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2020 Research Update #4 TTRPG Game Visualization Methods and Evolution of TTRPG Tools

2/9/2021

We looked into different methods players use to visualize their game. Why is this important for TTRPG? Because game immersion is one of the most important reason why we invest in game visualization tools. From laminated physical map to digital tabletop, as players, we want to experience the game as we were actually there.

Games such as Dungeons and Dragons at its core is a game of pure imagination. Players reply on theatre of the mind narration. 2D images are sometimes used to set the mood of the scene. 2D top-view map is currently the most common way to visualize, because they are the easiest to use on Roll20 and also on a table with miniatures.

Example of 2D Image

Example of 2D Topdown View

Example of 3D Physical Models

Though many are satisfied with the 2D maps, and there are many artists producing them, some found them not as flexible as dry erase boards, for example.

Many players displayed the wish of having a 3D map, but cannot afford the physical 3D environment or don't have time to build a digital one. So, when looking at the satisfaction rate for 3D maps, keep in mind the 1) small sample size of the category and 2) the struggles obtaining a 3D terrain.

The tools currently used can be broken down into the categories of real-time communication, whether in-person, or apart over Discord, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Roll20, etc.; a tool that facilitates game mechanics anything from a character sheet and dice, to software like Roll20, D&D Beyond or Discord Bots; and a map creation tool that is either low-tech (pen and paper, digital painting, image manipulation, improv tools), mid-tech (Roll20, Inkarnate, Fantasy Ground, Wonderdraft), or high-tech (TaleSpire, Tilt Five). Our TTRPG community is heavily supported by local and virtual communities as well.

Throughout history, real science and science fiction have always been intertwined with and influenced by each other. Science provides a guideline for fantasy, and fantasy gives inspiration to science. So what are the chances of our dream tech becoming reality? One could say it's very likely.

In general, players see TTRPGs in the future becoming more immersive with the aid of emerging tech such as AR, VR, AI, and holographic projection. There is both an expectation and fear of the blurring lines between video game RPGs and TTRPGs.

"10 [years]: dedicated even easier to use online tools geared towards specific systems. 25: VR tabletop where pieces can be moved by players (with haptic feedback), will feel like in-person games. 50: who knows. Full immersion first person playing of the adventure."

“2D maps becoming 3D as the standard, virtual reality options, holographic designs replacing plastic and cardboard constructions."

"Eventually, AIs were developed to replace or assist the Players and Game Master in handling mechanics or looking up rules. Perhaps one day the role of GM would even be fully carried out by an AI – though I don't think an AI would have the necessary imagination to develop an adapting RPG campaign for quite some time yet.”

"Unless holograms become a reality, I don't see any major change. We already have a TV set in tables, 3D printers, lighted decors and terrain, CGI, laptops and cells, online gaming. It's hard to tell what more we could have."

Are you willing to use AR/VR?

Top Reasons Why We Don't Want to Try AR or VR

Cost (26% of those who answered they would not try AR or VR mentioned this) “Again, I worry about the cost and potentially excluding people based on that. Assuming that all people in a group could access the same info, yes, I would.”
Motion Sickness (6% mention) “I don't know. It would maybe help immersion but can also lead to confusion and I [get] motion sickness. I would probably not use it until the technology is further developed.”
Learning Curve (5% mention) - “I feel like there's such a sharp learning curve -- why would I spend time learning a new technology when I already know how to use systems that work well?”
Isolation (5% mention) "My only hesitation would be that I would not want to become so lost in the technology that I lost interaction with my group."
Increase in Prep-Time (3% mention) “I would not, as I think the current state of the technology is not advanced enough. I imagine using these technologies would slow the game down and require more preparation, without adding significant immersion.”
Limit Player Agency (3% mention) “Will use it sparingly because it requires preparation and therefore limits player agency to do whatever they like.”
Change the game completely (3% mention) “If everything stays turn-based and doesn't just become another video game. Allow the players the time to think, to plan their attack, and I really just wanna cast fireball on everyone and actually see it in front of me haha."

Top Reasons why try AR/VR?

Increase Game Immersion (24% mention) “Absolutely. It gives another added layer of immersion, or in the case of VR full immersion into the RPG experience."
Reduce Cost (2%) “It would make things much cheaper, currently, I cannot afford physical terrains. Digital terrain would be neat as long as the tech requirement itself is not expensive.”
Reduce Prep-time (1%) “I enjoy playing online on Roll20 because I use pre-made top-down view maps. It has saved me lots of time to provide quick visual without too much work. I imagine 3D can do something similar, helping us to save time. Not sure how though.”

A lot of people said "sure, I would try it!" without giving a reason—that's why we have a high percentage of people who have a positive attitude toward AR/VR but have such few reasons and low percentages of respondents reporting those reasons. This is in contrast to the respondents who were not interested in these technologies (above), who, by and large, provided at least one reason for not wanting to use it.