As I have posted, we have been attempting to continue our ongoing gaming efforts remotely, so that we don’t have to cancel the campaigns. For this effort, we have been using Fantasy Grounds, which as a product has worked very well. The software is stable, and the features continue to be enhanced (we are using the classic version, instead of Unity). And although we had some technical difficulties adapting, it has turned out to be a good alternative.
However, I have noticed a different trend. Most of the draw of roleplaying games is the “roleplaying” part of the game. Since we don’t utilize video (due to bandwidth limitations), the game consists of the desktop screen with a collection of voices on the line. That has a tendency to detract from the roleplaying aspect – without being able to read and see body language, or interact at a more personal level – it is difficult to truly roleplay various encounters.
As a result, the most recent sessions have felt in many cases as more of a series of connected combat encounters, with a thin story in between, rather than the true collaborative story telling. In truth, some of this is the campaign material themselves – both are currently at a stage that is heavier on the combat. And some could be limitations of preparation, causing the intermediate details to be glossed over at times.
As a result, I have been being challenged staying motivated, since combat scenarios dont really mean an engaging story. That in turn feeds on itself – without the engagement, it is hard to be motivated to do the preparation needed to engage in the story, etc.
Optimistically, I am hopeful that this will reverse, once our new home and game space is completed. At that point, in a comfortable location where we can resume in person gaming, we can get back to the interaction levels we were used to.
For other groups, apparently this is less of a concern, or perhaps with video chat it would be lessened. I for one however find a virtual tabletop a good solution, but only as a temporary measure. A temporary solution, which has now outlived its benefits.
