Roll20, Maptools, D&D VT... Pen and paper?

As the internet becomes more and more apart of our lives (to the point many believe that access to the internet is a basic human right), developers are creating a way to connect the gaming community together through online virtual table tops. I remember chat-rooms and forums for play-by-post action back in the 90s, signing on through dial up! Lol! (Imagination was a MUST) I have played games through Maptools and am looking forward to Roll20. Not to mention, Dungeons and Dragons Virtual Tabletop is still in Beta. Could the future of table top RPGS be a group of players sitting at a table clicking around on laptops? Is that future right now? Are the pen and paper in trouble? For that matter, maybe the reason why Wizards of the Coast ceased production of miniatures is because bygone are the days of carrying a suitcase of products with you to game night.

What do you guys think? Also will we ever see a broadcast of The Drogans in a live table top game sans internet?

I think it's a bit of a mixed bag. Having programs like Maptool allows me to DM a group of people across two continents who would otherwise have no chance to play together. On the other, I do find that playing online like this makes it harder to RP consistently and since nobody can see each other (hopefully with Roll20 this will be less of a problem) means that a lot of auxiliary things like body language and gestures are lost in translation. I like playing online with friends from overseas, but I'd also like the chance to play old school again.

Autobrot wrote:

I think it's a bit of a mixed bag. Having programs like Maptool allows me to DM a group of people across two continents who would otherwise have no chance to play together. On the other, I do find that playing online like this makes it harder to RP consistently and since nobody can see each other (hopefully with Roll20 this will be less of a problem) means that a lot of auxiliary things like body language and gestures are lost in translation. I like playing online with friends from overseas, but I'd also like the chance to play old school again.

Yes, I also use Maptools for the same reason. A few of my military buddies and I still play in a campaign and one of them is in Japan. I have high hopes for Roll20. You are right though, about it being a mixed bag. In a few sessions that I have played and DMed for I have gotten players who have their entire character sheet on their computer and they email me a copy. I also have seen those who use strictly pen and paper.

I still think that it would be awesome to see all of the Drogans in one room playing live though. Robot Chicken did a game and they have done a few at CONs.

I have to say, the demo videos I've seen of Roll20 look really impressive. I think the focus on storytelling and atmosphere through music, shared video chat and the ability to import objects and such. I think I will swap over to that instead of Maptool when it's finally released, just so I can have an online experience which more closely approximates what it's like to play a game face to face.

I'd hate to see physical tabletop D&D disappear; some of my fondest D&D memories revolve around a game table. I recall a time when someone made John's brother laugh while taking a sip of his drink, and he spat coke all over his character sheet and across the table -- onto me.

That said, I'm a strong proponent of the virtual tabletop because it shatters geographical boundaries and allows gamers to play D&D even if they cannot find a group in their area. It shares the message of D&D with people who would otherwise have no means of entry.

Dave and I participated in play-by-post D&D for years, and while it allows for a more literary experience, it's simply too slow-paced for my tastes.

As for the Drogans... You'll see us sans internet when we get a booth at Gen Con one day

Rhykker wrote:

Dave and I participated in play-by-post D&D for years, and while it allows for a more literary experience, it's simply too slow-paced for my tastes.

Ahh, good times... the game was so slow at some points that it required flaming to get things going again.

As I've said before, I haven't played D&D myself in several years, but I really doubt that pen and paper gaming will completely disappear, even if D&D does move mostly online, highly unlikely, there will still be a sizable percentage of people who play the game around an actual fax table. I will be one of those crazy rebels.

Rhykker wrote:

I'd hate to see physical tabletop D&D disappear; some of my fondest D&D memories revolve around a game table.

OrangeShirtsEveryDay wrote:

I really doubt that pen and paper gaming will completely disappear...

Having tabletop D&D disappear will be like losing your favorite relative (that one who taught you D&D, probably ).

It is an undeniable fact that technology is increasing. There are a few guys in my gaming group who use dice roller applications on their iPhone to roll dice. Seriously, could you imagine a day where you play Dungeons and Dragons just like Words With Friends?! Imagine an app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device just like Maptools or D&D VT where the DM is in control of the game, you can play by post or live with Face to Face, and all information is saved automatically with minimal set up. I love that idea. Could that possibly be the future??

Rhykker wrote:

As for the Drogans... You'll see us sans internet when we get a booth at Gen Con one day.

When are you starting the Kickstarter page?