Hoping not to get hammered for this as it is kind of a rant.
People asked for a online source like this for several years,but it never happened until now. I find it great that you finally decided to develop a app/program of this nature. I find it kinda late in the game though, its been developed elsewhere. Most everybody knows how much they have spent on 5e books etc.. so to ask people to spend say 20.00 per book again to have it online is ridiculous. (Just a estimate..folks) I am not cheap nor a downloader where I could have got everything for free, but I did spend my hard earned money to buy my 5e stuff. I am also not lazy and if it is a ludicrous amount of money I will still carry all my books into the local store each week. But...I would pay a one time fee to be a member where all the content is free for the cost of membership. But again I fear the price will be made to high. I think I would have went outside the box with this endeavor, because you did decide kinda late to make this. If it does turn into a one stop shop and its affordable,I will definately subscribe. But again I fear it will turn into a money grab with endless content being offered monthly at a price you could have for free by opening up your books. Just my .02 worth.
While I get the notion about not wanting to pay for books twice, consider the pace of 5E releases. The current model seems to be one book with mechanical content per year and two big adventures. We know there is an expansion coming late in the year, but even that probably won't be a must. The only player at my table who has purchased more than one book for this edition is the guy who wanted an extra PHB. Compared to the almost monthly releases of the past couple of editions, 5E has been cheap for my group. If they charge by the book, the core rules will rough, the annual investment will be much lower.
Player Subscription gives you access to all compendium (all core rules), Character sheets, spells, and basic creature info for things like find familiar, steed, Druid shapechange, etc. and magic items. Includes the ability to access core content shared by a connected Dungeon Master (while connected only).
Player Add-Packs: Add full MM for $20, with future printings of the book to include a code to have it for free. Add Module-specific content for $5, and other major releases at $10. If they purchase physical copies, they can add content to their subscription at 50% off. This content would only be accessible with a paid subscription, but content is tied to user, so if their subscription lapses, the content is there if they renew later.
Dungeon Master Subscription (monthly): $5
Dungeon Master Subscription (annually): $55
Dungeon Master Subscription gives you access to all content from Player's Subscription plus access to the campaign tools and full MM. Includes ability to share info with connected players.
Add Content: Add full modules for $10, with future modules containing a code for 50% off digital add-on.
Homebrew Subscription (Add to any subscription for $2 monthly/$22 annually): Adds ability to create and store homebrew magic items, monsters, races, classes, and compendium rules for share with currently connected players. Content only available if the subscription is current, so data is not accessible if you let the homebrew subscription lapse. However the info is there if you renew later.
This is my idea. If I wanted everything, it would cost me $84 a year. If I was a new player and just wanted to get into the game for three months just to try it, it would cost me $9. So...a basic gaming table for 4 players over three months with the app would bring in $61. If all players decide to do this annually, the app would bring in $187. Add homebrewfor the DM and that is now $209. Homebrew for everyone? $297 annually.
Best of all, I don't think this feels like a rip-off and people can choose the things they want for their games. DMs that don't use homebrew are not forced to pay for it, players that just want to play, don't have to pay the same as the DM, and it locks down content for those who don't need to see it.
The downside is obvious. You have to create all this stuff in a way that allows for the info to be locked and unlocked and parsed in a way that allows for the subscription to work as intended (such as DM sharing).
I feel if you put the time in to come up with a fair system that does not ask for too much investment for players, and a bit more for hardcore players and DMs, you will reap big rewards for it.
I can find everything on this website for free. In version of an app on my phone (items, armor, monsters, spells, etc) and online as well.
What is it that makes this different? Why would I opt to pay for this? It seems silly to me.
Yeah, this has "pretty" icons for things, and it's easily navigable, but that doesn't merit a price tag. I don't care about that stuff, what I care about is efficiency and ease of use. Having to pay a monthly fee? Might as well pack it up now boys, that isn't going to happen. A one time fee of maybe.. 10 bucks? Yeah, I might see that happening. But if you are looking to use this tool as a free money cash cow, it's not going to happen.
