Effects and extensions

[snupy]

Given the recent changes in FG, I was wondering if further work on extending effects and/or incorporating extensions functionality is currently planned, and if it would be a good time to make feature requests on that line? I have seen that Moon Wizard has personally worked to ensure compatibility of some extensions with the current FG version (thank you for that!), so perhaps it would be a good opportunity to incorporate that functionality in FG? Of course in a way which is compatible with licensing issues.

I also remember that in a couple of threads the possibility of willing users financially supporting the development of certain features was discussed, but in the end nothing came out of it. To be clear, this would regard more niche/secondary features which would normally be low priority in the normal FG development, and that once implemented would be available to everyone, not just to those who supported it. Is something along these lines still under consideration?

Happy about the recent FG update from what I've read about it, since some of the extensions I am using are not yet compatible I have not updated yet.

[Moon Wizard]

Currently, I am working through a set of the top abandoned extensions that people have reported broken, in an attempt to see how much work it is to get them working. It's quite a bit of work, so it's not something I can do for all extensions. It really depends on weighing popularity vs. complexity. In the process, I have already replaced 11 extensions that I know of. As I'm working through the remaining popular extensions I plan to look at, I'm keeping an eye on pulling in other features where it makes sense. I already have some plans for another update this week along those lines.

We have considered offering some sort of Patreon or Kickstarter; but we hesitate to do that for a variety of business reasons. We may look at doing some in the future, but we're mostly looking to see if the popularity of game systems justifies the work necessary to build a fully featured ruleset.

Regards,
JPG

[Malystryx]

I'm really intrigued by the idea of SmiteWorks considering different voluntary funding avenues to help support development of things like new competitive platform features, continuing to integrate popular extensions into the core product and enriching rulesets with more of the first class premium experience that the D&D 5E ruleset benefits from. In my mind this doesn't necessarily have to take the form of one off funding projects through Kickstarter or Patreon which can be complicated for the business to manage but what about the idea of simply joining a monthly subscription offered through the FG store? The idea would be similar to the current Art Pack subscription offering but directed towards enhancing specific rulesets for example or perhaps a subscription targeted at overall FG platform improvement. This would be a completely optional funding vehicle for those individuals who are motivated to contribute while keeping Fantasy Grounds completely free to play for everyone else like it is today. I could envision having a minimum contribution amount of $5 a month but then letting the purchaser be able to choose higher contribution amounts if they have the means and desire to do so.

If this were offered, I would be onboard in a heartbeat even if I personally had no intention of playing some of the rulesets benefiting from the funding. I just see it as a worthwhile investment in my favorite VTT to help it be more attractive to new players who ARE interested in those rulesets so it can better compete against the behemoths of Roll20 and Foundry.

[snupy]

Currently, I am working through a set of the top abandoned extensions that people have reported broken, in an attempt to see how much work it is to get them working. It's quite a bit of work, so it's not something I can do for all extensions. It really depends on weighing popularity vs. complexity. In the process, I have already replaced 11 extensions that I know of. As I'm working through the remaining popular extensions I plan to look at, I'm keeping an eye on pulling in other features where it makes sense. I already have some plans for another update this week along those lines.

We have considered offering some sort of Patreon or Kickstarter; but we hesitate to do that for a variety of business reasons. We may look at doing some in the future, but we're mostly looking to see if the popularity of game systems justifies the work necessary to build a fully featured ruleset.

Regards,
JPG

Thanks for the reply MW!

I think you have worked on fixing Advanced Effects, that's one I would love to see incorporated into FG. Other effects-related functionality which would benefit all ruleset and great (imho) to have natively is the possibility of splitting the char sheet action tab into weapons, spells, items and other as provided by the Advanced Charsheet extension (I think this one is currently working although I cannot check as I do not want to update yet). Finally, a record view with the possibility of "subfolders" for effects (like for NPCs, Items,...) could be very useful.

With effects and automation being a strong selling point of FG, it may be worth spending time/efforts on features which improve their utility, but I am sure you have more than enough on your plate already, thanks again for fixing so many extensions.

As for the voluntary funding thing: I mentioned it because I would potentially be interested, but it would depend on which shape it would take. Personally I would mostly be interested in more niche things pertaining to 3.5/PF1E. But I understand the hesitation in going that route.