I have no problem paying a reasonable fee for content and services. I have always believed though that the savings from not printing and binding a book should be passed on the the consumer, however most digital books cost about the same price as the physical ones and I won't pay physical price for 1s and 0s.
My main concern is that there's going to be a premium price for this service. I'm disabled and on a fixed income, I'm willing to pay a fair price but am concerned I'll be priced out of this service at launch.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To everyone working on DDB - you folks are AWESOME! Thank you for letting us all into your beta! To the community - thank you for being the friendliest I've ever experienced in a forum!
Your concern touches on my main concern. I'm very interested in the service but do not own many of the books. If the final product doesn't offer much to hardcore players who already own the books then the service may not reach it's target audience and will die. That normally doesn't matter in regards to subscription services such as VOD. I've subscribed to services that I knew weren't going to last for various reasons. But, I'm not likely to subscribe or pay for a service I don't think will last. If the price is barely affordable for me I start to wonder if too many others won't be able to afford it and it won't last long if people the user base is small. I just wonder how much people will be willing to pay per month for a service theyh may only use a few hour per month vs a few hours per week for netflix. And if the content is made available by purchasing, really just licensing, a la carte, how many people are going to invest in a digital substitute for a physical product if they can't be sure it'll be available in reasonable perpetuity. If it was subscription based and only a few dollars per month I could see lots of people subscribing. If it is a la carte and it worked out it be 20 dollars per book versus 30 for the hardcover on amazon then maybe it would be viable. But, for not much more you could always buy the books, and they have pretty pictures in them.
So when I heard the announcement I got super excited about a online character sheet. So excited I kept waiting and waiting. Well finally after a month and no news of when phase two is being released I just today went ahead and bought an ios version. So now having all the books I need and a not great but good enough app for a characters I need at a glance.... I'm even less interested in this now. But I'm sure the product will be great and you guys will all enjoy it when it finally comes out.
So when I heard the announcement I got super excited about a online character sheet. So excited I kept waiting and waiting. Well finally after a month and no news of when phase two is being released I just today went ahead and bought an ios version. So now having all the books I need and a not great but good enough app for a characters I need at a glance.... I'm even less interested in this now. But I'm sure the product will be great and you guys will all enjoy it when it finally comes out.
Phase 2 is getting closer. Often, announcements come for products that aren't released for months if not a year. That will not be the case here. We've said from the beginning (right there in the announcement trailer) that we will launch this summer, and that will definitely happen. I encourage you to check D&D Beyond out again soon.
I'm sure once its here it'll be awesome when its here like the rest of the site. I was trying to satisfy my craving for now til summer. Anyways 2 more months (June) to 5 more months (September) and we'll get to see the truly awesome stuff you guys will have rolling out. Thanks for the response.
I would certainly consider an annual subscription if all phases of the beta continue to be as detailed as the first. I played ver 2.0 - 3.5 extensively and very much enjoyed the game. As I got older, life did not support the long gaming get-togethers I had with my friends. Hopefully this will allow my old campaign to virtually get back together again and game the way we used to. So far so good! Keep up the great effort and I very much look forward to whats to come!
Irrelevant to the discussion, but BadEye I just want to say I love the new look of your user image, very cool (I'm pretty sure it didn't have the faded background bit before, right?)
If it's truly BEYOND, then I'm willing to pay for community online features that the D&D books can't convey.
I don't feel like I would want to pay for online access to a compendium of data in the 5E books I have already bought. It seems like some sort of online advertising might better support that kind of "online data access" feature. If I want the convenience of looking up the data online, advertise to me.
I don´t mind paying as long as it has good support and don´t get abandoned as time goes by.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The dwarves have a saying. ‘Trouble borrowed will be paid back with interest compounded on sorrow.’ Don’t worry. We’re with you." — Tanis Half-Elven, Dragons of Winter Night
They could place a digital code inside the book. Cover it with a peel away sticker much like I have seen done with comic books. Shipping books shrink wrapped would help with this as well. Possibly offer game stores a "store copy" people could look through to decide if they want to purchase a given title. There are ways around people pirating the codes..it just might add a step or more to the process.
I have even see instances where you where given a code at time of purchase by the retailer. They handed out the digital code upon payment of the physical item at the register to prevent people from swiping the codes..true this is an extra step and kind of a pain..but again another way around it.
