Which Virtual Tabletop?

[VDZ]

Hey guys, i've been looking around through Virtual table tops for some time now to see if there is anything better out there for my Pathfinder group. We have so far been using MapTools to varying success but Macros can be a hassle when they don't work properly and dynamically changing the maps in MapTools is a little lack luster with only a few tools to add textures. I've been looking into D20pro but i'm not sure how to work it very well and i don't like the fog of war system, Maptools is much more comprehensive on that. Just wondering what you guys use!

[Pygon]

TTopRPG has a few users. It's pretty much Maptool-lite. It doesn't have automatic fog of war functionality like Maptool or fancy macro functionality, but the users that like it enjoy its shallow interface. Currently Windows only - I hope to have a client only port to Mac done... soon...

I know users also like d20Pro and Fantasy Grounds.

Roll20 is a new one with video cam functionality, but it has only just started up so it might lack some features.

[Carter Lockhart]

There is also the tabletop forge app for Google hangouts.

[Tarlane]

For a free possibility to try out, you might want to look at Roll20. Its a beta program at the moment, but mostly because it is still being expanded on. However, its fully functional and quite amazing.

They have a video up on youtube that shows things from a DM side, giving a walkthrough on about how every works and if you have 10 minutes it is worth checking out.

Video

[heruca]

With so many virtual tabletop programs to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that is right for you and your gaming group. This Guide to Choosing a VT should help.

My own VT offering, Battlegrounds, has a Fog of War system that allows for manual reveals (ie, the GM uses a variety of drawing tools to reveal shapes or areas on the map), dynamic (automatic light-source and vision-based) reveals, and a combination of both systems at once. Dice macros are also fairly easy to create (and later edit, if needed).

[sozin]

Quote:

We have so far been using MapTools to varying success but Macros can be a hassle when they don't work properly and dynamically changing the maps in MapTools is a little lack luster with only a few tools to add textures. I

If you are a HeroLab user, then the TokenLab utility will auto-generate the majority of the macros for you.

Definitely a lot of choices out there. The guide that heruca posted above is a good place to start.

Also worth mentioning that Paizo's web based VTT (Game Space) is going to be released at some point.

[Evil Lincoln]

I'm currently a MapTool devotee, but I hope that Roll20.org gets vision and light soon — that might displace MapTool.

In the long run I hope to see great things from Paizo's gamespace, too.

[PSusac]

I use power point. I can cover up rooms and reveal them using animations. It works great, and it's more intuitive than any of the programs I have found on line.

[Avatar-1]

If you want something that simple badly enough that you're using Powerpoint, you're better off going with Combat Assistant, which can cover up areas grid shapes and is designed for simplicity.

[idle_ideas]

Adding our work to the available options here :)

If you're a fan of MapTool, we've made it a LOT better in Mote. 2 examples of how it's better is, you don't have to install or manage Java, and it has a robust script editor. That's just 2 out of the 100+ improvements made.

Check it out on our website. You'll find info, social links, and all our downloads there. The portable wiki you can download there has most, if not all, the information needed, especially the marked difference from MapTool.