DMHub

[TheShadow]

As someone who doesn't know anything about software development, what is the difference of DMHub being built on Unity and Fantasy Grounds being built on Unity? There are things I see in DMHub, that to me would be great to have in FG but there must be something that maybe prevents the implementation of it. I think I have seen that FG doesn't have a good way of implementing audio because of Unity but DMHub has it. I just don't want to go around asking if or when something will be implemented if it is something I don't understand properly.

[LordEntrails]

Think of Unity as a programming toolkit. It's not really an program itself, but rather a bunch of common tools people can use to build their programs/applications. Many, many games are built using it, but different games are very different.

Just like you and I are communicating in English using a bunch of common words, phrases and idioms. But just because you can write War & Peace using English, doesn't mean that I can. Or that if I wrote a book I might not want it to be more like Monty Python.

When it comes to what is, and is not, in FG it's like most any program, there are trade offs. FG could implement audio, but the trade-off is low and the maintenance is high. Why re-create the wheel when their are already great audio solutions like Discord and Syrinscape? Anyone can use Discord (Teamspeak, Skype, Google Meets, etc) along with FG. And if you want audio clips and soundscapes, FG integrates with Syrinscape to provide those too. So, the devs could spend time developing audio for FG, but then they would not be spending time developing other things. Like dynamic LOS, 3D, map making tools, etc.And I'm not sure why, but audio seems to require a lot of maintenance and user support. Look at Roll20's struggles with it over the last decade, how many times they've had to re-write their audio feature and the number of user complaints they get about it.

[TheShadow]

Thanks, I appreciate the reply and explanation.

[Morenu]

Great question and response.

:: the following is a rambling mess but here it is:::

I would assume that due to Smiteworks size and its limited revenue stream (I assume much by choice to not bleed its users dry) , they seem to focus on things that can only be done within the FGU environment and either keep or build user base (adding features and fixing issues quickly) or directly make money (think items in the shop, modules/accessories, dice, artwork).

I have to say that I have been impressed by how they juggle it all. I haven't unfortunately played or DM'd in over 18 months, and have not been required to spend a dime (yet I have cause.. 2nd edition stuff and Humble Bundles and a few extensions...) and I could decide to play tomorrow and still not need to spend a further dime. to me this is the thing that makes it very close to how TTrpg was in that once books were bought, we could spend our limited funds on sodas and snacks... and dice...

I assume they must balance every feature with how many users want it and can't do it via another program. as in, I do not play D&D 5e (tried it, have around a dozen or so books/modules, prefer 3.5/PFrpg), but I have to accept that at best that may be 15% of the user base that has played it on FGU. I for one and happy they do not incorporate voice or Sound effects as there are perfectly fine ways to do that outside of FGU. also, our group has zero desire to use sound effects.

Ultimately, I personally have stayed in the FGU sphere of influence even though I am not playing because of hoping to eventually get back into playing. and it costs me $0.

[MrDDT]

As someone who doesn't know anything about software development, what is the difference of DMHub being built on Unity and Fantasy Grounds being built on Unity? There are things I see in DMHub, that to me would be great to have in FG but there must be something that maybe prevents the implementation of it. I think I have seen that FG doesn't have a good way of implementing audio because of Unity but DMHub has it. I just don't want to go around asking if or when something will be implemented if it is something I don't understand properly.

Can you list some things you can do in DMHub that you can't in FGVTT?

[Booker Grimm]

Can you list some things you can do in DMHub that you can't in FGVTT?

It seems to do multiple floors on the same map - can FGU do that?

[MrDDT]

It seems to do multiple floors on the same map - can FGU do that?

Yeah you put those on layers, or offset it. Same concept DMHub does.

[Griogre]

It seems to do multiple floors on the same map - can FGU do that?

It *can* but it's not usually a great idea, because there is a problem when half of the party is on one level and the other half is on another.