I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns about the recent decision to automatically update certain spells, magic items, and equipment on D&D Beyond to the 2024 versions while tagging older content as "Legacy." As a dedicated member of the Dungeons & Dragons community, I feel that this decision could have significant negative impacts, particularly for those of us who rely heavily on your digital tools for accessibility.
Many players, myself included, depend on D&D Beyond for its convenience and accessibility features. The decision to forcefully update spells and items on character sheets without providing an option to revert to the 2014 versions can disrupt ongoing campaigns, especially for those who may struggle with the traditional pen-and-paper method due to accessibility issues. The alternative suggestion to manually create "homebrew" versions of these items is not only time-consuming but also feels disrespectful to the community that has supported D&D Beyond as a central hub for gameplay.
It’s also worth noting that many tables use a combination of D&D Beyond and traditional paper character sheets: depending on preference. This hybrid approach allows for a blend of digital convenience and the tactile experience of pen-and-paper gameplay. However, the recent changes complicate this dynamic, as players now face inconsistencies between the updated digital content and the physical sheets their party members maintain. This further highlights the need for flexibility in how these updates are implemented.
Moreover, the homebrew workaround does not address all concerns. Conditions, tooltips, and AC that were part of the 2014 rules cannot be homebrewed, further complicating gameplay for those who are mid-campaign. This forced update, without considering the diverse needs of your user base, goes against the promise of cross-compatibility and could diminish the value that many players find in D&D Beyond.
Additionally, it is deeply problematic to remove or alter content that was previously available in the character creation screen, especially when that content was a driving force for purchasing it in the first place. Many users, including myself, have invested in specific rulebooks and content on D&D Beyond with the understanding that these resources would be available and functional within the character creation tools. The removal or forced alteration of this paid content undermines the trust that users have placed in D&D Beyond and diminishes the value of our purchases. It’s crucial that Wizards of the Coast respects these purchases and ensures that the content remains fully usable in the way it was originally intended.
I urge you to reconsider this approach or, at the very least, provide an opt-out option for those who wish to continue using the 2014 ruleset in their entirety. Ensuring that D&D Beyond remains a flexible and accessible tool for all players should be a priority, especially as we transition into the new rule set.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback. I hope that Wizards of the Coast can find a solution that respects the needs of all players in the D&D community.
Best regards, Dark_Requiem02
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Dear Wizards of the Coast Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns about the recent decision to automatically update certain spells, magic items, and equipment on D&D Beyond to the 2024 versions while tagging older content as "Legacy." As a dedicated member of the Dungeons & Dragons community, I feel that this decision could have significant negative impacts, particularly for those of us who rely heavily on your digital tools for accessibility.
Many players, myself included, depend on D&D Beyond for its convenience and accessibility features. The decision to forcefully update spells and items on character sheets without providing an option to revert to the 2014 versions can disrupt ongoing campaigns, especially for those who may struggle with the traditional pen-and-paper method due to accessibility issues. The alternative suggestion to manually create "homebrew" versions of these items is not only time-consuming but also feels disrespectful to the community that has supported D&D Beyond as a central hub for gameplay.
It’s also worth noting that many tables use a combination of D&D Beyond and traditional paper character sheets: depending on preference. This hybrid approach allows for a blend of digital convenience and the tactile experience of pen-and-paper gameplay. However, the recent changes complicate this dynamic, as players now face inconsistencies between the updated digital content and the physical sheets their party members maintain. This further highlights the need for flexibility in how these updates are implemented.
Moreover, the homebrew workaround does not address all concerns. Conditions, tooltips, and AC that were part of the 2014 rules cannot be homebrewed, further complicating gameplay for those who are mid-campaign. This forced update, without considering the diverse needs of your user base, goes against the promise of cross-compatibility and could diminish the value that many players find in D&D Beyond.
Additionally, it is deeply problematic to remove or alter content that was previously available in the character creation screen, especially when that content was a driving force for purchasing it in the first place. Many users, including myself, have invested in specific rulebooks and content on D&D Beyond with the understanding that these resources would be available and functional within the character creation tools. The removal or forced alteration of this paid content undermines the trust that users have placed in D&D Beyond and diminishes the value of our purchases. It’s crucial that Wizards of the Coast respects these purchases and ensures that the content remains fully usable in the way it was originally intended.
I urge you to reconsider this approach or, at the very least, provide an opt-out option for those who wish to continue using the 2014 ruleset in their entirety. Ensuring that D&D Beyond remains a flexible and accessible tool for all players should be a priority, especially as we transition into the new rule set.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback. I hope that Wizards of the Coast can find a solution that respects the needs of all players in the D&D community.
Best regards,
Dark_Requiem02