I've been planning an "oops All Dragons" campaign for a while now, and I have a bunch of fun in-person doohickies, gadgets, and trinkets that I'm excited to implement. I've looked up some examples of people doing hybrid setups and they were all great inspiration, but I was looking for more. One of my friends that MUST be in this specific campaign (because I love him and we have dreamed this up for a while) lives out of state now.
My current theoretical plan
For the centerpiece. My big unused flatback TV lying in the center to display cool maps and such, maybe even on top of one of those table topped table topper tables (or whatever they're called) for extra useable table space below the TV; or a nice white mat to cover the table and a projector mounted on a C-arm (those things that hold boom mics or professional cameras) to display maps and such. Both these options would theoretically let me stream the map in Discord or something for easier access to the virtual player if necessary.
Webcams on webcams: One webcam aimed at me, most likely also mounted on the C-arm but at a different angle, so that the virtual player can see me do all of my fun stuff and get an angle on cool DM screen shenanigans. One webcam on my laptop at the opposite end of the table, so the table can see a relatively large display of the virtual player and he can get somewhat of an angle on the players at the table. Maybe one more if I get greedy for another angle but that's less important.
Conference speaker: I would be getting a fairly expensive one for optimal quality and latency.
VTT: potentially considering barebones VTT functionality to display said maps so my virtual player can move around on the map on their own. I have two options for this and its not my highest priority to figure out at the moment.
Things that I am determined to accomplish if only for this one campaign and then never again: Use all of my in-person fun stuff and have the virtual player get the best experience possible in the process.
DISCLAIMER: I'm aware that hybrid is a huge struggle for most (if not all) groups, and it brings weaknesses from both in-person and virtual play without bringing all of the strengths from either. I'm just getting ahead of any replies stating that the best hybrid setup is to not do hybrid (ironic comments will get a pass....I guess). I'm not asking for advice on if I should do it, but on suggestions on how to make it the best that I can make it.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
My background (to provide context): Former stage and screen director, sound person, and actor. I've also taught in person, online, and hybrid. Much, much prior to that IT tech that set up office systems and developed websites.
Ideal Set-Up (In Person):
Microphone for each player & GM round the table which feed into
Audio Interface, so that you can alter and perfect the audio levels for each player. This in turn feeds into
Streaming software (OBS), which accepts all the inputs
Streamcams x2 (Logitech and Elgato make reasonable quality solutions here for between £80-£100) these too feed into OBS. One for players, one for GM.
Video calling software (I'd probably use Discord here) which uses the OBS virtual outputs as their Microphone and Camera inputs
A wired speaker for the players to hear the remote player
A decently capable computer for the running of OBS, the display of the remote player. This should have a good number of available USB inputs to take all of the webcams and the audio interface (dongles will affect the audio interface here). It should also have an audio out for the running of the speaker. Finally said computer ought to be connected via ethernet for stability, speed and low latency (wired is always superior for these things than wireless). This computer should also run a browser window for the map solution the GM choose, this browser window can be picked up as a source in OBS and output to the remote player in the video call software.
A second computer for the GM to run a map solution, I'd choose Owlbear Rodeo here because it's just so easy and simple (but has lots of cool extensions should you want that). It can also run on both traditional desktop and mobile devices really well. This computer would 'cast' the map onto a
Second screen of some kind (TV preferred) for the display of the battlemap.
Remote Set-Up:
Headphones are essential so that there is no echo from speakers over the video call.
A separate microphone for good quality audio recording
A wired internet connection for the same reasons given above - seriously the different is huge everyone
A webcam of similar quality to the ones used in room
a computer capable of handling all that plus the video call software
a browser window open for the map solution
Compromises can be made with the in person solution, but not really with the remote solution here. You're likely going to need some form of audio interface and a good solid wired connection to pull this off well. You'll also need a good solid computer capable of handling the inputs, streaming software, and video call. A cheapo dell laptop won't cut it here. While technically capable, the lack of ports on modern Macbooks also likely won't cut it here without dongles which risk interference and other issues running multiple things through the limited ports. A 2024 Macbook Pro could theoretically handle this set-up, but there are better spec'd laptops out there for far lower prices, that's a matter of preference and resources though. Something like a Framework 16 laptop with customisable ports would be perfect. Either way, the suggested solution will need at minimum three USB inputs (two for the webcams, one for the audio interface) and one audio out jack (or fourth USB with an adapter).
