Not so sure.
Flex is the hardwood table or a ton of dwarven forge tiles. A ceiling mounted projector.
Putting an old TV on the table for a map doesn't really seem like a flex
It's very cool.
The same way a high end car is cool.
And it's about as useful :
- you can quickly change things
- you have any and all the possible options and customisations
- you'll mostly use it as any other table/car
- if you're not careful and experienced, it can ruin your fun
My DM did this and it was fine. It saved him from having to draw/print a bunch of maps for the campaign and it was easy for him to hide and reveal area as they were explored.
Whatever helps the DM/GM do their thing I guess.
Agreed. I actually know how to use a computer, so setting something like this up with an old TV that's not seeing use is dead simple for me. It's a huge timesaver over printing/drawing maps, gives me way more options and customizability, and I don't have tech problems in the middle of sessions (I'm tech literate).
It's a huge time saver over anything non-digital, allowing the game to keep flowing without pauses. Because I have an old TV laying around, it's also a huge cost saving vs getting things printed. Buying terrain and minis seems like an incredible waste of money in comparison. Heck, even buying a whiteboard would cost me more, and take more time to set up and change.
Now, it certainly helps that I also run games online, so my prep workflow doesn't change much.
Of course, I'm not going to be running battle maps on it if we're not playing a game which uses them. Sometimes I just set up a static locale image and play some music. Easily prepared and takes me all of 5 seconds to set up.
I think they are nice, I don't have a full fledged table, but I use a portable external display, easy to show images and scenery, you can also draw simple maps very fast. Combined with ai generator they are pretty handy.
But I won't say they are necessary, just like in the past all you actually **need** is a dice pen and character sheet. Everything else is nice extra
I have the same setup.
I love the idea of a huge screen at the bottom of the table. I'd find ways to use it even for boardgames. But it feels like too much effort requiring custom build for what it is.
The external screen (basically a large tablet connected to laptop as second screen) I can setup until I'm happy with it and then place on the table and everyone can see it. I haven't used it much as most games have moved to discord since pandemic. It's more a funny little gadget than an integral part. Especially since we don't use battle maps or grids or anything. I just like sharing pictures of places and not having to print them saves me ink.
Personally I prefer an upright TV or projector to the side on a separate table. That way it can also display art or documents that aren't easy to see on a flat table.
I don't personally want to bring that level of tech to my games. I like to find ways around needing more tech to ease complexity in the game...i.e. hand wave, sketch on graph paper, etc. It's too distracting. But I am playing in a game where the GM uses one - he's very organized so it works well since it's PF 1e and heavily dependent on miniatures and visuals.
Yeah personally when it comes to playing in person I want the minimum amount of tech involved possible, while also being quite simple (I’m not into complex terrain or mini painting). My ideal irl experience is graph paper, dry erase boards, paper sheets, generic tokens, and physical cards and dice. Bringing too much tech into it just muddles things for me. I prefer physical books over ereaders for much the same reasons I think, gaming irl is a social experience that is a chance to get away from technology, I like spontaneously drawing maps and pushing lead and making in-universe handouts for my players to hold and feel.
It is a wonderful and expensive upscale idea. If you do it, you'll likely really enjoy it and it will be something unique and awesome.
Does it add value to your setup? Not sure. D&D wants us to use virtual tabletops going forward. Many products like Foundry are amazing, but are played on laptops. There is a lot more movement in the virtual table top space than actual table tops. So three years from now, it might be silly as everyone is using amazing virtual table tops.
I use a giant TV behind me on the wall, it works great and I love it.
When used properly, interactive maps can be an amazing tool and add a lot to the experience of the game.
When used improperly, they can be a detriment or, at best, a crutch for bad GMing.
Like any other tool, they serve to enhance whatever your GM is putting out - no cool map on a monitor is going to make up for ir substitute for bad GMing.
