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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 3:14PM
#31
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Date Joined:
May 29, 2008
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There is a skip in the record and the dance goes on.
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 3:15PM
#32
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Date Joined:
Aug 27, 2007
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Hey all. The fix is up now and you should be able to save monsters that you've leveled and import and save custom monsters from the classic Monster Builder. It looks like some of you bumped into some issues while we were pushing the fix, but hopefully all those are over.
Now on to the topic of "why did you release something that wasn't feature complete?" questions/complaints. Main reasons, short and sweet - we wanted to give all the DDI members a chance to check out what we're working on, and we wanted to make sure that all DDI members had the chance to use the MB to import monsters into their VT games during the next step of the VT beta.
You still have access to the classic MB (you can download it right now). We won't be doing any more updates to it, but it's still there and still usable. Yes it has issues, but I'm hopefully most people understand that we won't be working on the old tools while adding features to the new tool. With the web-based MB, we have something that gives very basic functionality and is usable with the VT that we wanted to get into everybody hands, not just the small group of testers that we had before.
The VT point is a bit more tangible - Having the web-based MB out, even in this limited form, makes imputing monsters into the VT 1000% (statistic completely made up) better for DMs. So getting this out to DDI subscribers who will very soon be testing out the VT seemed a pretty important thing.
I am definitely sorry that I haven't given you more news on what to expect with this AT release these last few weeks. I'm also sorry if I led you to believe that the AT would be more robust than what the closed beta testers had access to. We did add a couple features, but the biggest changes are on their way. I will be back in the coming days with more information on the features we'll be implementing, focusing on whatever the next big thing is.
That clears a lot up for me. With regards to using this as a ready and mildly tweakable catalogue for the VTT, it makes a lot more sense.
Thanks for countering the melodrama with good data. It always makes me feel better to hear that there is a rational reason for a choice and that our concerns are still being addressed.
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 3:15PM
#33
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Date Joined:
Mar 31, 2010
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thanks trevor
yeah the monster vault art is sweet
FORUM GET READY FOR A KUMBAHYAH MOMENT WHEN THE VT IS RELEASED
PREPARE FOR A TPK AT THE HANDS OF YOURS TRULY
Great, add another hour...
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 3:44PM
#34
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Date Joined:
Apr 21, 2005
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Unfortunately, I am not surprised. In all honesty, like many others, I think my expectations were pretty low before I even looked at the product. So, in that regard, it didn't disappoint. If only to echo the feelings of others here...
- Not a monster "Builder", it is simply a monster "Catalog" and "Leveler". Other than level adjustment, you can't make any substantive changes to the monsters.
- No Export feature. We're told it is a top priority, but I am surprised that after the response to the Character Builder, that they didn't make sure to include this with the initial release. Hopefully they will include the RTF Export that I find so useful.
- Images of monsters are nice; would be even better if they were (optionally) included in the print.
- No ability to add/edit/delete monster powers or adjust damage values.
- No "Reference Lists" to draw other powers and creature components from.
- No modification of defenses, abilities, skill trainings, etc.No tactics or notes.
Don't get me wrong, I think it has a lot of potential. I had just hoped that more of that potential had be realized before its release. In the meantime, they should have been spending at least a minimal effort at bug fixes and updates to the current "Beta" Monster Builder.
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 3:57PM
#35
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Date Joined:
Apr 21, 2001
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I had low expectations and Wizards still managed to disappoint me.
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 4:39PM
#36
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Yes, nothing like setting the bar so extremely low so as not to disappoint. That's a company credo to aspire to, most assuredly. One worthy of a dedicated subscription.
Come on people. This is Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast. We should be receiving the ultimate in quality on a consistent basis. They are the alpha and the omega when it comes to D&D. Instead, we get continuous beta.
Reflavoring: the change of flavor without changing any mechanical part of the game, no matter how small, in order to fit the mechanics to an otherwise unsupported concept.
Retexturing: the change of flavor (with at most minor mechanical adaptations) in order to effortlessly create support for a concept without inventing anything new.
Houseruling: the change, either minor or major, of the mechanics in order to better reflect a certain aspect of the game, including adapting the rules to fit an otherwise unsupported concept.
Homebrewing: the complete invention of something new that fits within the system in order to reflect an unsupported concept.
Default module =/= Core mechanic.
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 4:40PM
#37
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- Dragon Slayer
- If only he would apply himself
- Dammit Jim, this is Star Trek, not D&D!
Date Joined:
Jan 31, 2006
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we wanted to make sure that all DDI members had the chance to use the MB to import monsters into their VT games during the next step of the VT beta.
Hi Trevor, thanks for the communications. They are appreciated.
I do want to underscore that while providing monsters for the VT is critical to the VT, the ability to have a monster generator is critical to a large part of the community. I don't see enough to know how the numbers compare, but they are probably similar. I really hope we don't cut off the MB to support the VT.
The current offering for Adventure Tools is not a monster builder/generator. It really is just a small step beyond the compendium. I know software design is hard (I work in the field often), but we need some love. The VT has seen a lot of love and the MB very little.
You still have access to the classic MB
My sincere thanks for keeping that available. The classic MB is an indispensable tool for many DMs and the online MB does not replace the classic's functionality at this time.
I'm also sorry if I led you to believe that the AT would be more robust than what the closed beta testers had access to.
As a beta tester, I would have liked an opportunity to hear this up front. As beta testers I think we often felt like we had been called to action... and then quickly had nothing to do beyond say "this is Alpha, it is fine, but it needs a ton more." We were all waiting to test more. Then the beta group was suddenly shut down without any communication. The VT Sages group was a step, but led nowhere. To have virtually the same version come out stings, to be honest. For some, it induces a fair amount of rage.
The decision to use beta testers comes with a responsibility to make their participation and contributions worthwhile.
We did add a couple features, but the biggest changes are on their way. I will be back in the coming days with more information on the features we'll be implementing, focusing on whatever the next big thing is.
Can we have a listing of new features and any fixes?
Thanks!
Follow my blog and Twitter feed with Dark Sun campaign design and DM tips! Dark Sun's Ashes of Athas Campaign is now available for home play (PM me with your e-mail to order the campaign adventures).
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 5:08PM
#38
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Date Joined:
Feb 13, 2010
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Honestly I renewed my subscription because I was interested in the new monster builder, but I am disappointed that I can't actually build monsters in it yet. The email I received suggested that it would have this functionality. I feel betrayed and as if I've been lied to.
Is it possible to cancel my subscription and get a refund?
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 5:30PM
#39
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- Dragon Slayer
- If only he would apply himself
- Dammit Jim, this is Star Trek, not D&D!
Date Joined:
Jan 31, 2006
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Honestly I renewed my subscription because I was interested in the new monster builder, but I am disappointed that I can't actually build monsters in it yet. The email I received suggested that it would have this functionality. I feel betrayed and as if I've been lied to.
Is it possible to cancel my subscription and get a refund?
Yes. You can also ask for a refund for the month and cite your reason.
Follow my blog and Twitter feed with Dark Sun campaign design and DM tips! Dark Sun's Ashes of Athas Campaign is now available for home play (PM me with your e-mail to order the campaign adventures).
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2 years ago ::
Mar 22, 2011 - 5:58PM
#40
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Date Joined:
Nov 17, 2010
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as a mac user i couldn't be happier, thanks guys and keep up the good work. i know this is a sign of bigger and better things to come! now let me introduce you to my ipad...
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