Two points, first I cannot help but notice you edited the quote removing the part where they say they have a subscription and are happy with it. Second, I believe it's a fair argument to make that as we do not own the digital content when we purchase it via your online store, we only own the right to access it for as long as your company exists and subject to a presumably extensive terms and conditions, a insurance policy of the physical copy of the book would be desirable thus regardless of the status of your company we would be able to enjoy the content. As you do not offer a physical copy of the book and in truly are providing the service of splitting out the data into a usable format; which is very nice and convenient, it still leaves a bit of an ill taste in the consumers mouth as for some of us we have bought several books in hard copy, then bought the digital copy, then bought a monthly subscription I wholeheartedly agree you should be paid for your work, but as a service it makes more sense for you not to make the money on the books themselves if the end users already bought the physical copies, and instead work out a deal with wizards of the coast where you don't have to pay them as they've already been paid, and you get paid for the work of processing the data in the form of the monthly subscription which is in truth the service which you offer. Even if the price were to be raised to $10 per month it would still feel better as a consumer than double paying for every book and a subscription on top.
What really hurts about this information is that I already bought the books from Barnes and Noble, but now I have to buy the books again online? Why does it have to work like that? Why pay twice for something?
What really hurts about this information is that I already bought the books from Barnes and Noble, but now I have to buy the books again online? Why does it have to work like that? Why pay twice for something?
Because DDB offers a different experience than physical books: Like the options coded for the character builder, the filterable listings of monsters, spells, magic items, etc. All of that takes work and workers deserved to be paid for it. Having bought the books at Barnes and Noble, would you then walk into your local,gaming store a demand a second copy, plus spell, monster, and/or magic item card sets for free? If not, why do you expect those things for free if they are digital?
As has already been explained multiple times in this thread, there is no way to prove that you own the book, there are no unique numerical sequences or anything to prove your copy is your copy, so there is no way to implement this without just giving the books away free to everyone on earth. New books are being bundled with a digital copy for a premium price, but no, older, preexisting books will never grant digital access.
Necro-ing this thread to ask if this is changing now that WotC owns D&DBeyond.
It has changed a little bit. It is now possible to purchase a few physical/digital bundles, directly from WOTC here: https://dndstore.wizards.com/us.
There have been reports of poor communication about shipping and significant shipping delays from users who ordered some of these.
It is still not possible to buy a book at a local game store or through Amazon and get a code for the digital version. Nor is it possible to “redeem”a physical book already owned. Given comments staff have made in the forums, the latter is unlikely to ever be a possibility.
Now that WOTC has bought DnD Beyond, couldn't they implement something to unlock the books after you buy a physical copy by QR-code or something?
Did you see my post just above yours? Yes, this is that is still the case. While WOTC owns DDB, all the logistical impediments to doing what you suggest still remain, including, but not limited to:
-the need to shrink wrap the books to protect from said codes being stolen. This adds expense and is highly problematic for brick and mortar stores, as their sales are much better when customers can leaf through the books before deciding to purchase
-the lack of a unique code in existing books (so those who already own physical books will never be able to enter a code to get free DDB access)
-the fact that converting the books to be used on DDB takes time and labor, and those workers (and their support staff) deserve to be paid (so books with the code would be more expensive; see bundle pricing on WOTC’s website)
-the fact that the stores selling D&D books use a wide variety of Point of Sale Systems, making creating a “print the DDB code on the receipt” logistically and financially a nightmare and near impossible.
-the fact that the stores selling D&D books use a wide variety of Point of Sale Systems, making creating a “print the DDB code on the receipt” logistically and financially a nightmare and near impossible.
I'd say this is the most likely way they will implement this process. Nightmare? meh. Near impossible? That's a stretch. It'll be a lot of work with contracts and agreements between Hasbro and POS providers. Modern POS systems do things similar to this already though. If Hasbro/WoTC wants to foster good relationships with LGSs, this could very well be implemented by they time they start rolling out the next edition at some limited locations.
and what are they gonna do with companies that don't use any POS provider, just a plain ol' cash register and a credit card processor?
