Many people have memories of sitting around a table playing board games with family or friends. Tabletop games are not reserved for childhood; adults and kids alike enjoy the deep laughs and crafty strategies these games evoke. Gaming, like many other industries, has been revolutionized by technological advancements.
While tables and carpets used to be the primary meeting grounds for board game lovers, you can now use a virtual table to play your favorite games with people all over the world. Maybe your favorite person to play Catan moved away, or your childhood friend that taught you Dungeons & Dragons now lives too far to meet up. Virtual tabletops have emerged as a great tool for allowing game lovers to commune in an innovative way; there are a variety of applications, such as Roll20 to choose from.
Virtual Tabletops: What They Are and How They Work
Virtual tabletop software emerged as a resource for gamers looking to expand their network or connect with members of their community that moved away. Virtual tabletop software, commonly referred to as VT, is designed to allow multiple users to play games that are traditionally played around a table through a virtual interface. A group of gamers come together online and use the interface to play their favorite games; VT software is designed with features that are tailored to gaming needs.
Virtual Tabletops Come With a Variety of Features
There is no shortage of virtual tabletop applications available to choose from. Over time, this tool has gained increasing traction with a large cohort of developers arising to create their own take on the software. There are around 60 virtual tabletop applications available for a large range of platforms; each application comes with its own specific set of features and requirements.
Virtual tabletop software will primarily run on a browser or come in the form of an application that you can download on your computer. Many of the VT options come with their own subscription models; some applications run off donations whereas others require a monthly subscription. While this software doesn’t replace the traditional style of playing games in intimate settings, it provides a great tool for people looking to expand their network of gamers.
Factors and Features to Consider When Choosing a VT
Not all virtual tabletop applications are created equal. When choosing a platform to use for playing your favorite games, it is important to do your research and choose an application with the features you need. Almost every virtual tabletop application will have a feature that they specialize in and that works better than its competitors. Some applications, such as the Roll20 app provide a comprehensive set of features that gamers can enjoy. Additionally, it is important to consider your budget and what system will work best to fit your needs. Here are some specific things to consider when choosing a virtual tabletop:
- Do you want a virtual tabletop that is an application or runs on a browser? Applications can sometimes be difficult to install, so it is important to make sure you choose one that does not require your computer to do a lot of work.
- Does the virtual tabletop have customization features? If you want to customize the content of a game, be sure to pick a VT software with customization features.
- Is the virtual tabletop user-friendly? As the user, you want to make sure you pick an application that will be easy to learn and use.
Virtual tabletops are a great tool for gamers looking to connect with their friends that are far away or expand their networks. There are a variety of virtual tabletops available to choose from. Be sure to do your homework and choose the application that works best for you.
