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Hi folks. I am going to be creating cross-platform map-making software (for Windows and macOS), suitable for creating both for print-resolution maps and lower res maps suitable for use with virtual tabletop software. The program will be sort of a spiritual successor to Dundjinni, but with a greater focus on stitching maps together from pre-existing map tiles and then customizing the resulting map (with additional decorations, etc.) to suit the GM's particular needs.
The program should appeal to GMs of face-to-face game sessions and those using any VTT software, who want to create their own slick-looking battlemaps but who find existing mapping programs (including image-editing tools such as Gimp and Photoshop) too intimidating/confusing/expensive.
In late January or early February 2017, I'll be launching a Kickstarter campaign to try to fund the program's development. The software will be priced to be very accessible/affordable, likely in the $20-$25 range (at least during the Kickstarter campaign).
I'm trying to gauge public interest in this, so please let me know if such software would be of interest to you.
Will you provide map "tile packs" separately for different environments/genres or will this be strictly bring-your-own-art?
Because digital map tiles program for $20-25US that comes with 3-5 libraries that I could add new packs to for <$5US would definitely have my interest. Particularly if it was well supported (ie, new stuff at least 1/month)
Edit: being able to bring-your-own art that could also play along with program packs would be a huge bonus. Like if I could take a PDF of a paizo flip mat and add surrounding areas or place additional widgets on it would also be great.
It will be both. You can purchase content Add-Ons, you can use your own art, or you can combine the two.
The Kickstarter campaign for this project (http://kck.st/2ldOJOn) got funded on the first day. Sorry, but the 500 limited rewards to get a license for just $25 are all long-gone (though once in a while someone drops their pledge and one becomes available).
Some of the content Add-Ons are free, others for sale. A fair number are below $5.
5 free content Add-Ons were unlocked when the campaign reached the first Stretch Goal.
Support for random dungeon generation (via Donjon) was unlocked when the 2nd Stretch Goal was reached.
Stretch Goal #3 isn't far off, but I've yet to decide exactly what that will be.
I just announced a couple more content Add-Ons for MapForge. That makes around 9 Add-Ons that allow for publishing and/or commercial use, plus 9 completely free Add-Ons that make for an awesome "Starter Set".
The MapForge Kickstarter campaign now has close to 1300 backers, and 12 days remain, during which the last Stretch Goal will almost certainly be unlocked (just $3K to go).
All Stretch Goals were unlocked, with 10 days to spare. Now only 6 days remain before the campaign comes to a close.
A new "Commercial/Publisher" limited pledge level was recently added, with 100 slots, but only 34 slots remain. Some previously-unavailable Early Bird slots are opening up occasionally as backers change pledge levels, so be on the lookout for openings.
How well would this work to play locally?
I'm building a table with a TV built in, so I don't really need much connectivity. But will I be able to upload my own maps, use fog of war, have initiative displays, etc.?
EDIT: Never mind. I thought it was a VTT itself.
Still interesting though. I see there's purchasable add-ons for furniture and tokens.
How much will I be able to do with a basic license?
That was actually discussed in a recent update. XD I think all the add-ons are additional art assets, though, not features. So you're not going to get an only partially-complete program with the basic license or anything.
At the $25 or $27 Pledge Levels, you will receive a MapForge license and 9 Add-Ons that were unlocked via Stretch Goals. These include:
1. Sewers
2. Greytale's Tavern
3. Darkness' Campaign World
4. Castle Walls
5. Modern Streets Tile Pack
6. Cyberdrake's Outdoor Map Tiles
7. Cyberdrake's Indoor Map Tiles
8. The Jade Halls of Nys
9. Zombie Mall tile set
Everyone will also get (whether they have a MapForge license or not):
• Support for random dungeon generation via Donjon
• The Crucible utility, which is a small companion app for creating your own free content Add-Ons
• Essential mapping art built right into MapForge (doors, windows, etc.), suitable for all major genres
• Every backer getting a MapForge license will get a Courey Macourek content Add-On for free if Stretch Goal #6 is unlocked
I backed it, and also saved $2 bucks, managed to nab the last early bird one. Someone must have backed out :)
It baffles my why several people backed out on the last day (even giving up their early bird slots), when the project had unlocked SO MUCH more stuff than when they had initially pledged.
Just wanted to mention that MapForge can even be used without a license. Resolution of exported maps is limited to 50 pixels per grid square, and maximum grid size will be somewhat limited, but otherwise it should be nearly fully functional, and you can even register Add-Ons without having a license. I imagine this could be appealing to users of certain VTTs, like Fantasy Grounds, which tend to only use 50 dpi maps anyway.
For anyone who missed out on the MapForge Kickstarter campaign, there's now an Indiegogo campaign for MapForge.
Just 3 hours left in the campaign, folks!
This thread needs a little closure.
MapForge v1.0 was released back in March 2018. There were some issues with the initial version, so it's been updated to v1.0.3 (which now runs on the latest MAC OS X version, High SIerra). MapForge v1.0.4 is due out within 2 weeks. Support for hexgrid overlays is imminent.
The app has a new website on a speedy SSD-equipped server, and the MapForge Store is now open for business, for those who missed out on the Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns.
It's been 5 years. Time for another update.
MapForge has grown a lot in that time. Hexgrids are supported in both orientations, and the app can now make isometric maps, too, and edit Donjon-generated maps. There are also drawing tools, which work with either flat colors or textures.
There are now 52 free content Add-Ons to get new users started with a hefty asset library covering all the major game genres (Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Modern Day, and Post-Apocalypse). An additional 160 Add-Ons are available for purchase, also covering all the major genres.
59 content Add-Ons can be used commercially/published, the rest are for Personal Use Only. 13 Add-Ons support the Day/Night feature.
I'm currently trying to further improve support for the Modern Day genre, if anyone's interested in that. More details on the MapForge website.