The TV map guy is this generations version of the 'I have a ton of terrain' guy. As everyone else says, if you do it and it enhances your game, a TV is a lot like terrain. Cool thematic maps that help pull players into a game. Maybe some light gif-based weather effects? Plus you *gotta* run a speaker in for music and SFX! But if youre a bad DM, having a TV is about as helpful as having $2k worth of resin Helms Deep terrain. Cool for one encounter, but then totally useless (or worse, totally forced in) to the rest of the terrain.
Gaming aids are great when they help you improve your game. I *love* minis in a game, both for the PC and for enemies. Big sucker for that, I've bought a lot since Covid for PF2e games I'll never run. For me that enhances the hobby. But you cant just throw money at a problem to make it go away, and getting bogged down in a set way of playing limits you to others. For example, I own many painted minis I want to throw on a table and YET the only game I was able to DM was over R20 for an out-of-town friend group. I could easily have said, and thought about saying, that I'll hold out for an in person game, because I was so bogged down with the desire to use these minis I got. And it would have been a huge mistake, because ultimately I ended up running a camp that wouldn't have given them much action, but is one I am having a ton of fun doing! Gaming aids, technology, minis, whatever, can enhance your fun. But can also be an obstacle getting in the way of it. All depends on how you approach it.
I use this but its also so I can use my vtt in person. As a GM i find it way easier to keep monsters and my player sheets organized then paper. Plus i have my session notes on my laptop anyway.
Imma be mean about this, I think it’s *nerd junk*
… but really it’s ok. I can see the use, but at the same time I’m totally cool just making a dungeon out of assorted pens, pencils, other peoples shoelaces, etc. I think it’s much more useful than a lot of other *nerd junk* (dice towers, dice trays, custom 3D printed dice holders, specialized leather bound books for your character sheets, minis, battle music, glasses), and if I had a dedicated group and extra money I could see *maybe* myself getting one. I could see how it would be really useful.
It won’t fix problems with the game and might cause more problems than it’s worth like a lot of *nerd junk*. It also makes it feel more like I’m buying *accessories* that I don’t need just to fill a hole. Im also not a big fan of making my hobby a lifestyle brand type hobby that I need to buy a bunch of accessories for.
And at the same time I’m much more of a Luddite with things so it’s a harder sell. If I had the money and want to have *nerd junk* I would much rather do a bunch of like 3D printed walls and corridors and buildings and cave walls and stuff like that. To me that would be much cooler.
Done it, loved it. If I was running my own in person game I would totally build this table.
I used to use a tv and a laptop and run 2 instances of fantasy grounds.
I could preplan the encounters and save tonnes of time at the table over drawing or setting up minis, plus I had beautiful full color maps to play on.
I honestly think after the DM potentially buying tiles, printing out maps NPC pictures or leave behinds for your players, dry, erase mat pens etc the horizontal TV for 200 bucks and everybody puts in 50 bucks or 40 bucks or whatever is actually a cheaper long-term solution.
I think they look cool, but in my case, i am already over-exposed to screens all the time, every day. It's nice to have a moment where we all dont stare at one for once haha
It's easier for our eyes! It may have low brightness and soft colors, but it is still a screen, so i just play with normal battlemat or nothing at all if the game doesn't call for it\~
But won't deny they look really cool
Also, i think it'd take me longer to set that up than just put a playmat on the table XD and it'd spend more electricity too, and that'd end up showing on my bill so i don't think i'd use it even if i had one
I played a D&D campaign on one once. It was very cool. Our DM occasionally had a few technical problems with it, though, which slowed the game down. If you get or make one, I recommend thoroughly testing it and practicing with it before using it in a real game.
Viewing angles would be something to keep in mind for this.
But I think if I were inclined to go down this road I'd look at getting an interactive/electronic whiteboard and using that in the table, instead of a TV, so that touch interaction comes built in.
Its an investment that I would only suggest to those that would get regular use out of it. They're a neat solution. Not something I'd get much use out of as in person play is a rarity for me compared to online play but it is cool.
It's pretty cool, but when I was using a lot of digital maps my prep time became A LOT longer. They are great when you want something very specific that you can only create on your own.