OBS really is one of the best solutions here though. You can take the inputs from various microphones, cameras, and suchlike, then compose them into a single virtual camera and microphone which most video call platforms can then use. I really can't think of a better software solution here.
My group is mostly remote, but often has multiple players in one location, and occasionally a bunch of us go to play in person while the rest are remote, and I have some thoughts:
The more complicated your setup, the more time you're going to need for debugging it each session. I don't know why they don't just stay working, but they don't. My relatively simple (Mac, bluetooth speaker with mic, audio hijack and loopback for managing two audio inputs, second person not on camera) works most of the time, but sometimes bluetooth is just slower or faster than normal, and I have to adjust the delay to avoid echo. The person with multiple mics, a hardware mixer, and an external webcam has more issues than that, and the one that involves a computer running zoom, a separate instance of zoom displaying to a tv, plus a webcam, is the fiddliest to get right.
Based on the good old days, when we were in person except for the one player who moved to a different state, you can get a mic/speaker designed for conference calls relatively inexpensively, and they are easily good enough for your audio, and having a single device means you don't have echo or feedback worries.
For the remote player, a laptop and its built-in mic and webcam is going to be fine, except for the "juggling all the windows" problem, and there's no solution to that except external monitors. (Inexpensive portable monitors have got pretty good, as long as you shop carefully.) Or maybe a tablet for the VTT.
Modern wifi can totally handle the video streaming; your ISP is the big hazard here.
My group is mostly remote, but often has multiple players in one location, and occasionally a bunch of us go to play in person while the rest are remote, and I have some thoughts:
The more complicated your setup, the more time you're going to need for debugging it each session. I don't know why they don't just stay working, but they don't. My relatively simple (Mac, bluetooth speaker with mic, audio hijack and loopback for managing two audio inputs, second person not on camera) works most of the time, but sometimes bluetooth is just slower or faster than normal, and I have to adjust the delay to avoid echo. The person with multiple mics, a hardware mixer, and an external webcam has more issues than that, and the one that involves a computer running zoom, a separate instance of zoom displaying to a tv, plus a webcam, is the fiddliest to get right.
Based on the good old days, when we were in person except for the one player who moved to a different state, you can get a mic/speaker designed for conference calls relatively inexpensively, and they are easily good enough for your audio, and having a single device means you don't have echo or feedback worries.
For the remote player, a laptop and its built-in mic and webcam is going to be fine, except for the "juggling all the windows" problem, and there's no solution to that except external monitors. (Inexpensive portable monitors have got pretty good, as long as you shop carefully.) Or maybe a tablet for the VTT.
Modern wifi can totally handle the video streaming; your ISP is the big hazard here.
With respect, wifi and bluetooth are likely why you won't get stability each time. Yes, modern WiFi can handle video streaming, however it will NEVER be as stable as wired ethernet. Even a particularly humid day can affect a WiFi or other wireless signals. Sure, mostly they're not noticeable but the cost of giving up wires is stability and latency.
Also, while audio interfaces are expensive, they are the solution for multiple audio inputs and outputs. They exist specifically for that reason.
Now granted setting up this level of set-up is second nature me. However, once learnt there really isn't much debugging to do. It's a short routine. Yes it seems complex, but the reason I suggested what I did was because it is thoroughly thought out and tested system. Like everything, learn how to use the equipment for intended purposes and you get more out it. I proposed a solution that goes for maximum possible quality for all players. Yes it's a little extra work to begin with, but can be set up in five, maybe ten minutes maximum when you know what you're doing.
The only issue really is the use of the map (battle field or current location. How we get around that when we have 1 person remote (as we are in person = is have 2 cameras one fixated on the map, so the remote player can see, and a second camera so you can see the room. Then you can use beyond character sheet and any VTT for rolling di. If you got time to do the map in VTT then don’t need 2 cameras.
The remote player having multiple screens would be most beneficial (I usually have 4) but I have the space for the configuration
This works for our group. I wished we went full VTT because we could play more. If you have a good comp/lap and wifi/eth lag won’t hurt you.
This really depends on how much time, effort and cost you want to invest in the solution. High quality set ups with multiple cameras, separate sound solutions, VTT for maps both local and remote will work and likely give a good experience.
