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mudbunny wrote:

FOr a good explanation of why they did this, listen to the Panel Interview/Q&A session that was held at GenghisCon. I *think* that the relevant portion is in part 2, but may be wrong.

Part 1
Part 2

Thanks MB.

I quoted the relevant section into its own thread: here

turtle509 wrote:

what is the e.t.a. on the game table? i keep waiting for it to come out and it hasn't shown up yet. i subscribed to insider just for it so i dont have to carry my books with me all the time.

ETA When It's Done, Duke Nukem Forever style.

I have a feeling it'll be 2010 sometime, given recent layoffs and omissions of the Game Table, Dungeon Builder and Visualizer from the DDI website entirely.

Cailte wrote:

Thanks MB.

I quoted the relevant section into its own thread: here

You know what I find most interesting, this comment:

[INDENT]GK: Now speaking as an ex-Wizard's emplyee I can also tell you that you vote with your pocket book. Money does talk in that company. Ahm if you are a big fan of Forgotten Realms, buy the Forgotten Realms product. That's the best way to ensure that the campaign setting beomes healthy. If you want to see the additional tools, subscribe, enjoy what you can right now, but if no one were to subscribe... I mean its doing well but... if no one were to subscribe to the character builder and DDI right now it wouldn't be getting future resources for the "some day I'll subscribe". Money matters to the company, vote with your pocket book. It feels so good to say things like that [/INDENT]

We often think speaking with our pocketbook speaks. It does, but not always the way we think. If no one subscribes to DDi, because of the lack of the VTT, probably the whole digital department would get shut down.

When companies have multiple products, those that do well, get the most attention and money. Why? Because that's what people are buying. Companies will allways invest in those areas that...wait for it...make them more money!

Now, I'm not saying you should get a DDi subscription just to keep it afloat. But if you are interested in it, would 5-8 dollars a month hurt you? Those who answer yes, I understand, and with NO snideness intended it sounds like there are outside of DnD issues you might want to address.

If you are into these games, you are willing to spend money on non-essential items for your entertainment. So I can't see the cost being crippling. So getting a subscription, even if you only want the VTT, helps them do the following.

Hire more people back/new. More people working on the digital side of things means tools come out faster. Tools coming out faster means you get closer to getting a VTT.

I know, it sounds like, we have to pay them to MAKE the dam thing? Well, yes. Entertainment companies make new product from the money they get from people like me and you.

And who knows, maybe you will find value in what you are getting now. I certainly know the Character Builder is pretty awesome. It really is. I love that all the power cards come out with all the static math figured out for you. I mean static as stuff like combat advantage and similar bonus aren't figured in.

If you really aren't happy there is no VTT, and won't give them an extra penny until it's ready, I understand. Your angry and upset.