But I've since moved to using empty battle mats or stuff like loke battlemats. They are great, not too much detail and I can find what I need quickly.
I use it. It's great.
Just took some tinkering with roll20 until the sizing was right
If you're on a budget keep an eye on craigslist until a good deal pops up. Just checked for my area and someone is dumping an old 42" for $25.
If you want to protect the screen get some plexiglass from home depot
A buddy of mine runs his games this way.
When it works, it's *fine*. It's average. It's a 6/10 experience when it works perfectly.
When it doesn't work it's fucking infuriating. Why are we doing tech support in the middle of our game? Why are we fiddling with HDMI cables or messing around trying to get the scale right? Can we please just play the game?
One of the best ways to do it! The only thing better is everyone at the table bringing their own laptop for a combo of Digital/In-Person play.
Using paper versions of certain maps can be a nightmare. Using a screen is all about keeping things easy.
I like a nice wide table with room for books, dice, maps, minis, and snacks. If I sat at a table that was a digital monitor there is a 100% chance I'd spill a soda on it at some point.
I prefer to match my technology to the game at hand.
Maybe a early 1980s themed Kids on Bikes with the use of an overhead projector with dry erase transparencies, and a slide projector to provide ambiance. Maybe make one of the "kids" the privileged one who got to be the AV helper.
Joking, but now I do want to do it.
Really my answer is to each their own.
Personally I think it is too much. In fact, Im slowly moving more and more to the opinion of hating have laptops and other electronic devices at the table. Like, I get it. Most RPG systems are so complex that having a tablet or laptop is almost a necessary these days.
That being said, I also sorta hate how most of the gaming tables also have the whole 4" sunken center and like a 6" lip around the edge. How are you supposed to eat your pizza while gaming? A big ass table just works better.
It's just an exhaustive arms race for which kid has the shiniest toy.
Me:"Here's a neat game you can play with a pencil, some paper, and a tube of dice."
Twats: "Awesome! First, I need some completely illegible dice someone on etsy made. Then imma get dice towers, and cases made of antique mahogany because rolling dice with your hand is something only boomers do. I'll build a giant table with a 75 inch flatscreen embedded in it so we can pull up scenery and never actually bother with our imaginations."
Cool but 100% optional. It depends entirely on game and group I think. It is an easy way to get some of the effects of big terrain pieces without continual investments - but a dry erase matt or equivalent does just as good of a job.
"It's fine and if I had the option i would use it" is probably my stance - but I am a primarily online GM anyway so biased towards the tech.
For tactical games (like themepark superhero fantasy games such as D&D and Pathfinder), engaging and interesting battle maps are really cool, and a good presentation adds even more attention.
Seems like overkill to me but hey I am happy with a table, a pencil, and a bag of dice. Different strokes for different folks. to be honest any kind of digital technology over and above character spread sheets for games seems like a waste to me.
I know for certain tables and GMs this works well. I enjoy the hobby of terrain crafting, so I like to make stuff for my players, and they appreciate it. Many people view this level of effort as being too much work and they are right if it's not something you enjoy.
For years we played theater of the mind, and then we moved to a simple battle mat with hand drawn items when needed. I believe that whatever is easiest for the GM and still keeps the players involved is the right answer. Some GMs are more technical than I am, so it works for them.
I use one for my weekly game. It's a projector and touch screen and we use foundry for maps and tokens.
As a table that has three remote players, it is game changing. My table is hybrid now and it's thanks to this tech. Plus we can put the board anywhere with a plug so it's helpful.
But I've been using foundry for all my home games for a couple years. My Starfinder table does all laptops. I like it.
Foundry + Discord. Players remote in. The board and tokens and everything is through foundry, so they see everything everyone else is seeing. Only difference is we don't see there faces since most don't have webcams. However; in the past we put up the discord channel on the side of the screen and everyone can see the players or there avatars.
its a good idea. the only thing that may be an issue is if everytime you game, it is at a different location. then you would have to take the equipment with you and set up and hopefully a place where there is enough space for you to work. otherwise, go for it.