However, some of the groups I've been involved with had hybrid play using just a phone or tablet. The camera was aimed at the local map/play area so that the remote player(s) could see what was going on. Two way video conferencing was optional but when active it lets most everyone see the remote player. Proper placement of the phone can allow the remote participant(s) to see both the board and the DM. Speaker phone settings seemed to work fine as long as the play environment wasn't too noisy. Overall, it was a fast and easy solution with minimal time, effort or cost investment that worked fine at least for the groups I was playing with.
In the OPs case, it sounds like you might be looking for a longer term solution to maximize the interactivity of remote play in which case the key elements would be good, reliable sound and multiple cameras to help the remote player feel like they are more closely involved in the game.
My background (to provide context): Former stage and screen director, sound person, and actor. I've also taught in person, online, and hybrid. Much, much prior to that IT tech that set up office systems and developed websites.
Ideal Set-Up (In Person):
Microphone for each player & GM round the table which feed into
Audio Interface, so that you can alter and perfect the audio levels for each player. This in turn feeds into
Streaming software (OBS), which accepts all the inputs
Streamcams x2 (Logitech and Elgato make reasonable quality solutions here for between £80-£100) these too feed into OBS. One for players, one for GM.
Video calling software (I'd probably use Discord here) which uses the OBS virtual outputs as their Microphone and Camera inputs
A wired speaker for the players to hear the remote player
A decently capable computer for the running of OBS, the display of the remote player. This should have a good number of available USB inputs to take all of the webcams and the audio interface (dongles will affect the audio interface here). It should also have an audio out for the running of the speaker. Finally said computer ought to be connected via ethernet for stability, speed and low latency (wired is always superior for these things than wireless). This computer should also run a browser window for the map solution the GM choose, this browser window can be picked up as a source in OBS and output to the remote player in the video call software.
A second computer for the GM to run a map solution, I'd choose Owlbear Rodeo here because it's just so easy and simple (but has lots of cool extensions should you want that). It can also run on both traditional desktop and mobile devices really well. This computer would 'cast' the map onto a
Second screen of some kind (TV preferred) for the display of the battlemap.
This is great. I do have a pretty decent audio interface, I think, already from my other hobbies, a Presonus Studio 18|10. I'm not sure exactly how that would support this setup, but its an idea. I have a few condenser mics, and one dynamic mic, currently at a friends house. I assume dynamic would be preferable for something like this. I have my main computer in a second room but I'm in the process of saving up to build a whole new one which would make this one a backup (I wanted to be able to run servers on this one and stuff in the future if I ever felt like learning how), and this one would be very capable. Proper stream cams are a much better idea then me thinking of just getting basic webcams. If I pulled this setup off in a way that I would like, then I would use it beyond this one campaign, of course, because my friend most likely will never move back.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
Based on the good old days, when we were in person except for the one player who moved to a different state, you can get a mic/speaker designed for conference calls relatively inexpensively, and they are easily good enough for your audio, and having a single device means you don't have echo or feedback worries.
Yeah conference mic is my original thought, and I'm still in the delayed process of researching good bang for my buck. I have one friend who lives and hour and half away, and he's the only other one I would potentially invite to be virtual on occasion, assuming that my eventual setup supports it.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
The only issue really is the use of the map (battle field or current location. How we get around that when we have 1 person remote (as we are in person = is have 2 cameras one fixated on the map, so the remote player can see, and a second camera so you can see the room. Then you can use beyond character sheet and any VTT for rolling di. If you got time to do the map in VTT then don’t need 2 cameras.
The remote player having multiple screens would be most beneficial (I usually have 4) but I have the space for the configuration
This works for our group. I wished we went full VTT because we could play more. If you have a good comp/lap and wifi/eth lag won’t hurt you.
I have physical maps that I think would be fun to use, but I have access to the same and/or similar maps digitally, which is why my first priority is a good setup to display the digital map at my table. The remote player has a full rig at home for his PC, so no worries on his end.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
This really depends on how much time, effort and cost you want to invest in the solution. High quality set ups with multiple cameras, separate sound solutions, VTT for maps both local and remote will work and likely give a good experience.
However, some of the groups I've been involved with had hybrid play using just a phone or tablet. The camera was aimed at the local map/play area so that the remote player(s) could see what was going on. Two way video conferencing was optional but when active it lets most everyone see the remote player. Proper placement of the phone can allow the remote participant(s) to see both the board and the DM. Speaker phone settings seemed to work fine as long as the play environment wasn't too noisy. Overall, it was a fast and easy solution with minimal time, effort or cost investment that worked fine at least for the groups I was playing with.