If you paid to have the physical copy it is a kick in the shin to have to buy the same thing again digitally.
I would also be annoyed if I already had digital copies purchased through something like Roll20 and had to get them again.
They could place a digital code inside the book. Cover it with a peel away sticker much like I have seen done with comic books. Shipping books shrink wrapped would help with this as well. Possible offer game stores a "store copy" people could look through to decide if they want to purchase a given title. There are ways around people pirating the codes..it just might add a step or more to the process.
I have even see instances where you where given a code at time of purchase by the retailer. They handed out the digital code upon payment of the physical item at the register to prevent people from swiping the codes..true this is an extra step and kind of a pain..but again another way around it.
If you paid to have the physical copy it is a kick in the shin to have to buy the same thing again digitally.
I would also be annoyed if I already had digital copies purchased through something like Roll20 and had to get them again.
Unfortunately, creating and running the D&D Beyond site costs money, there's no escaping from that - this means that there needs to be a revenue resource from the site that justifies its existence. If that revenue doesn't exist, the site doesn't get to exist.
Your proposal of including a digital code inside D&D books, that unlocks that content on D&D Beyond would mean that the cost of the book would need to be increased, to compensate.
End result:
1. The people who wanted the book AND D&D Beyond, would end up paying the same amount of money, but it would all be in one purchase (of the book).
2. People who just wanted the book would be forced to pay for D&D Beyond as well, because they automatically receive the digital code.
3. Possibly each book is produced in two editions, one with digital code, one without, to allow people flexibility of purchase. This costs more money to do, so now everyone is worse off.
I'm pretty sure that keeping the cost for D&D Beyond attached directly to the site is the correct way to proceed, that way everyone has the choice of what they want to pay for.
I don't much like the idea of digital codes. Too many hackers out there know how to make programs that generate real codes. So in theory I could buy the book then find out my code doesn't work. Nah I think it's better to be tied only to the site. Even though sadly I own the books I want...
I'm pretty sure that keeping the cost for D&D Beyond attached directly to the site is the correct way to proceed, that way everyone has the choice of what they want to pay for.
True, but a code for a one month trial would make sense, it drives people to the site and if you have a membership you could get a free month.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The universe never did make sense; I suspect it was built on government contract. -RAH
It is easier to stay out than get out. -Twain
Being right too soon is socially unacceptable. -RAH
The problem we have here is that there a lot of people that want digital rulebooks for 5e. The only path to those rulebooks seems to be D&D Beyond, since WoTC is refusing to make them. So, I am sure there are people looking to D&D Beyond as a source for digital rules that they don't want to subscribe to, but simply pay a one time fee to purchase and have access to, the way people do now, with various other RPG games on the market.
I know that D&D Beyond is trying to be an all encompassing solution that goes beyond just the rulebooks, but, unfortunately, you're all we have, if we want digital rules.
I think that is skewing your numbers when it comes to people who are willing to use the service, and whether they're willing to subscribe or pay a one time fee.
I think the question needs to be asked: If WoTC offered digital rulebooks through a one-time purchase somewhere else, would you still be interested in D&D Beyond? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?
The problem we have here is that there a lot of people that want digital rulebooks for 5e. The only path to those rulebooks seems to be D&D Beyond, since WoTC is refusing to make them. So, I am sure there are people looking to D&D Beyond as a source for digital rules that they don't want to subscribe to, but simply pay a one time fee to purchase and have access to, the way people do now, with various other RPG games on the market.
I know that D&D Beyond is trying to be an all encompassing solution that goes beyond just the rulebooks, but, unfortunately, you're all we have, if we want digital rules.
I think that is skewing your numbers when it comes to people who are willing to use the service, and whether they're willing to subscribe or pay a one time fee.
I think the question needs to be asked: If WoTC offered digital rulebooks through a one-time purchase somewhere else, would you still be interested in D&D Beyond? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?
Eh, we're close enough that I can at least confirm this - you will absolutely be able to buy all the digital rulebooks, adventures, and any other published WotC content on D&D Beyond for a one-time purchase. A subscription is not required to be able to have full access to those materials.
Subscriptions will be used for other purposes, which will be revealed "soon."
The problem we have here is that there a lot of people that want digital rulebooks for 5e. The only path to those rulebooks seems to be D&D Beyond, since WoTC is refusing to make them. So, I am sure there are people looking to D&D Beyond as a source for digital rules that they don't want to subscribe to, but simply pay a one time fee to purchase and have access to, the way people do now, with various other RPG games on the market.