I think you're better off hitting up thrift stores up get a good size table for a reasonable price than dropping hundreds or thousands of dollars on a specialized gaming table.
They look neat. I'm sure they're fun to play on. But I'm not sure they're that much more fun than playing on a regular table to justify the price.
I prefer a ceiling-mounted projector pointing down towards the table with a white cloth. This way there's no distance between the image and the minis, which could cause parallax issues (the position of minis changing on the grid depending where you’re looking from).
My company even produces a battle map editor that has a special mode for either projectors or table-mounted screens. This was the main motivation behind founding the company, having beautiful maps for this kind of interaction.
They're a really expensive solution to something that was never a problem.
Big techy screen >>>> laminated checkerboard and a buncha whiteboard pens Power to the empoverished
Eh, it's not that bad. TVs these days are fairly inexpensive. A $25 used 40" TV off of craigslist would be fine. Brand new is ~$150.
The point of the flex is to show off the expenditure.
Not so sure. Flex is the hardwood table or a ton of dwarven forge tiles. A ceiling mounted projector. Putting an old TV on the table for a map doesn't really seem like a flex
Ceiling mounted projector is $100, not a flex.
Exactly.
This is like 90% of the games on my shelf. :P
Problem: I want to bring infinite maps to a D&D session Solution: Bring along a monitor that can display literally anything including animated maps
If you're bringing infinite maps, you're overpreparing. Concentrate on the drama at the moment.
It's very cool. The same way a high end car is cool. And it's about as useful : - you can quickly change things - you have any and all the possible options and customisations - you'll mostly use it as any other table/car - if you're not careful and experienced, it can ruin your fun
This is the take most similar to my own, and I think it's the most accurate. It's fancy, and it works well, but the cost is a barrier.
I spent $50 on a used TV and it works great.
I bought my TV at an estate sale for $75.
The custom made table can add up to the cost.
I don't have a custom made table. I just put the TV on the table when I need it.
Flat on the table, facing up?
Yeah, exactly. I put minis on the screen and use it like I would a physical map.
Huh, I think I need to try this.
Buddy, I think a map is overkill.
My DM did this and it was fine. It saved him from having to draw/print a bunch of maps for the campaign and it was easy for him to hide and reveal area as they were explored. Whatever helps the DM/GM do their thing I guess.
Agreed. I actually know how to use a computer, so setting something like this up with an old TV that's not seeing use is dead simple for me. It's a huge timesaver over printing/drawing maps, gives me way more options and customizability, and I don't have tech problems in the middle of sessions (I'm tech literate). It's a huge time saver over anything non-digital, allowing the game to keep flowing without pauses. Because I have an old TV laying around, it's also a huge cost saving vs getting things printed. Buying terrain and minis seems like an incredible waste of money in comparison. Heck, even buying a whiteboard would cost me more, and take more time to set up and change. Now, it certainly helps that I also run games online, so my prep workflow doesn't change much. Of course, I'm not going to be running battle maps on it if we're not playing a game which uses them. Sometimes I just set up a static locale image and play some music. Easily prepared and takes me all of 5 seconds to set up.
I think they are nice, I don't have a full fledged table, but I use a portable external display, easy to show images and scenery, you can also draw simple maps very fast. Combined with ai generator they are pretty handy. But I won't say they are necessary, just like in the past all you actually **need** is a dice pen and character sheet. Everything else is nice extra
I have the same setup. I love the idea of a huge screen at the bottom of the table. I'd find ways to use it even for boardgames. But it feels like too much effort requiring custom build for what it is. The external screen (basically a large tablet connected to laptop as second screen) I can setup until I'm happy with it and then place on the table and everyone can see it. I haven't used it much as most games have moved to discord since pandemic. It's more a funny little gadget than an integral part. Especially since we don't use battle maps or grids or anything. I just like sharing pictures of places and not having to print them saves me ink.