In the OPs case, it sounds like you might be looking for a longer term solution to maximize the interactivity of remote play in which case the key elements would be good, reliable sound and multiple cameras to help the remote player feel like they are more closely involved in the game.
Yeah my short-term goal is to really start testing out some ideas with a good conference speaker and see how it performs with my other ideas. Thanks to martintheactor I also be researching stream cameras next.
I definitely plan to invest in the setup, bare minimum, over time, because my out-of-state friend has no plans of ever moving back. And I really love tech and learning how to master it. My dream job would be being a tech systems guy, but that's a different topic. When I was in high school, I would hang out in the sound booth at my church to try and figure out how everything worked. It was a big church with a lot of fancy equipment. I have a long ways to go to even classify myself as above amateur though.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
I have played in a hybrid campaign, and it can be made to work, but there are definite compromises to be made.
A first question is handling the map -- the low setup options are either a physical map (with a camera pointed at it for the remote player) or a VTT (with a projector or large screen for the local players). The first definitely retains more of the tabletop experience for local players, but is not a great experience for the remote player.
There exist mods for using physical hardware to control a VTT; I haven't used any myself. They basically amount to displaying a VTT on your tabletop (again, projector or embedded screen) where the hardware is sensitive to the position of miniatures and thus moves the virtual minis to match the physical minis. The first one I ran into is https://foundryvtt.com/packages/MaterialPlane but there are probably others.
Other than that, it's pretty much a standard teleconferencing setup. Your highest priority is likely the sound system, not being able to see the other players faces is undesirable but nowhere near as disruptive as being unable to understand conversations.
Yeah conference mic is my original thought, and I'm still in the delayed process of researching good bang for my buck. I have one friend who lives and hour and half away, and he's the only other one I would potentially invite to be virtual on occasion, assuming that my eventual setup supports it.
What hardware mixer are you using?
(Assuming you're asking me) I'm not using a hardware mixer -- I have a software mixer (Audio Hijack) that takes the bluetooth mic on the speaker, plus my Mac's mic, lets me put a delay on the latter, and then I feed it into a virtual audio device made by a different piece of software (Loopback) that I can select in Zoom. If I didn't need the delay due to bluetooth, I believe I could've done it all in Loopback. It's pretty much hassle-free, except that sometimes Bluetooth is Bluetooth, and I have to tweak the delay. (Bluetooth is much less a dark art than it used to be, but it's still not science.)
These programs are Mac-only; no idea what the Windows world uses. (The company also makes other audio software, but, aside from their soundboard app, nothing that seems obviously useful for playing D&D online.)
With respect, wifi and bluetooth are likely why you won't get stability each time. Yes, modern WiFi can handle video streaming, however it will NEVER be as stable as wired ethernet. Even a particularly humid day can affect a WiFi or other wireless signals. Sure, mostly they're not noticeable but the cost of giving up wires is stability and latency.
Also, while audio interfaces are expensive, they are the solution for multiple audio inputs and outputs. They exist specifically for that reason.
Now granted setting up this level of set-up is second nature me. However, once learnt there really isn't much debugging to do. It's a short routine. Yes it seems complex, but the reason I suggested what I did was because it is thoroughly thought out and tested system. Like everything, learn how to use the equipment for intended purposes and you get more out it. I proposed a solution that goes for maximum possible quality for all players. Yes it's a little extra work to begin with, but can be set up in five, maybe ten minutes maximum when you know what you're doing.
You're right that it's more reliable. (Although the person with a hardware mixer and standalone mics is most often the one with audio issues in our group.)
But it's overkill. What you're describing is a low-end pro setup. If somebody were planning to livestream or record their games for the public, they might want all that.
But the average person can get like 90% of the way there with a lot less time, hassle, and expense. And it's good enough.
The main hazards to remote D&D will remain system failures and ISPs being bad, and even those pale against the usual hazards of people having lives and getting sick.
That Material Plane thing is awesome, I've never even heard of it. It definitely seems like a super fun DIY project, even if it could be difficult. It looks like at one point Foundry was direct linking to a store where you could buy the kit, but not anymore. Oh well. That will be on my much later todo list, if only because it sounds like a super fun thing to do.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
The main hazards to remote D&D will remain system failures and ISPs being bad, and even those pale against the usual hazards of people having lives and getting sick.