I know that D&D Beyond is trying to be an all encompassing solution that goes beyond just the rulebooks, but, unfortunately, you're all we have, if we want digital rules.
I think that is skewing your numbers when it comes to people who are willing to use the service, and whether they're willing to subscribe or pay a one time fee.
I think the question needs to be asked: If WoTC offered digital rulebooks through a one-time purchase somewhere else, would you still be interested in D&D Beyond? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?
Eh, we're close enough that I can at least confirm this - you will absolutely be able to buy all the digital rulebooks, adventures, and any other published WotC content on D&D Beyond for a one-time purchase. A subscription is not required to be able to have full access to those materials.
Subscriptions will be used for other purposes, which will be revealed "soon."
Thanks!
Tasty!
I was looking through this thread specifically with the dread that this sort of thing would not be available even after a one-time fee.
Can you reveal if Characters is one of the subscription-based purposes? (-:
The problem we have here is that there a lot of people that want digital rulebooks for 5e. The only path to those rulebooks seems to be D&D Beyond, since WoTC is refusing to make them. So, I am sure there are people looking to D&D Beyond as a source for digital rules that they don't want to subscribe to, but simply pay a one time fee to purchase and have access to, the way people do now, with various other RPG games on the market.
I know that D&D Beyond is trying to be an all encompassing solution that goes beyond just the rulebooks, but, unfortunately, you're all we have, if we want digital rules.
I think that is skewing your numbers when it comes to people who are willing to use the service, and whether they're willing to subscribe or pay a one time fee.
I think the question needs to be asked: If WoTC offered digital rulebooks through a one-time purchase somewhere else, would you still be interested in D&D Beyond? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?
Eh, we're close enough that I can at least confirm this - you will absolutely be able to buy all the digital rulebooks, adventures, and any other published WotC content on D&D Beyond for a one-time purchase. A subscription is not required to be able to have full access to those materials.
Subscriptions will be used for other purposes, which will be revealed "soon."
Thanks!
Boom! That's what I wanted to hear. Well you have my money now.
The problem we have here is that there a lot of people that want digital rulebooks for 5e. The only path to those rulebooks seems to be D&D Beyond, since WoTC is refusing to make them. So, I am sure there are people looking to D&D Beyond as a source for digital rules that they don't want to subscribe to, but simply pay a one time fee to purchase and have access to, the way people do now, with various other RPG games on the market.
I know that D&D Beyond is trying to be an all encompassing solution that goes beyond just the rulebooks, but, unfortunately, you're all we have, if we want digital rules.
I think that is skewing your numbers when it comes to people who are willing to use the service, and whether they're willing to subscribe or pay a one time fee.
I think the question needs to be asked: If WoTC offered digital rulebooks through a one-time purchase somewhere else, would you still be interested in D&D Beyond? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?
Eh, we're close enough that I can at least confirm this - you will absolutely be able to buy all the digital rulebooks, adventures, and any other published WotC content on D&D Beyond for a one-time purchase. A subscription is not required to be able to have full access to those materials.
Subscriptions will be used for other purposes, which will be revealed "soon."
Thanks!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester
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I have no problem paying a reasonable fee for content and services. I have always believed though that the savings from not printing and binding a book should be passed on the the consumer, however most digital books cost about the same price as the physical ones and I won't pay physical price for 1s and 0s.
My main concern is that there's going to be a premium price for this service. I'm disabled and on a fixed income, I'm willing to pay a fair price but am concerned I'll be priced out of this service at launch.
To everyone working on DDB - you folks are AWESOME! Thank you for letting us all into your beta! To the community - thank you for being the friendliest I've ever experienced in a forum!
Your concern touches on my main concern. I'm very interested in the service but do not own many of the books. If the final product doesn't offer much to hardcore players who already own the books then the service may not reach it's target audience and will die. That normally doesn't matter in regards to subscription services such as VOD. I've subscribed to services that I knew weren't going to last for various reasons. But, I'm not likely to subscribe or pay for a service I don't think will last. If the price is barely affordable for me I start to wonder if too many others won't be able to afford it and it won't last long if people the user base is small. I just wonder how much people will be willing to pay per month for a service theyh may only use a few hour per month vs a few hours per week for netflix. And if the content is made available by purchasing, really just licensing, a la carte, how many people are going to invest in a digital substitute for a physical product if they can't be sure it'll be available in reasonable perpetuity. If it was subscription based and only a few dollars per month I could see lots of people subscribing. If it is a la carte and it worked out it be 20 dollars per book versus 30 for the hardcover on amazon then maybe it would be viable. But, for not much more you could always buy the books, and they have pretty pictures in them.
