New Low Prices on Licenses

[Zacchaeus]

What I would most hate is FG transitioning to a web-based solution. I bought FGU UL specifically because it lives on my computer and was a one-time purchase. I am sick and tired of subscription-based VTTs, of being unable to work on my campaign because I'm not online, and of server-based lag hampering my game night, especially with large maps. If FG became online-only, I would stop using it.

Agreed. Some limited browser availability to be able to read modules without having FG up and running would be nice; but leave the client as it is.

[Jiminimonka]

What I would most hate is FG transitioning to a web-based solution. I bought FGU UL sapecifically because it lives on my computer and was a one-time purchase. I am sick and tired of subscription-based VTTs, of being unable to work on my campaign because I'm not online, and of server-based lag hampering my game night, especially with large maps. If FG became online-only, I would stop using it.

Awesome! I like FGU as it is now too, for the same reasons

[Saramund]

I have a license of FG and playing as a player with Roll20 and Foundry. I appreciate FG for being the best solution for automating rules but it is clear to me how cumbersome is compared to the others e.g. when in need of sharing music or getting peer-to-peer with people connected on ipad. The IT Industry is all moved to the web browser UI and cloud computing and FG has to struggle against a market more an more attuned to that.
This is a matter of fact, whether we like it or not.
If you hope FG would be here in the next 20 years, they need to understand how to make new generation of TTrpg gamers more likely to use FG instead of others. Opening to mobile and ipad to some degree is mandatory imho.
But I dare say it's probably more important getting an AI support for devs nowadays. That could increase the base and getting more people more confident in making FG their own ground.

[Mike Serfass]

Web apps come with a whole set of problems and limitations.
FGU can do some of the things it does because it's a desktop app. It would lose functionality if moved to a web app.
FGU will be able to do more as it progresses and the devs take more advantage of the underlying game engine, things that web apps can't do.

[ddavison]

We have been developing a companion reader app for mobile. We think that GMs will want additional power of running it via a desktop app, but that players may want to connect with mobile devices for limited, specific functionality. Initially it will be for reading reference manuals without loading the full program. Later, we could see it being used to manage a character as a player.

[claedawg]

We have been developing a companion reader app for mobile. We think that GMs will want additional power of running it via a desktop app, but that players may want to connect with mobile devices for limited, specific functionality. Initially it will be for reading reference manuals without loading the full program. Later, we could see it being used to manage a character as a player.

This is all I would really need it for. I would love for my players to be able to open up FG and read a refman I made for campaign specific information and to leave out of game updates.

[RosenMcStern]

The IT Industry is all moved to the web browser UI and cloud computing and FG has to struggle against a market more an more attuned to that.
This is a matter of fact, whether we like it or not.

Be cautious when considering trends in the IT industry "matter of fact". Techologies rise and fall. Not long ago it was matter of fact that all interfaces had to be optimised for Internet Explorer, as it had no competitors in the browser market. We all know how it went.

We have been developing a companion reader app for mobile. We think that GMs will want additional power of running it via a desktop app, but that players may want to connect with mobile devices for limited, specific functionality. Initially it will be for reading reference manuals without loading the full program. Later, we could see it being used to manage a character as a player.

Way to go, Doug! This would definitely add value to the application.

Better control over Syrinscape would also help, but I think this is due to limitations in Syrinscape.

And of course Discord integration...

[Saramund]

[QUOTE=RosenMcStern;717649]Be cautious when considering trends in the IT industry "matter of fact". Techologies rise and fall. Not long ago it was matter of fact that all interfaces had to be optimised for Internet Explorer, as it had no competitors in the browser market. We all know how it went.

You are definitely right, and the direction is still the same since those days: getting the UX onto the web UI.
don't think I'm a super fan of that though, but I see the opportunity.

[ValerionWolf]

This is all I would really need it for. I would love for my players to be able to open up FG and read a refman I made for campaign specific information and to leave out of game updates.

Even as a GM I would love this. Sometimes I am lazy on a Saturday morning and would like to be able to sit in bed and read an adventure module I intend to run on Sunday, without having to get in front of my PC to launch FG. Or, if I purchased a new module or rule book, to read it while I am not in front of my PC.

Obviously I can't run a game this way, but just being able to access the library is already powerful.

[Morenu]

Not a fan of switching FGU to a web only UI. That's a complete rewrite of all things FGU I would imagine (Base App, extensions and all store items except maybe maps) or more of a clunky front end that takes the LUA and makes it web UI "readable" and back again.. the Lag would be insane most likely.

My thoughts:

1) Web based reading of materials I purchased or made available from the DM (assume the DM game would need to be up and player signed in).. definitely. kinda like having a book open during TT.
2) Discord integration for things like static shared images, talking and maybe sound? I feel like all of this is already a thing (Our DM shares things like maps and such via discord so people with a tablet have more room on FGU window)
3) an API that would allow a player to join a game via any device and see their character sheet and use discord for the above items would let them join a session but just have the DM or another player control the character in FGU. clunky but doable.

and as a mobile option, I use Splashtop to control my PC from my laptop or tablet and have played that way. a little laggy, yes but very doable in a pinch.