I'd like to second this comment. After playing online in multiple games over a period of years ... there is wide variation in the equipment folks use to play ... laptops, desktops, tablets, phones (I've played in games with my phone sitting on a dock at a lake and riding as a passenger along the 401 among other places), headsets, speakers, webcams, pro mics and streaming cameras ... but the number one quality of play issue is often the individual connection to the internet and how it is during the game. Some weeks a participant has sound drop out issues, sometimes a mic appears to be working poorly, sometimes a person can't be heard clearly ... occasionally these may be due to a setup issue, an unexpected change in a default value in the software or an equipment fault ... but most often it is variation in their internet connection. Heavy local use, higher than normal ping times, unexpected packet losses between that particular user and the server or the host system.
P.S. BTW .. using Roll20 on my phone worked fine with Roll20 characters ... doesn't work with Beyond20. Though the small screen was a challenge :) ... I could see the game, move and make rolls for the character and interact with the other players via Discord but it was only workable due to the decent network connection.
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I've been planning an "oops All Dragons" campaign for a while now, and I have a bunch of fun in-person doohickies, gadgets, and trinkets that I'm excited to implement. I've looked up some examples of people doing hybrid setups and they were all great inspiration, but I was looking for more. One of my friends that MUST be in this specific campaign (because I love him and we have dreamed this up for a while) lives out of state now.
My current theoretical plan
For the centerpiece. My big unused flatback TV lying in the center to display cool maps and such, maybe even on top of one of those table topped table topper tables (or whatever they're called) for extra useable table space below the TV; or a nice white mat to cover the table and a projector mounted on a C-arm (those things that hold boom mics or professional cameras) to display maps and such. Both these options would theoretically let me stream the map in Discord or something for easier access to the virtual player if necessary.
Webcams on webcams: One webcam aimed at me, most likely also mounted on the C-arm but at a different angle, so that the virtual player can see me do all of my fun stuff and get an angle on cool DM screen shenanigans. One webcam on my laptop at the opposite end of the table, so the table can see a relatively large display of the virtual player and he can get somewhat of an angle on the players at the table. Maybe one more if I get greedy for another angle but that's less important.
Conference speaker: I would be getting a fairly expensive one for optimal quality and latency.
VTT: potentially considering barebones VTT functionality to display said maps so my virtual player can move around on the map on their own. I have two options for this and its not my highest priority to figure out at the moment.
Things that I am determined to accomplish if only for this one campaign and then never again: Use all of my in-person fun stuff and have the virtual player get the best experience possible in the process.
DISCLAIMER: I'm aware that hybrid is a huge struggle for most (if not all) groups, and it brings weaknesses from both in-person and virtual play without bringing all of the strengths from either. I'm just getting ahead of any replies stating that the best hybrid setup is to not do hybrid (ironic comments will get a pass....I guess). I'm not asking for advice on if I should do it, but on suggestions on how to make it the best that I can make it.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
-Gene Wolfe, Shadow of the Torturer
My background (to provide context): Former stage and screen director, sound person, and actor. I've also taught in person, online, and hybrid. Much, much prior to that IT tech that set up office systems and developed websites.
Ideal Set-Up (In Person):
Remote Set-Up:
Compromises can be made with the in person solution, but not really with the remote solution here. You're likely going to need some form of audio interface and a good solid wired connection to pull this off well. You'll also need a good solid computer capable of handling the inputs, streaming software, and video call. A cheapo dell laptop won't cut it here. While technically capable, the lack of ports on modern Macbooks also likely won't cut it here without dongles which risk interference and other issues running multiple things through the limited ports. A 2024 Macbook Pro could theoretically handle this set-up, but there are better spec'd laptops out there for far lower prices, that's a matter of preference and resources though. Something like a Framework 16 laptop with customisable ports would be perfect. Either way, the suggested solution will need at minimum three USB inputs (two for the webcams, one for the audio interface) and one audio out jack (or fourth USB with an adapter).