Cash register and credit card processors are still point of sale, so it will not affect them. New types of POS providers can be easily integrated into most "old timey" retail counter systems, however.
Failure to adapt or accept a new POS model simply on the paradigm of, "I shouldn't have to!" is a fallacy.
and what are they gonna do with companies that don't use any POS provider, just a plain ol' cash register and a credit card processor?
Cash register and credit card processors are still point of sale, so it will not affect them. New types of POS providers can be easily integrated into most "old timey" retail counter systems, however.
Failure to adapt or accept a new POS model simply on the paradigm of, "I shouldn't have to!" is a fallacy.
Exactly. If a LGS doesn't want to upgrade to a compatible POS system, and probably pay some extra fee for it, then they won't be able to ask their customers "Would you like the digital copy of this book unlocked on dndbeyond for an additional $12?" This is assuming WotC would charge $10 for the digital access addon, the POS company would charge $1.50 for the processing addon, and $0.50 would go to the LGS, most likely to cover their fee to pay for their increased monthly POS service charge.
If they go this route, it could be an additional revenue stream for MtG for physical+digital bundles for those products too. It's really not hard to imagine. Online retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart could just as well put this in their payment processing too to upsell physical+digital bundles for D&D and MtG products.
If a store doesn't want to get with the times, then I can't really fault them for not doing everything to increase their business opportunities.
Wouldnt it be possible for those who bought physical copies to apply for a unique code, add proof of purchase ( photo of book with the unique code sticker pasted on a certain spot) to add them to the library.
Make the unique codes like 10-ish dollars to compensate for the legwork DDB has done etc etc.
This way players can enjoy both services WotC provide.
Wouldnt it be possible for those who bought physical copies to apply for a unique code, add proof of purchase ( photo of book with the unique code sticker pasted on a certain spot) to add them to the library.
Make the unique codes like 10-ish dollars to compensate for the legwork DDB has done etc etc.
This way players can enjoy both services WotC provide.
Adding the unique code adds to the expense of the book. It is also easily stolen before the book is purchased unless the book is shrink wrapped. And validating the codes also takes infrastructure, which costs money. Nor does it help folks who already purchased books.
Same reason my local comic shop sells physical copies, marvel/DC sell digital. Neither is owned by the other but they both allow you to read the content digitally when you buy it. And since WOTC bought beyond, they said they would make it work that physical can be used for builds.
And since WOTC bought beyond, they said they would make it work that physical can be used for builds.
I do not remember WOTC saying this. Can you point to such a statement?
What I remember is a comment by Stormknight, who was at the time on DDB staff but is no longer, saying they were looking for ways to bundle things, but
1) this would be for books purchased in the future, no currently owned books
and 2) I remember no mention of them saying that digital access would be free, which seems to be what you are implying.
ok so i've a question to add to the thread. and if it's been answered already sorry i missed it.
So with the not so recent news now of Wizards of the coast and DnD Beyond coming together is there any change in the policy of if you have a hard copy you need an online copy here for the likes of character generation and rules access?
ok so i've a question to add to the thread. and if it's been answered already sorry i missed it.
So with the not so recent news now of Wizards of the coast and DnD Beyond coming together is there any change in the policy of if you have a hard copy you need an online copy here for the likes of character generation and rules access?
No, why would they?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
CENSORSHIP IS THE TOOL OF COWARDS and WANNA BE TYRANTS.
ok so i've a question to add to the thread. and if it's been answered already sorry i missed it.
So with the not so recent news now of Wizards of the coast and DnD Beyond coming together is there any change in the policy of if you have a hard copy you need an online copy here for the likes of character generation and rules access?
No, why would they?
OK so a change in circumstances could lead to a change in policy which in my view is worth at least asking a question about? Or to put it another way if you don't ask you don't know.
In additino to this i can think of a number of ways to make it possible, although some are more secure than others.