There are several places with free information in both form of online website, and mobile app. Trying to compete with FREE simply isn't going to happen.
I hope that there is something I'm missing, I can easily integrate homebrew stuff into a campaign without needing an app for it. Unless they have some magical holy grail hidden in "phase 3" of the "beta" (which I honestly don't even know why they need a "beta" for this, but w/e) there won't be much reason to use this, especially if it'd paid access.
maybe late to the party and saying things people have said 100 times but I figure il throw my hat into the ring (see how I didn't make the 2 cent joke there, aint I something special, dont ever go for the low hanging fruit kids, reach up only 4 inches higher)
Its hard to say with out extracts how I feel about a subscription, like if I am just paying for an index as well and just keep online references for my characters I would just make a character, print out the sheet and just use that instead. Now if lets say my dm could send over items he gives to my character sheet live at the game then that would be a different story.
what I do know for sure is I wouldn't want to ever pay for a system where I can only get aspects of one class I feel like it would need to be a system that is reasonably priced for all classes. I dont think I would even pay 5$ a month to be honest, I only play 1 weekly game for afew hours, and 5$ for that is rather step, if I compare it to netflix or wow I get access to alot of content I can use at anytime for all kinds of gameplay or videos respectively. Now for 1$ I could see it as a small forgettable amount that adds up to almost nothing.
I guess all in all I really said nothing, I would have to see how its done, it will be hard to mix cost and effectiveness well to be viable, but likely it would have to be fairly cheap for me to consider it at all
I can find everything on this website for free. In version of an app on my phone (items, armor, monsters, spells, etc) and online as well.
What is it that makes this different? Why would I opt to pay for this? It seems silly to me.
Yeah, this has "pretty" icons for things, and it's easily navigable, but that doesn't merit a price tag. I don't care about that stuff, what I care about is efficiency and ease of use. Having to pay a monthly fee? Might as well pack it up now boys, that isn't going to happen. A one time fee of maybe.. 10 bucks? Yeah, I might see that happening. But if you are looking to use this tool as a free money cash cow, it's not going to happen.
There are several places with free information in both form of online website, and mobile app. Trying to compete with FREE simply isn't going to happen.
I hope that there is something I'm missing, I can easily integrate homebrew stuff into a campaign without needing an app for it. Unless they have some magical holy grail hidden in "phase 3" of the "beta" (which I honestly don't even know why they need a "beta" for this, but w/e) there won't be much reason to use this, especially if it'd paid access.
What's currently available on the site will all be free on release (afaik). What you'll need to pay for is content that's not in the SRD, probably the campaign tools to some degree (i.e. what's coming in phase 3), and certain parts of "homebrew integration" - they've confirmed you'll be able to create hb without paying, but there are some currently-undisclosed features that will require money.
So essentially, the reason why this doesn't seem any better than the currently available free options is that what you see now is the free version, or at least a part of it.
Also if you don't understand why this needs a beta, have a look at the bug reports section of the forums. People have already caught several mistakes in the game info, found things that were broken, and are suggesting features to make it better. By doing this beta first, they can dicover any issues more easily, without people complaining that they're paying for a broken product.
I have only one requirement. I want my D&D books available in digital format that I buy once and then can view on my phone, on my tablet (iOS AND Android), and my computer (Mac, Windows AND Linux). I want to be able to print out things as I need to, and I want it to auto-update with errata as WoTC releases it. I don't need a dice roller, or dungeon master tools, or a campaign manager or a Roll20 clone. I just want digital books. The fact that 5e launched with no digital strategy is kind of mind boggling.
Is this something D&D Beyond is planning to offer?
I love the idea of having all the official content in one place so D&D Beyond has me excited!
As it stands now though there isn't anything in here I don't have in my books, so I'll have to wait until phase 2, or even 3, until I can determine what more I'd like to see and how much I'd be willing to pay for it.
