if he played PFrpg instead (and better for us too. :) )

[Griogre]

Nah, nah - 5E all the way... ;p LOL No pulling him to the dark side...

[SilentRuin]

Silentruin’s way would be best if he played PFrpg instead (and better for us too. :) )

Just get my extension that you want to override - write another extension to override the bits and pieces you want to change to make it work for your world.

But that's the painful trick - you have to figure out each rulesets insanity - put the fixes in for it - then maintain it as they break you at their merest whim!

Not something I will do as the only reason 5E works for my stuff is because I actively use my own stuff - which lets be honest - is for me :)

The best way ;)

That in a nutshell, is why FGU is great! Its because you can make things do what you want them to do your way. But I recommend only doing what YOU want - trying to cater to the world is a losing proposition and impossible to maintain.

[Trenloe]

@Atenhotep - I know you've mentioned D&D, but these are a lot of the reasons why I use Fantasy Grounds:


Many officially supported rulesets and associated DLC. There is nearly 3,000 official products in the FG store!
Works offline - allows me to do prep and dev when there's no Internet connection, or run local instances connected to a TV when playing in an unreliable connectivity area (e.g. conventions).
30 day no questions asked refund policy if purchased in the FG store.
Owners listen to the community and have frequently changed their plans based off community feedback.
Community support - for issues and modifications and discussions,
One off payment license available - I'd rather not pay a subscription.
Syrinscape integration and sound triggers.
Evolving platform - there have been significant changes to the graphical support and functionality over the last year.
Whereas some people complain about the interface, I like it. The original design was to simulate playing at a table - where there are multiple maps, images, sheets, etc. on the table - these are the FG windows. It can be argued that this is a chaotic environment, and maybe I can't argue with that, but I like the interface and the environment can be controlled with a little planning - allowing each user to have their window layout the way they like it. I can view multiple images/maps at once, can have a notes window open and make notes as we play - sharing that with other players if I wish. The environment is what you make of it.
Ruleset automation.
Ability to enter own data as needed and export into a module for use in other campaigns.
Ability to code new rulesets and expand/modify existing rulesets all withing the same interface and can easily share these with other users - either via the forum or the FG Forge.


I know other VTTs can offer some of the above too - some at a similar level, others less so. But the whole package makes FG my chosen VTT for the last 10+ years and hopefully for the next 10+ years too!

[BushViper]

Fantasy Grounds is the best of the available options. It's not without its issues (primarily poor performance/laggy interface and maps), but progress on those fronts is being made; albeit slowly.

Roll20 is absolute hot, stinking garbage.

I would genuinely prefer not play RPGs online at all than use Roll20. The only reasons I believe that people still use that platform are: 1. They're unaware of the better alternatives. 2. They're not interested in learning to use another client. 3. The existing financial investment and/or the cost of investing in a new client.

Foundry is amazing. It continues to improve weekly and I believe that, eventually, it will overtake FGU as the top VTT. However, right now, it has some major issues.

The biggest problem is that it requires a ton of 3rd party add-ons to get the most out of the platform. A lot of them are free, but many are not. That said, the cost isn't the biggest problem. The issue is that there's almost no standardization/communication for mod creators and and layering their work is a house of cards. Sometimes a single update will break a mod that causes a cascading series of problems that breaks many, many other things. Sometimes making your game unplayable. Also, it's not uncommon for add-on creators to disappear or just stop maintaining their add-on(s). It sucks when you've got a campaign that has depended on a particular add-on, but suddenly stops working. The add-on community is basically the Wild West and any DM that utilizes a lot of them will spend a HUGE amount of time updating/maintaining the client on top of managing/preparing the game. Fortunately, Foundry continues to absorb the best community add-ons and make them part of the base client.

There are half a dozen+ other VTTs such as Owlbear Rodeo, etc., but none of them offer the same level of experience as the 'big 3'.

[Nick Frost]

Features that have existed in FG since quite a few years ago get celebrated as groundbreaking innovations by other VTT's communities... ( Ok, that was just mean and uncalled for. I'll leave it there so you can see I'm not always a nice person :p:D )

I really like the interface. The only gripes I have with it are a couple inconsistences here and there (one click here, double click there...) but I find it quite intuitive. It should be noted that I'm used to playing lots of videogames, so this kind of UI 'clicks' with me way better than the web-based ones. I also enjoy the slighly skeuomorphic UX.

The product support is absolutely amazing. Caring so much about retrocompatibility shows a level of respect for the consumers that very few companies have. Worst case scenario, a product might get "abandoned" by their original developer and might not receive the latest "bells and whistles". But it WILL work.

The feature that makes FG miles ahead of other products I tried is the organization and campaign management tools. For me, they are even better than those "very-famous, subscription-based, campaign managers" that sponsor some youtube channels.

[mobilnik111]

For me fanstasy grounds if favorite because of two features: locally hosted campaigns that are easily customizable (you can edit all existing assets, create new ones in the blink of an eye) and you don't need to subscribe to service to use it. I bought all content once and don't need to worry that I may play one once a month for some period of time (a waste of money if you subscribe to service but can't use it that much often).