OBS really is one of the best solutions here though. You can take the inputs from various microphones, cameras, and suchlike, then compose them into a single virtual camera and microphone which most video call platforms can then use. I really can't think of a better software solution here.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
My group is mostly remote, but often has multiple players in one location, and occasionally a bunch of us go to play in person while the rest are remote, and I have some thoughts:
The more complicated your setup, the more time you're going to need for debugging it each session. I don't know why they don't just stay working, but they don't. My relatively simple (Mac, bluetooth speaker with mic, audio hijack and loopback for managing two audio inputs, second person not on camera) works most of the time, but sometimes bluetooth is just slower or faster than normal, and I have to adjust the delay to avoid echo. The person with multiple mics, a hardware mixer, and an external webcam has more issues than that, and the one that involves a computer running zoom, a separate instance of zoom displaying to a tv, plus a webcam, is the fiddliest to get right.
Based on the good old days, when we were in person except for the one player who moved to a different state, you can get a mic/speaker designed for conference calls relatively inexpensively, and they are easily good enough for your audio, and having a single device means you don't have echo or feedback worries.
For the remote player, a laptop and its built-in mic and webcam is going to be fine, except for the "juggling all the windows" problem, and there's no solution to that except external monitors. (Inexpensive portable monitors have got pretty good, as long as you shop carefully.) Or maybe a tablet for the VTT.
Modern wifi can totally handle the video streaming; your ISP is the big hazard here.
With respect, wifi and bluetooth are likely why you won't get stability each time. Yes, modern WiFi can handle video streaming, however it will NEVER be as stable as wired ethernet. Even a particularly humid day can affect a WiFi or other wireless signals. Sure, mostly they're not noticeable but the cost of giving up wires is stability and latency.
Also, while audio interfaces are expensive, they are the solution for multiple audio inputs and outputs. They exist specifically for that reason.
Now granted setting up this level of set-up is second nature me. However, once learnt there really isn't much debugging to do. It's a short routine. Yes it seems complex, but the reason I suggested what I did was because it is thoroughly thought out and tested system. Like everything, learn how to use the equipment for intended purposes and you get more out it. I proposed a solution that goes for maximum possible quality for all players. Yes it's a little extra work to begin with, but can be set up in five, maybe ten minutes maximum when you know what you're doing.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
The only issue really is the use of the map (battle field or current location. How we get around that when we have 1 person remote (as we are in person = is have 2 cameras one fixated on the map, so the remote player can see, and a second camera so you can see the room.
Then you can use beyond character sheet and any VTT for rolling di. If you got time to do the map in VTT then don’t need 2 cameras.
The remote player having multiple screens would be most beneficial (I usually have 4) but I have the space for the configuration
This works for our group. I wished we went full VTT because we could play more. If you have a good comp/lap and wifi/eth lag won’t hurt you.
This really depends on how much time, effort and cost you want to invest in the solution. High quality set ups with multiple cameras, separate sound solutions, VTT for maps both local and remote will work and likely give a good experience.
However, some of the groups I've been involved with had hybrid play using just a phone or tablet. The camera was aimed at the local map/play area so that the remote player(s) could see what was going on. Two way video conferencing was optional but when active it lets most everyone see the remote player. Proper placement of the phone can allow the remote participant(s) to see both the board and the DM. Speaker phone settings seemed to work fine as long as the play environment wasn't too noisy. Overall, it was a fast and easy solution with minimal time, effort or cost investment that worked fine at least for the groups I was playing with.
In the OPs case, it sounds like you might be looking for a longer term solution to maximize the interactivity of remote play in which case the key elements would be good, reliable sound and multiple cameras to help the remote player feel like they are more closely involved in the game.
This is great. I do have a pretty decent audio interface, I think, already from my other hobbies, a Presonus Studio 18|10. I'm not sure exactly how that would support this setup, but its an idea. I have a few condenser mics, and one dynamic mic, currently at a friends house. I assume dynamic would be preferable for something like this. I have my main computer in a second room but I'm in the process of saving up to build a whole new one which would make this one a backup (I wanted to be able to run servers on this one and stuff in the future if I ever felt like learning how), and this one would be very capable. Proper stream cams are a much better idea then me thinking of just getting basic webcams. If I pulled this setup off in a way that I would like, then I would use it beyond this one campaign, of course, because my friend most likely will never move back.
Definitely saving this post for reference.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
-Gene Wolfe, Shadow of the Torturer
Yeah conference mic is my original thought, and I'm still in the delayed process of researching good bang for my buck. I have one friend who lives and hour and half away, and he's the only other one I would potentially invite to be virtual on occasion, assuming that my eventual setup supports it.