However the best of both worlds scenario would be say some kind of character builder pack. (taking this from the point of view if you already have the physical book you don't need the rest, but access to the stuff i'm going to mention below would allow the use of the DnD beyond character builder) it would also mean the website would still generate an income versus its cost, for those persons than just prefer a hard copy version to digital (for me this is down to i don't like endlessly scrolling on my phone).
Follow my line of thinking if you will. I'm going to use The Wild beyond the Witchlight book as an example, cause i have the hard copy and 've looked at the online option for this as well.
so online The Wild Beyond the Witchlight in full costs $29.99
Separately you can purchase backgrounds (both of them at $2.99 or $1.99 a piece, there are similar breakdowns for the others), magic items, monsters and compendium content. You can't purchase races (or at least if you can it's not obvious).
What i would suggest is some kind of character bundle that puts race, background and feat information as a set to used for the character builder.
ok so i've a question to add to the thread. and if it's been answered already sorry i missed it.
So with the not so recent news now of Wizards of the coast and DnD Beyond coming together is there any change in the policy of if you have a hard copy you need an online copy here for the likes of character generation and rules access?
No, why would they?
OK so a change in circumstances could lead to a change in policy which in my view is worth at least asking a question about? Or to put it another way if you don't ask you don't know.
In additino to this i can think of a number of ways to make it possible, although some are more secure than others.
However the best of both worlds scenario would be say some kind of character builder pack. (taking this from the point of view if you already have the physical book you don't need the rest, but access to the stuff i'm going to mention below would allow the use of the DnD beyond character builder) it would also mean the website would still generate an income versus its cost, for those persons than just prefer a hard copy version to digital (for me this is down to i don't like endlessly scrolling on my phone).
Follow my line of thinking if you will. I'm going to use The Wild beyond the Witchlight book as an example, cause i have the hard copy and 've looked at the online option for this as well.
so online The Wild Beyond the Witchlight in full costs $29.99
Separately you can purchase backgrounds (both of them at $2.99 or $1.99 a piece, there are similar breakdowns for the others), magic items, monsters and compendium content. You can't purchase races (or at least if you can it's not obvious).
What i would suggest is some kind of character bundle that puts race, background and feat information as a set to used for the character builder.
thoughts??
I don't disagree with you, but if you have followed WotC/Hasbro this year at all it would be abundantly clear they have tunnel vision on profits currently. They are also spending big on their own VTT that will be hard to play with out the digital content, considering recent management has come from companies that use micro transactions to make lots of money.
That said I ask again why would they?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
CENSORSHIP IS THE TOOL OF COWARDS and WANNA BE TYRANTS.
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Two points, first I cannot help but notice you edited the quote removing the part where they say they have a subscription and are happy with it. Second, I believe it's a fair argument to make that as we do not own the digital content when we purchase it via your online store, we only own the right to access it for as long as your company exists and subject to a presumably extensive terms and conditions, a insurance policy of the physical copy of the book would be desirable thus regardless of the status of your company we would be able to enjoy the content. As you do not offer a physical copy of the book and in truly are providing the service of splitting out the data into a usable format; which is very nice and convenient, it still leaves a bit of an ill taste in the consumers mouth as for some of us we have bought several books in hard copy, then bought the digital copy, then bought a monthly subscription I wholeheartedly agree you should be paid for your work, but as a service it makes more sense for you not to make the money on the books themselves if the end users already bought the physical copies, and instead work out a deal with wizards of the coast where you don't have to pay them as they've already been paid, and you get paid for the work of processing the data in the form of the monthly subscription which is in truth the service which you offer. Even if the price were to be raised to $10 per month it would still feel better as a consumer than double paying for every book and a subscription on top.
What really hurts about this information is that I already bought the books from Barnes and Noble, but now I have to buy the books again online? Why does it have to work like that? Why pay twice for something?