Kyosji, having access to all printed and digital 5th edition material would be on top of all the other digital tools. My worry is that they will want to charge a monthly fee for only the digital tools and any access to the books would be either an extra charge or only in paper form. If there is a monthly fee I want them to include more than just the digital tools. Also the 4th ed. digital tools also had a subscription fee.
Might want to edit your post. I got chastised for referencing pirated copies in a previous post and apparently it's a bannable offense
My copy isn't pirated. I bought the book and scanned it myself, then ran it though software to identify text. Makes it easier to find information by doing a search. If they want to ban me for making a copy of my own property, that would make them look bad
I think having a multi-transactional approach is a good idea:
FREE tier:
Character creation from classes available only in the PHB, and only up to level 5. Offline saving and printing.
One-Time Purchase:
Unlock major books (DMG, Bestiary, etc). Each purchase grants a free time period of 'low-tier subscription time' (see below, length to be determined, probably 30 days). The cost should be about 1/3 the cost of the dead tree edition. Books printed after launch will come with a code to unlock their digital version for 50-100% off.
Unlock tools for creating custom encounters ($1-5). Includes pre-rendered maps, monster randomizers, CR calculators,
Subscription:
Low-tier ($5-8/mo): access to 1 or 2 predesigned modules. At the end of each month, these campaigns are rotated. Iterated backups of your characters (IE, character snapshots) online. Some of these modules are web-exclusive, and not available in print (usually 1 or 2 a year).
High-tier ($10-20): permanent access to campaigns as they are published, akin to a season pass. Receive access to the campaigns two weeks ahead of low-tier subscribers. 1 additional module exclusive to high-tier subscribers.
First purchase or subscription enrollment permanently unlocks character creation up to and including epic play.
This model does a few things:
1. It lets new players tinker around and find a character they like with no cost.
2. It lets players slowly invest in the game, just as we do in the physical world.
3. It does not penalize purchasing physical copies of books.
4. It incentivizes regular play (at least once a month).
Might want to edit your post. I got chastised for referencing pirated copies in a previous post and apparently it's a bannable offense
My copy isn't pirated. I bought the book and scanned it myself, then ran it though software to identify text. Makes it easier to find information by doing a search. If they want to ban me for making a copy of my own property, that would make them look bad
The only problem with that approach is the file is HUGE. A properly generated PDF from Adobe InDesign or Quark Xpress, is going to be smaller and scale better when you pinch and zoom. Our entire group already owns the Player's Handbook. I think I may ask the group if they're willing to all pitch in 5 bucks and I buy a copy and send it to 1dollarscan.com to have a PDF made.
I think having a multi-transactional approach is a good idea:
FREE tier:
Character creation from classes available only in the PHB, and only up to level 5. Offline saving and printing.
One-Time Purchase:
Unlock major books (DMG, Bestiary, etc). Each purchase grants a free time period of 'low-tier subscription time' (see below, length to be determined, probably 30 days). The cost should be about 1/3 the cost of the dead tree edition. Books printed after launch will come with a code to unlock their digital version for 50-100% off.
Unlock tools for creating custom encounters ($1-5). Includes pre-rendered maps, monster randomizers, CR calculators,
Subscription:
Low-tier ($5-8/mo): access to 1 or 2 predesigned modules. At the end of each month, these campaigns are rotated. Iterated backups of your characters (IE, character snapshots) online. Some of these modules are web-exclusive, and not available in print (usually 1 or 2 a year).
High-tier ($10-20): permanent access to campaigns as they are published, akin to a season pass. Receive access to the campaigns two weeks ahead of low-tier subscribers. 1 additional module exclusive to high-tier subscribers.
First purchase or subscription enrollment permanently unlocks character creation up to and including epic play.
This model does a few things:
1. It lets new players tinker around and find a character they like with no cost.
2. It lets players slowly invest in the game, just as we do in the physical world.
3. It does not penalize purchasing physical copies of books.
4. It incentivizes regular play (at least once a month).
5. It rewards loyalty to high-paying customers.
Those one time purchase books better have offline access. I'm curious. How many people want the whole shebang, and how many people just want digital versions of the rules?