What hardware mixer are you using?
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
-Gene Wolfe, Shadow of the Torturer
I have physical maps that I think would be fun to use, but I have access to the same and/or similar maps digitally, which is why my first priority is a good setup to display the digital map at my table. The remote player has a full rig at home for his PC, so no worries on his end.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
-Gene Wolfe, Shadow of the Torturer
Yeah my short-term goal is to really start testing out some ideas with a good conference speaker and see how it performs with my other ideas. Thanks to martintheactor I also be researching stream cameras next.
I definitely plan to invest in the setup, bare minimum, over time, because my out-of-state friend has no plans of ever moving back. And I really love tech and learning how to master it. My dream job would be being a tech systems guy, but that's a different topic. When I was in high school, I would hang out in the sound booth at my church to try and figure out how everything worked. It was a big church with a lot of fancy equipment. I have a long ways to go to even classify myself as above amateur though.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
-Gene Wolfe, Shadow of the Torturer
I have played in a hybrid campaign, and it can be made to work, but there are definite compromises to be made.
A first question is handling the map -- the low setup options are either a physical map (with a camera pointed at it for the remote player) or a VTT (with a projector or large screen for the local players). The first definitely retains more of the tabletop experience for local players, but is not a great experience for the remote player.
There exist mods for using physical hardware to control a VTT; I haven't used any myself. They basically amount to displaying a VTT on your tabletop (again, projector or embedded screen) where the hardware is sensitive to the position of miniatures and thus moves the virtual minis to match the physical minis. The first one I ran into is https://foundryvtt.com/packages/MaterialPlane but there are probably others.
Other than that, it's pretty much a standard teleconferencing setup. Your highest priority is likely the sound system, not being able to see the other players faces is undesirable but nowhere near as disruptive as being unable to understand conversations.
(Assuming you're asking me) I'm not using a hardware mixer -- I have a software mixer (Audio Hijack) that takes the bluetooth mic on the speaker, plus my Mac's mic, lets me put a delay on the latter, and then I feed it into a virtual audio device made by a different piece of software (Loopback) that I can select in Zoom. If I didn't need the delay due to bluetooth, I believe I could've done it all in Loopback. It's pretty much hassle-free, except that sometimes Bluetooth is Bluetooth, and I have to tweak the delay. (Bluetooth is much less a dark art than it used to be, but it's still not science.)
These programs are Mac-only; no idea what the Windows world uses. (The company also makes other audio software, but, aside from their soundboard app, nothing that seems obviously useful for playing D&D online.)
You're right that it's more reliable. (Although the person with a hardware mixer and standalone mics is most often the one with audio issues in our group.)
But it's overkill. What you're describing is a low-end pro setup. If somebody were planning to livestream or record their games for the public, they might want all that.
But the average person can get like 90% of the way there with a lot less time, hassle, and expense. And it's good enough.
The main hazards to remote D&D will remain system failures and ISPs being bad, and even those pale against the usual hazards of people having lives and getting sick.
That Material Plane thing is awesome, I've never even heard of it. It definitely seems like a super fun DIY project, even if it could be difficult. It looks like at one point Foundry was direct linking to a store where you could buy the kit, but not anymore. Oh well. That will be on my much later todo list, if only because it sounds like a super fun thing to do.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. [. . .] I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious kind of magic. [. . .] [R]ational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
-Gene Wolfe, Shadow of the Torturer
I'd like to second this comment. After playing online in multiple games over a period of years ... there is wide variation in the equipment folks use to play ... laptops, desktops, tablets, phones (I've played in games with my phone sitting on a dock at a lake and riding as a passenger along the 401 among other places), headsets, speakers, webcams, pro mics and streaming cameras ... but the number one quality of play issue is often the individual connection to the internet and how it is during the game. Some weeks a participant has sound drop out issues, sometimes a mic appears to be working poorly, sometimes a person can't be heard clearly ... occasionally these may be due to a setup issue, an unexpected change in a default value in the software or an equipment fault ... but most often it is variation in their internet connection. Heavy local use, higher than normal ping times, unexpected packet losses between that particular user and the server or the host system.
P.S. BTW .. using Roll20 on my phone worked fine with Roll20 characters ... doesn't work with Beyond20. Though the small screen was a challenge :) ... I could see the game, move and make rolls for the character and interact with the other players via Discord but it was only workable due to the decent network connection.