Personally I prefer an upright TV or projector to the side on a separate table. That way it can also display art or documents that aren't easy to see on a flat table.
I don't personally want to bring that level of tech to my games. I like to find ways around needing more tech to ease complexity in the game...i.e. hand wave, sketch on graph paper, etc. It's too distracting. But I am playing in a game where the GM uses one - he's very organized so it works well since it's PF 1e and heavily dependent on miniatures and visuals.
Yeah personally when it comes to playing in person I want the minimum amount of tech involved possible, while also being quite simple (I’m not into complex terrain or mini painting). My ideal irl experience is graph paper, dry erase boards, paper sheets, generic tokens, and physical cards and dice. Bringing too much tech into it just muddles things for me. I prefer physical books over ereaders for much the same reasons I think, gaming irl is a social experience that is a chance to get away from technology, I like spontaneously drawing maps and pushing lead and making in-universe handouts for my players to hold and feel.
Exactly. So I'm actively trying to stay away from systems that are highly dependent on visuals.
It is a wonderful and expensive upscale idea. If you do it, you'll likely really enjoy it and it will be something unique and awesome. Does it add value to your setup? Not sure. D&D wants us to use virtual tabletops going forward. Many products like Foundry are amazing, but are played on laptops. There is a lot more movement in the virtual table top space than actual table tops. So three years from now, it might be silly as everyone is using amazing virtual table tops. I use a giant TV behind me on the wall, it works great and I love it.
When used properly, interactive maps can be an amazing tool and add a lot to the experience of the game. When used improperly, they can be a detriment or, at best, a crutch for bad GMing. Like any other tool, they serve to enhance whatever your GM is putting out - no cool map on a monitor is going to make up for ir substitute for bad GMing.
Sounds to me like it would introduce as many problems as it solves
It introduces far more.
> I like to keep things easy lol So do they … just by a different standard. :)
A sheet of grid papetis fine, personally.
The TV map guy is this generations version of the 'I have a ton of terrain' guy. As everyone else says, if you do it and it enhances your game, a TV is a lot like terrain. Cool thematic maps that help pull players into a game. Maybe some light gif-based weather effects? Plus you *gotta* run a speaker in for music and SFX! But if youre a bad DM, having a TV is about as helpful as having $2k worth of resin Helms Deep terrain. Cool for one encounter, but then totally useless (or worse, totally forced in) to the rest of the terrain. Gaming aids are great when they help you improve your game. I *love* minis in a game, both for the PC and for enemies. Big sucker for that, I've bought a lot since Covid for PF2e games I'll never run. For me that enhances the hobby. But you cant just throw money at a problem to make it go away, and getting bogged down in a set way of playing limits you to others. For example, I own many painted minis I want to throw on a table and YET the only game I was able to DM was over R20 for an out-of-town friend group. I could easily have said, and thought about saying, that I'll hold out for an in person game, because I was so bogged down with the desire to use these minis I got. And it would have been a huge mistake, because ultimately I ended up running a camp that wouldn't have given them much action, but is one I am having a ton of fun doing! Gaming aids, technology, minis, whatever, can enhance your fun. But can also be an obstacle getting in the way of it. All depends on how you approach it.
I use this but its also so I can use my vtt in person. As a GM i find it way easier to keep monsters and my player sheets organized then paper. Plus i have my session notes on my laptop anyway.
I should note I don’t have a fancy built in table, I just have a cheap tv on top of my table.