Seems like your complaint is better thrown at WoTC. I don't think the decision makers at WoTC are monitoring this. WoTC has a poor track record with digital tools. They did try to get something out early on, but made a bad partnership decision--the developers they chose to work with couldn't deliver, or they had different visions on what the product should be (different rumors pointing figures at different parties, probably enough blame to go around with both).
I can understand your frustration. I've spent a lot of money not only on the books but on third party software that I've had to enter in a lot of content myself and rely on community support. I don't know what I'll be willing to pay. I have to see the final product and what the price is. If the product only works when connected to the internet, I'm not sure it will be right for me. If there are no collaborative features, that's another issue.
It'll be nice to have all the content in an easy to search and filter format, but if that is all it does, I'm not sure I'll find it worth paying much given the many free websites out there and the data entry I've already done in other tools.
I'm not an avid D&D player, but that's due to minimal time and finances. I avoid most subscription based games and apps like the plague. I cannot afford it. We as a family share a NetFlix account, now that it has access for separate users, we've included family as well and pay the fee. We know its being used by at least 3 of the 5 users/month enough to make the cost worth it.
Back to D&D. I would consider a purchase fee for the app/account, and an additional fee for each e-book, however there is a catch most people may not think about. Without costs of printing, materials, etc. etc., e-pubs/e-books/e-files are very inexpensive. I would assume that WotC has these backed up already. That case being made, a purchase of each e-book at a reduced price (no material, delivery, minimal online storage, costs) would make it a lot more affordable while still earning a revenue.
As for the application itself, several variations could be made:
Free, which provides the base app, but no working content such as character sheets, access to forums and discussions, support, or 'Beta Phase 1".
Casual Player level: One-time fee @ low-cost, which includes 3-5 working character sheets which interact with purchase of each edition of D&D base players guide (each edition separately).
Epic Player: One-time fee @ a moderate-cost which includes unlimited mod char sheets for every edition released and in the future (note still require separate purchase of books & players guides).
Dungeon Master (individual editions or All-in-one): Higher initial cost includes all current books for the purchased edition (or all current books) + $3-5 subscription fee, working like audible and earning credits to purchase unowned and new books.
I'm sure if given time and resources (and a reason to do so) any one of us could make a payment plan to consider by WotC each of us having our own reasons for 'what costs how much at which level'. At a DM level, whether single edition DM or Master DM (all editions at once) the subscription fee would provide additional income for WotC to develop new content. 'Tokens' could be used to purchase the new books, and/or WotC created products (i.e. mini-figures, dice).
Example just because I'm working it in my head, I'm sure the finance and marketing departments of WotC could easily understand and/or implement similar into their strategy:
Free Account gives access to whatever content WotC decides to provide free on the application, does not include any modifiable documents; may purchase e-books at $15/e-book.
Casual Player: $5:::::Includes Free Account; up to 5 working character sheets over any edition; purchase of 1-5 books at $12.75/e-book, 6-10 books in one purchase at $10.50/e-book and 11+ books at $9.75/e-book.
Epic Player: $25:::::Includes Free Account; unlimited working character sheets over any edition; purchase of 1-5 books at $12.00/e-book, 6-10 books in one purchase at $9.00/e-book and 11+ books at $6.00/e-book.
Dungeon Master Account: (heres a formula as I don't know the number of books): $35+(D&D # Edition(a) * number of books *$5.50)+(D&D # Edition(b) * number of books *$5.50)... = Total cost before Subscription. $5.00 subscription/month = 1 token per month. Includes:
Free Content
Unlimited Character Sheets
DM tools beyond DM Guides purchased.
Monster character sheets (semi-modifiable, DM Subscription only, of purchased of Monster Manuals)
User Created Content sharing
1 token = 1 book or $5.00 worth of WotC Merchandise
Bonus Tokens for every 6 months continuous subscription
6 Mo = +1
12 Mo = +1 (2 total)
18 mo = +1 (3 total)
Etc.