So when I heard the announcement I got super excited about a online character sheet. So excited I kept waiting and waiting. Well finally after a month and no news of when phase two is being released I just today went ahead and bought an ios version. So now having all the books I need and a not great but good enough app for a characters I need at a glance.... I'm even less interested in this now. But I'm sure the product will be great and you guys will all enjoy it when it finally comes out.
I'm sure once its here it'll be awesome when its here like the rest of the site. I was trying to satisfy my craving for now til summer. Anyways 2 more months (June) to 5 more months (September) and we'll get to see the truly awesome stuff you guys will have rolling out. Thanks for the response.
I would certainly consider an annual subscription if all phases of the beta continue to be as detailed as the first. I played ver 2.0 - 3.5 extensively and very much enjoyed the game. As I got older, life did not support the long gaming get-togethers I had with my friends. Hopefully this will allow my old campaign to virtually get back together again and game the way we used to. So far so good! Keep up the great effort and I very much look forward to whats to come!
Irrelevant to the discussion, but BadEye I just want to say I love the new look of your user image, very cool (I'm pretty sure it didn't have the faded background bit before, right?)
If it's truly BEYOND, then I'm willing to pay for community online features that the D&D books can't convey.
I don't feel like I would want to pay for online access to a compendium of data in the 5E books I have already bought. It seems like some sort of online advertising might better support that kind of "online data access" feature. If I want the convenience of looking up the data online, advertise to me.
I don´t mind paying as long as it has good support and don´t get abandoned as time goes by.
"The dwarves have a saying. ‘Trouble borrowed will be paid back with interest compounded on sorrow.’ Don’t worry. We’re with you." — Tanis Half-Elven, Dragons of Winter Night
I hope their payment method will be flexible and offer various ways to pay for the content you want.
They could place a digital code inside the book. Cover it with a peel away sticker much like I have seen done with comic books. Shipping books shrink wrapped would help with this as well. Possibly offer game stores a "store copy" people could look through to decide if they want to purchase a given title. There are ways around people pirating the codes..it just might add a step or more to the process.
I have even see instances where you where given a code at time of purchase by the retailer. They handed out the digital code upon payment of the physical item at the register to prevent people from swiping the codes..true this is an extra step and kind of a pain..but again another way around it.
If you paid to have the physical copy it is a kick in the shin to have to buy the same thing again digitally.
I would also be annoyed if I already had digital copies purchased through something like Roll20 and had to get them again.
Pun-loving nerd | She/Her/Hers | Profile art by Becca Golins
If you need help with homebrew, please post on the homebrew forums, where multiple staff and moderators can read your post and help you!
"We got this, no problem! I'll take the twenty on the left - you guys handle the one on the right!"🔊
I don't much like the idea of digital codes. Too many hackers out there know how to make programs that generate real codes. So in theory I could buy the book then find out my code doesn't work. Nah I think it's better to be tied only to the site. Even though sadly I own the books I want...
The universe never did make sense; I suspect it was built on government contract. -RAH
It is easier to stay out than get out. -Twain
Being right too soon is socially unacceptable. -RAH
The problem we have here is that there a lot of people that want digital rulebooks for 5e. The only path to those rulebooks seems to be D&D Beyond, since WoTC is refusing to make them. So, I am sure there are people looking to D&D Beyond as a source for digital rules that they don't want to subscribe to, but simply pay a one time fee to purchase and have access to, the way people do now, with various other RPG games on the market.
I know that D&D Beyond is trying to be an all encompassing solution that goes beyond just the rulebooks, but, unfortunately, you're all we have, if we want digital rules.
I think that is skewing your numbers when it comes to people who are willing to use the service, and whether they're willing to subscribe or pay a one time fee.
I think the question needs to be asked: If WoTC offered digital rulebooks through a one-time purchase somewhere else, would you still be interested in D&D Beyond? If so, what would you be willing to pay for it?
Very interesting @BadEye curious about those mystery purposes!
D&D Beyond Mobile Alpha Tester