Introduction to Roll 20
Roll 20 is an online web based table top gaming platform offering a multitude of features catering toward TTRPG players. While they definitely market themselves as being primarily for TTRPGs, mainly D&D the services they offer could be used for many other types of tabletop gaming such as wargaming. The free version of the platform is somewhat minimal in premade content requiring you to upload your own maps, character icons, etc. However assuming you are able to do that the free features cover a wide variety of needs, including voice and video call, virtual table top (VTT), in platform character sheets, and even a looking for game (LFG) system if you need to find people to play with. With that said you can also pay for expansion modules that come with assets such as maps and character/monster icons. These modules are typically digitized versions of existing first party adventure modules such as those made by Wizards Of The Coast for D&D although they also offer third party expansions as well. With this brief introduction out of the way let’s segway into how this platform is shaping the tabletop gaming experience.
Finding one: Lack of buy in increases accessibility for new players
I think the design and marketing of Roll 20 as being completely free to use is much to its benefit and the benefit of its users. By providing a free way to play Roll 20 creates an environment where new players have a way to get into gaming that requires zero buy in from them, they don’t even need to pay for gas. Combine this with features that make it easy to get your head around complicated TTRPG systems and Roll 20 is a great way to get your friends into TTRPGs. While some of their ancillary features such as VC are best replaced with more specialized tools such as discord their basic suit of TTRPG features is hard to beat, especially at the price point of free.99.
Finding two: Roll 20 makes GM’ing easier
GM’ing can be very stressful, luckily online tools have taken a lot of steps in making it easier. I think Roll 20 has an excellent understanding of what GMs need to run games based on the way they have implemented their GM tools. One of the hardest things to do as a GM is run a combat with many monsters, which can really hamper the story you are tying to tell of your epic battle only has 12 enemies. Roll 20 seems to understand this was they have a tool to easily track the hp and stats of any number of combatants, which is absolutely amazing for running games especially if you have more than 4 players. The features don’t stop there though, the Roll 20 VTT also handles line of sight for you, making it easier to determine what your players can and cannot see. There are many more features Roll 20 offers but these stood out to me as they remove some major pinpoints and were clearly designed by people who were listening to what GMs want.
Finding 3: the nature of remote play can kill the vibe
While the many digital tools Roll 20 provides make it easier to play the game it makes it harder to do something just as important, socialize. Because Roll 20 is an online gamespace it centers playing the game, which might be what you want. Personally I find this can kill the vibe of my games. As much as I like actually playing games part of what I love about tabletop gaming is the conversations before and after playing, taking a break to eat and chat with my friends out of character, and being close to the people important to me. Because Roll 20 puts the game on center stage these social aspects can fall to the wayside, and I personally play just as much for the social time as for the gaming. This however is a nuanced subject, and I have met many people that prefer online gaming because of this. While some like myself put socializing above playing others are really there just to play, and I can respect that. I think it is important to consider when choosing to meet online or in person why you are playing, as that will inform your decision more than any of the previous findings in my opinion.
Photo by Varun Gaba on Unsplash
Conclusion
Roll 20 offers an easy to learn way to get into online tabletop gaming. By offering its essential array of features for free it makes it much less intimidating to try out only number of TTRPGs. For the more dedicated players the extensive number of purchasable modules and assets make for stress free prep sessions. The GM features are good and allow for smooth combats and RP encounters. The nature of online gaming may detract from the experience for some like myself but the services offered by Roll 20 offer a good experience for players new and old. I will be excited to see where Roll 20 takes their platform in the future, especially if they decide to upgrade their social features.