Master Dungeon Master Account (formula): $50+(4.50*Total current published D&D e-books)+$6.00 monthly subscription. Includes
All of the above.
Recognition for being a Master Dungeon Master
Dungeon Master Support Group (DMSG: private group for MDM accounts)
Priority Customer Support
1 token = 1 book or $5.00 worth of WotC Merchandise (additional $1.00 for priority service and maintaining DMSG).
Bonus Tokens [change from DM Account] for every 6 months continuous subscription
6 Mo = +1
12 Mo = +2 (3 total)
18 mo = +3 (6 total)
Etc.
I know this is a little lengthy, but it would be one method to consider reaching faithful players as well as drawing in more casual players like myself. With the PC version, maybe having the DM/MDM accounts (at $10/$11 per month rate vice $5/$6) have hosting capabilities similar to Rolz/Roll20. In the long run (when finances are available) I would definitely consider a MDM account as described above.
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3.5 had digital tools?
Hoping not to get hammered for this as it is kind of a rant.
People asked for a online source like this for several years,but it never happened until now. I find it great that you finally decided to develop a app/program of this nature. I find it kinda late in the game though, its been developed elsewhere. Most everybody knows how much they have spent on 5e books etc.. so to ask people to spend say 20.00 per book again to have it online is ridiculous. (Just a estimate..folks) I am not cheap nor a downloader where I could have got everything for free, but I did spend my hard earned money to buy my 5e stuff. I am also not lazy and if it is a ludicrous amount of money I will still carry all my books into the local store each week. But...I would pay a one time fee to be a member where all the content is free for the cost of membership. But again I fear the price will be made to high. I think I would have went outside the box with this endeavor, because you did decide kinda late to make this. If it does turn into a one stop shop and its affordable,I will definately subscribe. But again I fear it will turn into a money grab with endless content being offered monthly at a price you could have for free by opening up your books. Just my .02 worth.
While I get the notion about not wanting to pay for books twice, consider the pace of 5E releases. The current model seems to be one book with mechanical content per year and two big adventures. We know there is an expansion coming late in the year, but even that probably won't be a must. The only player at my table who has purchased more than one book for this edition is the guy who wanted an extra PHB. Compared to the almost monthly releases of the past couple of editions, 5E has been cheap for my group. If they charge by the book, the core rules will rough, the annual investment will be much lower.
Here is my two cents (haha):
Player Subscription (monthly): $3
Player (annually): $33
Player Subscription gives you access to all compendium (all core rules), Character sheets, spells, and basic creature info for things like find familiar, steed, Druid shapechange, etc. and magic items. Includes the ability to access core content shared by a connected Dungeon Master (while connected only).
Player Add-Packs: Add full MM for $20, with future printings of the book to include a code to have it for free. Add Module-specific content for $5, and other major releases at $10. If they purchase physical copies, they can add content to their subscription at 50% off. This content would only be accessible with a paid subscription, but content is tied to user, so if their subscription lapses, the content is there if they renew later.
Dungeon Master Subscription (monthly): $5
Dungeon Master Subscription (annually): $55
Dungeon Master Subscription gives you access to all content from Player's Subscription plus access to the campaign tools and full MM. Includes ability to share info with connected players.
Add Content: Add full modules for $10, with future modules containing a code for 50% off digital add-on.
Homebrew Subscription (Add to any subscription for $2 monthly/$22 annually): Adds ability to create and store homebrew magic items, monsters, races, classes, and compendium rules for share with currently connected players. Content only available if the subscription is current, so data is not accessible if you let the homebrew subscription lapse. However the info is there if you renew later.
This is my idea. If I wanted everything, it would cost me $84 a year. If I was a new player and just wanted to get into the game for three months just to try it, it would cost me $9. So...a basic gaming table for 4 players over three months with the app would bring in $61. If all players decide to do this annually, the app would bring in $187. Add homebrewfor the DM and that is now $209. Homebrew for everyone? $297 annually.
