With the latest scandal on the /r/Roll20 reddit sub - Not getting into argument here - there's a lot of interest in alternative platforms for VTT and D&D play tools in general. I've been using a tool call Arkenforge, an amazing VTT with powerful map building, dynamic lighting, animated backgrounds and effects, music and sound library integration, etc...
I asked the lead dev of Arkenforge if they've given any thought to integrating D&D Beyond to provide an active ruleset, compendium, monster stats, character building, and creating a powerful alternative to Roll20, especially for in-person, digitally augmented play. His response was that they would love to work with the D&D Beyond tech to power this kind of experience, but there's no public API for Beyond yet.
What's the possibility of publishing the API in the near future to make this kind of solution work? Does the D&D Beyond Team have interest in pursuing this kind of tech integration with DM tool builders like Arkenforge?
I know that the D&D Beyond team is likely not intending to build a complete VTT from scratch, so it seems like a great opportunity to jump on a sudden interest in VTT alternatives to increase market share for D&D Beyond purchases over Roll20. Think about it...
I really hope DnDBeyond moves in this direction. Arkenforge looks great, https://talespire.com/ & https://www.astraltabletop.com/ look great too. Online D&D players deserve much better VTT's than what's currently out there imo.
I know as a player I'm extremely frustrated by the current VTT situation as well as ease of finding a game. Proper integration of DnDBeyond with a really well made VTT would be the best thing that could possibly happen to WotC, DnDBeyond, and to the Dungeons and Dragons community.
I have been begging for a public API since D&D Beyond was announced. I'd love to be able to buy all my digital D&D sources in one place and use them on any D&D site or tool I use. Moreover, I'd love to be able to create D&D tools with official D&D content without having to license with WotC directly and charge users again. Instead, set up OAuth (or whatever Twitch uses) for users to connect to their existing DnDB account and use the content they have unlocked. It would give us efficiencies of focus. D&D Beyond could focus on polishing the compendium, character sheets, and homebrew systems, while other developers could handle all the other stuff that people keep asking for, like virtual tabletops, encounter builders, initiative trackers, loot rollers, etc.
I saw the reddit post about Arkenforge in r/dndnext today, and this is exactly what I've been looking for. I immediately cancelled my Roll20 sub and I'll be purchasing the Masters Toolkit tomorrow. I use a TV to project maps and I use real minis, so I don't really need most of the features that come with a VTT.
Just adding my voice to the choir saying that I would love to see DDB work within something like Arkenforge.
I am now following this app. I read that they plan to have a ttrial version soon. I'll be waiting for that before paying out cast for something I can't currently play around with.
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Watch your back, conserve your ammo, and NEVER cut a deal with a dragon!
This would be fantastic. I love the idea of the integration to Arkenforge. I play live, so it works fantastically for me, though I know there are others who prefer being online. On that note, may take a few years, but there is a plan to have it work online as well. This would be great overall.
As a guy who uses tools like that I would love to see API used there as well. Also as a developer of tools for init tracking, I would love to give my users access to their owned data from dnd beyond (especially monsters). I don't get it, what is D&D Beyond still waiting for... people ask for it for years already.
They haven’t been asking “for years” as DDB is less than 2 years old. When its been asked about it before, staff has indicated one issue is that things on the backend are still in flux. So an API that works today may not work a few months down the road when a feature is revamped/reworked. I would guess there may also be issues with the license they have from WOTC.
OK, multiple reasons. The changing API - it is a matter of good code architecture and planning. D&D 5e is not new thing in the room. Has already few years. Rules don't change as much to make it the reason for not giving API. There are already good Open Source projects on creating rules API alone (though basic rules only based).
Maybe people were not asking for it for years. Say a year - at least that's how long I remember seeing peoples posts. Doesn't matter anyway. The need is there. I understand they had no time to plan and organize architecture in the code in the past. But if they seriously think of growing (and let's be honest, they grow pretty fast and quickly became main, official tool for D&D 5e players) they should put some time in rewriting code to share API. At least part of it. Unless they follow waterfall management - which would be hilarious in 2018 ;)
The license issue might be a bigger problem - I agree. That would need some work with WotC and this may take some time. After all they would have to share the data to outside tools that integrate with them. That may require kind of agreement (license at least) with the companies to cover use of date limited only to the user that is authorized. I think no data access at D&D Beyond can be revoked, so this would be no problem. But if using access of user X, service Y would acquire some paid data, they would need to be sure, this data is available only for the user. But... this isn't something that cannot be taken care of. Only if there's enough good will around :)
Well, let's hope we won't be waiting forever. At least for some solid information on the topic.