Because DDB offers a different experience than physical books: Like the options coded for the character builder, the filterable listings of monsters, spells, magic items, etc. All of that takes work and workers deserved to be paid for it. Having bought the books at Barnes and Noble, would you then walk into your local,gaming store a demand a second copy, plus spell, monster, and/or magic item card sets for free? If not, why do you expect those things for free if they are digital?
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Necro-ing this thread to ask if this is changing now that WotC owns D&DBeyond.
As has already been explained multiple times in this thread, there is no way to prove that you own the book, there are no unique numerical sequences or anything to prove your copy is your copy, so there is no way to implement this without just giving the books away free to everyone on earth. New books are being bundled with a digital copy for a premium price, but no, older, preexisting books will never grant digital access.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
It has changed a little bit. It is now possible to purchase a few physical/digital bundles, directly from WOTC here: https://dndstore.wizards.com/us.
There have been reports of poor communication about shipping and significant shipping delays from users who ordered some of these.
It is still not possible to buy a book at a local game store or through Amazon and get a code for the digital version. Nor is it possible to “redeem”a physical book already owned. Given comments staff have made in the forums, the latter is unlikely to ever be a possibility.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Is this still the case?
Now that WOTC has bought DnD Beyond, couldn't they implement something to unlock the books after you buy a physical copy by QR-code or something?
Did you see my post just above yours? Yes, this is that is still the case. While WOTC owns DDB, all the logistical impediments to doing what you suggest still remain, including, but not limited to:
-the need to shrink wrap the books to protect from said codes being stolen. This adds expense and is highly problematic for brick and mortar stores, as their sales are much better when customers can leaf through the books before deciding to purchase
-the lack of a unique code in existing books (so those who already own physical books will never be able to enter a code to get free DDB access)
-the fact that converting the books to be used on DDB takes time and labor, and those workers (and their support staff) deserve to be paid (so books with the code would be more expensive; see bundle pricing on WOTC’s website)
-the fact that the stores selling D&D books use a wide variety of Point of Sale Systems, making creating a “print the DDB code on the receipt” logistically and financially a nightmare and near impossible.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
I'd say this is the most likely way they will implement this process. Nightmare? meh. Near impossible? That's a stretch. It'll be a lot of work with contracts and agreements between Hasbro and POS providers. Modern POS systems do things similar to this already though. If Hasbro/WoTC wants to foster good relationships with LGSs, this could very well be implemented by they time they start rolling out the next edition at some limited locations.
How to: Replace DEX in your AC | Jump & Suffocation stats | Build a (Spell & class effect buff system | Wild Shape effect system) | Tool Proficiencies as Custom Skills | Spells at higher levels explained | Superior Fighting/Martial Adept Fix | Snippet Codes Explored - Subclasses | Snippet Math Theory | Homebrew Weapons Explained
Check out my: FEATS | MAGIC ITEMS | MONSTERS | SUBCLASSES Artificer Specialist: Weaveblade
Dndbeyond images not loading A PERMANENT WORKAROUND!!! (thank you Jay_Lane)
and what are they gonna do with companies that don't use any POS provider, just a plain ol' cash register and a credit card processor?
Cash register and credit card processors are still point of sale, so it will not affect them. New types of POS providers can be easily integrated into most "old timey" retail counter systems, however.
Failure to adapt or accept a new POS model simply on the paradigm of, "I shouldn't have to!" is a fallacy.
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Exactly. If a LGS doesn't want to upgrade to a compatible POS system, and probably pay some extra fee for it, then they won't be able to ask their customers "Would you like the digital copy of this book unlocked on dndbeyond for an additional $12?" This is assuming WotC would charge $10 for the digital access addon, the POS company would charge $1.50 for the processing addon, and $0.50 would go to the LGS, most likely to cover their fee to pay for their increased monthly POS service charge.
If they go this route, it could be an additional revenue stream for MtG for physical+digital bundles for those products too. It's really not hard to imagine. Online retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart could just as well put this in their payment processing too to upsell physical+digital bundles for D&D and MtG products.