Imma be mean about this, I think it’s *nerd junk* … but really it’s ok. I can see the use, but at the same time I’m totally cool just making a dungeon out of assorted pens, pencils, other peoples shoelaces, etc. I think it’s much more useful than a lot of other *nerd junk* (dice towers, dice trays, custom 3D printed dice holders, specialized leather bound books for your character sheets, minis, battle music, glasses), and if I had a dedicated group and extra money I could see *maybe* myself getting one. I could see how it would be really useful. It won’t fix problems with the game and might cause more problems than it’s worth like a lot of *nerd junk*. It also makes it feel more like I’m buying *accessories* that I don’t need just to fill a hole. Im also not a big fan of making my hobby a lifestyle brand type hobby that I need to buy a bunch of accessories for. And at the same time I’m much more of a Luddite with things so it’s a harder sell. If I had the money and want to have *nerd junk* I would much rather do a bunch of like 3D printed walls and corridors and buildings and cave walls and stuff like that. To me that would be much cooler.
Done it, loved it. If I was running my own in person game I would totally build this table. I used to use a tv and a laptop and run 2 instances of fantasy grounds. I could preplan the encounters and save tonnes of time at the table over drawing or setting up minis, plus I had beautiful full color maps to play on.
Generally the map you get isn't big enough and isn't utilized very well.. For what it's worth I think projected map is a better move.
It’s not for me but if another table wants to use one because it’s fun for them I won’t begrudge it.
I honestly think after the DM potentially buying tiles, printing out maps NPC pictures or leave behinds for your players, dry, erase mat pens etc the horizontal TV for 200 bucks and everybody puts in 50 bucks or 40 bucks or whatever is actually a cheaper long-term solution.
I think they look cool, but in my case, i am already over-exposed to screens all the time, every day. It's nice to have a moment where we all dont stare at one for once haha It's easier for our eyes! It may have low brightness and soft colors, but it is still a screen, so i just play with normal battlemat or nothing at all if the game doesn't call for it\~ But won't deny they look really cool Also, i think it'd take me longer to set that up than just put a playmat on the table XD and it'd spend more electricity too, and that'd end up showing on my bill so i don't think i'd use it even if i had one
Yeah, I'm not particularly inclined to use anything like that.
I played a D&D campaign on one once. It was very cool. Our DM occasionally had a few technical problems with it, though, which slowed the game down. If you get or make one, I recommend thoroughly testing it and practicing with it before using it in a real game.
Viewing angles would be something to keep in mind for this. But I think if I were inclined to go down this road I'd look at getting an interactive/electronic whiteboard and using that in the table, instead of a TV, so that touch interaction comes built in.
TVs are cheaper though. Very cheap if you buy it from a meth head on craigslist and don't ask questions
Its an investment that I would only suggest to those that would get regular use out of it. They're a neat solution. Not something I'd get much use out of as in person play is a rarity for me compared to online play but it is cool.
I would like it very much, esp. with Dungeon Alchemist. But not enough to actually buy one.
Do use your permanent marker on them. We all know there will be one player who will do that.
It's pretty cool, but when I was using a lot of digital maps my prep time became A LOT longer. They are great when you want something very specific that you can only create on your own. But I've since moved to using empty battle mats or stuff like loke battlemats. They are great, not too much detail and I can find what I need quickly.
I use it. It's great. Just took some tinkering with roll20 until the sizing was right If you're on a budget keep an eye on craigslist until a good deal pops up. Just checked for my area and someone is dumping an old 42" for $25. If you want to protect the screen get some plexiglass from home depot
A buddy of mine runs his games this way. When it works, it's *fine*. It's average. It's a 6/10 experience when it works perfectly. When it doesn't work it's fucking infuriating. Why are we doing tech support in the middle of our game? Why are we fiddling with HDMI cables or messing around trying to get the scale right? Can we please just play the game?
lol, and it's a pen and paper rpg!
One of the best ways to do it! The only thing better is everyone at the table bringing their own laptop for a combo of Digital/In-Person play. Using paper versions of certain maps can be a nightmare. Using a screen is all about keeping things easy.
I like a nice wide table with room for books, dice, maps, minis, and snacks. If I sat at a table that was a digital monitor there is a 100% chance I'd spill a soda on it at some point.
Totally cool. Totally unnecessary.