With the latest scandal on the /r/Roll20 reddit sub - Not getting into argument here - there's a lot of interest in alternative platforms for VTT and D&D play tools in general. I've been using a tool call Arkenforge, an amazing VTT with powerful map building, dynamic lighting, animated backgrounds and effects, music and sound library integration, etc...
https://arkenforge.com/
I asked the lead dev of Arkenforge if they've given any thought to integrating D&D Beyond to provide an active ruleset, compendium, monster stats, character building, and creating a powerful alternative to Roll20, especially for in-person, digitally augmented play. His response was that they would love to work with the D&D Beyond tech to power this kind of experience, but there's no public API for Beyond yet.
What's the possibility of publishing the API in the near future to make this kind of solution work? Does the D&D Beyond Team have interest in pursuing this kind of tech integration with DM tool builders like Arkenforge?
I know that the D&D Beyond team is likely not intending to build a complete VTT from scratch, so it seems like a great opportunity to jump on a sudden interest in VTT alternatives to increase market share for D&D Beyond purchases over Roll20. Think about it...
-Leto A.
I really hope DnDBeyond moves in this direction. Arkenforge looks great, https://talespire.com/ & https://www.astraltabletop.com/ look great too. Online D&D players deserve much better VTT's than what's currently out there imo.
I know as a player I'm extremely frustrated by the current VTT situation as well as ease of finding a game. Proper integration of DnDBeyond with a really well made VTT would be the best thing that could possibly happen to WotC, DnDBeyond, and to the Dungeons and Dragons community.
I have been begging for a public API since D&D Beyond was announced. I'd love to be able to buy all my digital D&D sources in one place and use them on any D&D site or tool I use. Moreover, I'd love to be able to create D&D tools with official D&D content without having to license with WotC directly and charge users again. Instead, set up OAuth (or whatever Twitch uses) for users to connect to their existing DnDB account and use the content they have unlocked. It would give us efficiencies of focus. D&D Beyond could focus on polishing the compendium, character sheets, and homebrew systems, while other developers could handle all the other stuff that people keep asking for, like virtual tabletops, encounter builders, initiative trackers, loot rollers, etc.
The ApostleO himself! Haha :)
I saw the reddit post about Arkenforge in r/dndnext today, and this is exactly what I've been looking for. I immediately cancelled my Roll20 sub and I'll be purchasing the Masters Toolkit tomorrow. I use a TV to project maps and I use real minis, so I don't really need most of the features that come with a VTT.
Just adding my voice to the choir saying that I would love to see DDB work within something like Arkenforge.
I am now following this app. I read that they plan to have a ttrial version soon. I'll be waiting for that before paying out cast for something I can't currently play around with.
Watch your back, conserve your ammo,
and NEVER cut a deal with a dragon!
This would be fantastic. I love the idea of the integration to Arkenforge. I play live, so it works fantastically for me, though I know there are others who prefer being online. On that note, may take a few years, but there is a plan to have it work online as well. This would be great overall.
As a guy who uses tools like that I would love to see API used there as well. Also as a developer of tools for init tracking, I would love to give my users access to their owned data from dnd beyond (especially monsters). I don't get it, what is D&D Beyond still waiting for... people ask for it for years already.
They haven’t been asking “for years” as DDB is less than 2 years old. When its been asked about it before, staff has indicated one issue is that things on the backend are still in flux. So an API that works today may not work a few months down the road when a feature is revamped/reworked. I would guess there may also be issues with the license they have from WOTC.
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;
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OK, multiple reasons. The changing API - it is a matter of good code architecture and planning. D&D 5e is not new thing in the room. Has already few years. Rules don't change as much to make it the reason for not giving API. There are already good Open Source projects on creating rules API alone (though basic rules only based).
Maybe people were not asking for it for years. Say a year - at least that's how long I remember seeing peoples posts. Doesn't matter anyway. The need is there. I understand they had no time to plan and organize architecture in the code in the past. But if they seriously think of growing (and let's be honest, they grow pretty fast and quickly became main, official tool for D&D 5e players) they should put some time in rewriting code to share API. At least part of it. Unless they follow waterfall management - which would be hilarious in 2018 ;)
The license issue might be a bigger problem - I agree. That would need some work with WotC and this may take some time. After all they would have to share the data to outside tools that integrate with them. That may require kind of agreement (license at least) with the companies to cover use of date limited only to the user that is authorized. I think no data access at D&D Beyond can be revoked, so this would be no problem. But if using access of user X, service Y would acquire some paid data, they would need to be sure, this data is available only for the user. But... this isn't something that cannot be taken care of. Only if there's enough good will around :)
Well, let's hope we won't be waiting forever. At least for some solid information on the topic.