If a store doesn't want to get with the times, then I can't really fault them for not doing everything to increase their business opportunities.
How to: Replace DEX in your AC | Jump & Suffocation stats | Build a (Spell & class effect buff system | Wild Shape effect system) | Tool Proficiencies as Custom Skills | Spells at higher levels explained | Superior Fighting/Martial Adept Fix | Snippet Codes Explored - Subclasses | Snippet Math Theory | Homebrew Weapons Explained
Check out my: FEATS | MAGIC ITEMS | MONSTERS | SUBCLASSES Artificer Specialist: Weaveblade
Dndbeyond images not loading A PERMANENT WORKAROUND!!! (thank you Jay_Lane)
Wouldnt it be possible for those who bought physical copies to apply for a unique code, add proof of purchase ( photo of book with the unique code sticker pasted on a certain spot) to add them to the library.
Make the unique codes like 10-ish dollars to compensate for the legwork DDB has done etc etc.
This way players can enjoy both services WotC provide.
Adding the unique code adds to the expense of the book. It is also easily stolen before the book is purchased unless the book is shrink wrapped. And validating the codes also takes infrastructure, which costs money. Nor does it help folks who already purchased books.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
Same reason my local comic shop sells physical copies, marvel/DC sell digital. Neither is owned by the other but they both allow you to read the content digitally when you buy it. And since WOTC bought beyond, they said they would make it work that physical can be used for builds.
I do not remember WOTC saying this. Can you point to such a statement?
What I remember is a comment by Stormknight, who was at the time on DDB staff but is no longer, saying they were looking for ways to bundle things, but
1) this would be for books purchased in the future, no currently owned books
and 2) I remember no mention of them saying that digital access would be free, which seems to be what you are implying.
Trying to Decide if DDB is for you? A few helpful threads: A Buyer's Guide to DDB; What I/We Bought and Why; How some DMs use DDB; A Newer Thread on Using DDB to Play
Helpful threads on other topics: Homebrew FAQ by IamSposta; Accessing Content by ConalTheGreat;
Check your entitlements here. | Support Ticket LInk
ok so i've a question to add to the thread. and if it's been answered already sorry i missed it.
So with the not so recent news now of Wizards of the coast and DnD Beyond coming together is there any change in the policy of if you have a hard copy you need an online copy here for the likes of character generation and rules access?
No, why would they?
CENSORSHIP IS THE TOOL OF COWARDS and WANNA BE TYRANTS.
OK so a change in circumstances could lead to a change in policy which in my view is worth at least asking a question about? Or to put it another way if you don't ask you don't know.
In additino to this i can think of a number of ways to make it possible, although some are more secure than others.
However the best of both worlds scenario would be say some kind of character builder pack. (taking this from the point of view if you already have the physical book you don't need the rest, but access to the stuff i'm going to mention below would allow the use of the DnD beyond character builder) it would also mean the website would still generate an income versus its cost, for those persons than just prefer a hard copy version to digital (for me this is down to i don't like endlessly scrolling on my phone).
Follow my line of thinking if you will. I'm going to use The Wild beyond the Witchlight book as an example, cause i have the hard copy and 've looked at the online option for this as well.
so online The Wild Beyond the Witchlight in full costs $29.99
Separately you can purchase backgrounds (both of them at $2.99 or $1.99 a piece, there are similar breakdowns for the others), magic items, monsters and compendium content. You can't purchase races (or at least if you can it's not obvious).
What i would suggest is some kind of character bundle that puts race, background and feat information as a set to used for the character builder.
thoughts??
I don't disagree with you, but if you have followed WotC/Hasbro this year at all it would be abundantly clear they have tunnel vision on profits currently. They are also spending big on their own VTT that will be hard to play with out the digital content, considering recent management has come from companies that use micro transactions to make lots of money.
That said I ask again why would they?
CENSORSHIP IS THE TOOL OF COWARDS and WANNA BE TYRANTS.