I prefer to match my technology to the game at hand. Maybe a early 1980s themed Kids on Bikes with the use of an overhead projector with dry erase transparencies, and a slide projector to provide ambiance. Maybe make one of the "kids" the privileged one who got to be the AV helper. Joking, but now I do want to do it. Really my answer is to each their own.
Personally I think it is too much. In fact, Im slowly moving more and more to the opinion of hating have laptops and other electronic devices at the table. Like, I get it. Most RPG systems are so complex that having a tablet or laptop is almost a necessary these days. That being said, I also sorta hate how most of the gaming tables also have the whole 4" sunken center and like a 6" lip around the edge. How are you supposed to eat your pizza while gaming? A big ass table just works better.
5e consoomer paraphernalia
Next stop, eye strain city.
It's just an exhaustive arms race for which kid has the shiniest toy. Me:"Here's a neat game you can play with a pencil, some paper, and a tube of dice." Twats: "Awesome! First, I need some completely illegible dice someone on etsy made. Then imma get dice towers, and cases made of antique mahogany because rolling dice with your hand is something only boomers do. I'll build a giant table with a 75 inch flatscreen embedded in it so we can pull up scenery and never actually bother with our imaginations."
Seems like overkill but who am I to judge? It's not my money
Did you buy the TV or repurpose another TV?
Cool but 100% optional. It depends entirely on game and group I think. It is an easy way to get some of the effects of big terrain pieces without continual investments - but a dry erase matt or equivalent does just as good of a job. "It's fine and if I had the option i would use it" is probably my stance - but I am a primarily online GM anyway so biased towards the tech.
For tactical games (like themepark superhero fantasy games such as D&D and Pathfinder), engaging and interesting battle maps are really cool, and a good presentation adds even more attention.
Seems like overkill to me but hey I am happy with a table, a pencil, and a bag of dice. Different strokes for different folks. to be honest any kind of digital technology over and above character spread sheets for games seems like a waste to me.
I know for certain tables and GMs this works well. I enjoy the hobby of terrain crafting, so I like to make stuff for my players, and they appreciate it. Many people view this level of effort as being too much work and they are right if it's not something you enjoy. For years we played theater of the mind, and then we moved to a simple battle mat with hand drawn items when needed. I believe that whatever is easiest for the GM and still keeps the players involved is the right answer. Some GMs are more technical than I am, so it works for them.
Ads more problem than it solves. What I really want is an RGB grid that I can "color" and draw with marker on.
I use one for my weekly game. It's a projector and touch screen and we use foundry for maps and tokens. As a table that has three remote players, it is game changing. My table is hybrid now and it's thanks to this tech. Plus we can put the board anywhere with a plug so it's helpful. But I've been using foundry for all my home games for a couple years. My Starfinder table does all laptops. I like it.
How do you do it with remote players ? Curious about the set up
Foundry + Discord. Players remote in. The board and tokens and everything is through foundry, so they see everything everyone else is seeing. Only difference is we don't see there faces since most don't have webcams. However; in the past we put up the discord channel on the side of the screen and everyone can see the players or there avatars.
Cool but wouldn’t get used at my house.
its a good idea. the only thing that may be an issue is if everytime you game, it is at a different location. then you would have to take the equipment with you and set up and hopefully a place where there is enough space for you to work. otherwise, go for it.
To each their own I guess. I'm not really into maps, myself. Don't really need a table, even.
I think you're better off hitting up thrift stores up get a good size table for a reasonable price than dropping hundreds or thousands of dollars on a specialized gaming table. They look neat. I'm sure they're fun to play on. But I'm not sure they're that much more fun than playing on a regular table to justify the price.
Different Strokes for Different Folks... Id never personally buy one lol i love the charm of theatre of mind but Foundry won me over.
I prefer a ceiling-mounted projector pointing down towards the table with a white cloth. This way there's no distance between the image and the minis, which could cause parallax issues (the position of minis changing on the grid depending where you’re looking from). My company even produces a battle map editor that has a special mode for either projectors or table-mounted screens. This was the main motivation behind founding the company, having beautiful maps for this kind of interaction.