Best of all, I don't think this feels like a rip-off and people can choose the things they want for their games. DMs that don't use homebrew are not forced to pay for it, players that just want to play, don't have to pay the same as the DM, and it locks down content for those who don't need to see it.
The downside is obvious. You have to create all this stuff in a way that allows for the info to be locked and unlocked and parsed in a way that allows for the subscription to work as intended (such as DM sharing).
I feel if you put the time in to come up with a fair system that does not ask for too much investment for players, and a bit more for hardcore players and DMs, you will reap big rewards for it.
I can find everything on this website for free. In version of an app on my phone (items, armor, monsters, spells, etc) and online as well.
What is it that makes this different? Why would I opt to pay for this? It seems silly to me.
Yeah, this has "pretty" icons for things, and it's easily navigable, but that doesn't merit a price tag. I don't care about that stuff, what I care about is efficiency and ease of use. Having to pay a monthly fee? Might as well pack it up now boys, that isn't going to happen. A one time fee of maybe.. 10 bucks? Yeah, I might see that happening. But if you are looking to use this tool as a free money cash cow, it's not going to happen.
There are several places with free information in both form of online website, and mobile app. Trying to compete with FREE simply isn't going to happen.
I hope that there is something I'm missing, I can easily integrate homebrew stuff into a campaign without needing an app for it. Unless they have some magical holy grail hidden in "phase 3" of the "beta" (which I honestly don't even know why they need a "beta" for this, but w/e) there won't be much reason to use this, especially if it'd paid access.
Yep, well 3.0 did have a character creator disc in the PH
No school like Old School! DnD since 1975
I remember the disc, I just didn't know that they supported it past that.
maybe late to the party and saying things people have said 100 times but I figure il throw my hat into the ring (see how I didn't make the 2 cent joke there, aint I something special, dont ever go for the low hanging fruit kids, reach up only 4 inches higher)
Its hard to say with out extracts how I feel about a subscription, like if I am just paying for an index as well and just keep online references for my characters I would just make a character, print out the sheet and just use that instead. Now if lets say my dm could send over items he gives to my character sheet live at the game then that would be a different story.
what I do know for sure is I wouldn't want to ever pay for a system where I can only get aspects of one class I feel like it would need to be a system that is reasonably priced for all classes. I dont think I would even pay 5$ a month to be honest, I only play 1 weekly game for afew hours, and 5$ for that is rather step, if I compare it to netflix or wow I get access to alot of content I can use at anytime for all kinds of gameplay or videos respectively. Now for 1$ I could see it as a small forgettable amount that adds up to almost nothing.
I guess all in all I really said nothing, I would have to see how its done, it will be hard to mix cost and effectiveness well to be viable, but likely it would have to be fairly cheap for me to consider it at all
I have only one requirement. I want my D&D books available in digital format that I buy once and then can view on my phone, on my tablet (iOS AND Android), and my computer (Mac, Windows AND Linux). I want to be able to print out things as I need to, and I want it to auto-update with errata as WoTC releases it. I don't need a dice roller, or dungeon master tools, or a campaign manager or a Roll20 clone. I just want digital books. The fact that 5e launched with no digital strategy is kind of mind boggling.
Is this something D&D Beyond is planning to offer?
I love the idea of having all the official content in one place so D&D Beyond has me excited!
As it stands now though there isn't anything in here I don't have in my books, so I'll have to wait until phase 2, or even 3, until I can determine what more I'd like to see and how much I'd be willing to pay for it.
Kyosji, having access to all printed and digital 5th edition material would be on top of all the other digital tools. My worry is that they will want to charge a monthly fee for only the digital tools and any access to the books would be either an extra charge or only in paper form. If there is a monthly fee I want them to include more than just the digital tools. Also the 4th ed. digital tools also had a subscription fee.
What I am not ready to pay for at this stage is a character/npc/encounter counter builders
Fool me once - shame on you - but paying for "upcoming services" that never arrive - nope - not again.
I think having a multi-transactional approach is a good idea:
FREE tier:
Character creation from classes available only in the PHB, and only up to level 5. Offline saving and printing.
One-Time Purchase:
Unlock major books (DMG, Bestiary, etc). Each purchase grants a free time period of 'low-tier subscription time' (see below, length to be determined, probably 30 days). The cost should be about 1/3 the cost of the dead tree edition. Books printed after launch will come with a code to unlock their digital version for 50-100% off.
Unlock tools for creating custom encounters ($1-5). Includes pre-rendered maps, monster randomizers, CR calculators,
Subscription:
Low-tier ($5-8/mo): access to 1 or 2 predesigned modules. At the end of each month, these campaigns are rotated. Iterated backups of your characters (IE, character snapshots) online. Some of these modules are web-exclusive, and not available in print (usually 1 or 2 a year).
High-tier ($10-20): permanent access to campaigns as they are published, akin to a season pass. Receive access to the campaigns two weeks ahead of low-tier subscribers. 1 additional module exclusive to high-tier subscribers.
First purchase or subscription enrollment permanently unlocks character creation up to and including epic play.
This model does a few things:
1. It lets new players tinker around and find a character they like with no cost.
2. It lets players slowly invest in the game, just as we do in the physical world.
3. It does not penalize purchasing physical copies of books.
4. It incentivizes regular play (at least once a month).
5. It rewards loyalty to high-paying customers.
Seems like your complaint is better thrown at WoTC. I don't think the decision makers at WoTC are monitoring this. WoTC has a poor track record with digital tools. They did try to get something out early on, but made a bad partnership decision--the developers they chose to work with couldn't deliver, or they had different visions on what the product should be (different rumors pointing figures at different parties, probably enough blame to go around with both).
I can understand your frustration. I've spent a lot of money not only on the books but on third party software that I've had to enter in a lot of content myself and rely on community support. I don't know what I'll be willing to pay. I have to see the final product and what the price is. If the product only works when connected to the internet, I'm not sure it will be right for me. If there are no collaborative features, that's another issue.
It'll be nice to have all the content in an easy to search and filter format, but if that is all it does, I'm not sure I'll find it worth paying much given the many free websites out there and the data entry I've already done in other tools.
I'm not an avid D&D player, but that's due to minimal time and finances. I avoid most subscription based games and apps like the plague. I cannot afford it. We as a family share a NetFlix account, now that it has access for separate users, we've included family as well and pay the fee. We know its being used by at least 3 of the 5 users/month enough to make the cost worth it.
Back to D&D. I would consider a purchase fee for the app/account, and an additional fee for each e-book, however there is a catch most people may not think about. Without costs of printing, materials, etc. etc., e-pubs/e-books/e-files are very inexpensive. I would assume that WotC has these backed up already. That case being made, a purchase of each e-book at a reduced price (no material, delivery, minimal online storage, costs) would make it a lot more affordable while still earning a revenue.
As for the application itself, several variations could be made:
I'm sure if given time and resources (and a reason to do so) any one of us could make a payment plan to consider by WotC each of us having our own reasons for 'what costs how much at which level'. At a DM level, whether single edition DM or Master DM (all editions at once) the subscription fee would provide additional income for WotC to develop new content. 'Tokens' could be used to purchase the new books, and/or WotC created products (i.e. mini-figures, dice).
Example just because I'm working it in my head, I'm sure the finance and marketing departments of WotC could easily understand and/or implement similar into their strategy:
I know this is a little lengthy, but it would be one method to consider reaching faithful players as well as drawing in more casual players like myself. With the PC version, maybe having the DM/MDM accounts (at $10/$11 per month rate vice $5/$6) have hosting capabilities similar to Rolz/Roll20. In the long run (when finances are available) I would definitely consider a MDM account as described above.