Virtual Convention Space
While our Spring in-person event is hosted in Kansas City, our Fall online event is hosted via Discord, a free text, audio, and video service. Discord is a web-based service that also has great desktop and mobile apps. You don't need anything more than the cell phone, tablet, or web browser you're using right now. There's nothing to download or hook up, but a mic and headset would be great. We use a number of online virtual tabletops (VTTs) including Roll20, Foundry, Fantasy Grounds, Tabletop Simulator, and more (game hosts decide).
Virtual Tabletops
Discord gets us the venue for organizing, but there's still a need for a virtual tabletop system to actually play our games (though some play RPGs with Discord only). Below is a list to help event hosts discover resources to run their events. It's not an exhaustive list, and there are no restrictions on which VTT can be used. And being on the list doesn't imply that we specifically endorse the use of any of these platforms.
Things to note:
- Pick a platform you're comfortable using, but also be mindful of the attendee experience using that platform. You may find something simple but your players may be challenged.
- Some third-party platforms require a paid account. Make sure to note this in your event description.
- We don't provide technical support for third-party platforms; hosts and players will need to contact the platforms directly with any issues. That being said, we will help where we can, so seek us out in the Technical Support channel at our Discord server.
- Beyond the Discord server channels, we don't provide a platform or access to a third-party platform to host your events online. Event hosts must determine what will work best for their event.
RPG Platforms
- Roll20 (https://roll20.net): Free to use for GMs and players; premium paid membership available. Some board and card game support, also. No software download is needed.
- Role (https://www.playrole.com): Free to use for GMs and players; premium paid membership available. No software download is needed.
- Foundry (https://foundryvtt.com): Free for players, but GMs pay. Software download required for GM.
- Fantasy Grounds (https://www.fantasygrounds.com): Playing in most games and GMing requires a paid license, either a subscription or a one-time fee. Software download required.
- D20PRO (https://d20pro.com): Paid version required for GMs and includes either 4 or 6 guest seats which allow players to join for free, or players can use a paid account (GM or Player) to join without using a guest seat.
Board and Card Game Platforms
- Board Game Arena (https://boardgamearena.com): Web-based. Most games are free to play, but some games and features require a paid subscription.
- Tabletopia (https://tabletopia.com): Web-based, but also available as a download on Steam or as an App. Some games are free to play, some require a paid subscription.
- Tabletop Simulator (https://www.tabletopsimulator.com): Costs to download; many games require additional purchases. Must access via Steam.
- Vorpal Board (https://vorpalboard.com): Costs to download; play online using scans of the actual pieces.
- Board Game Arena (https://boardgamearena.com): Web-based and free to play; premium subscription available.
- Steam (https://steampowered.com): Free to download; many boardgames can be purchased on Steam that support online play.
- App Store (https://www.appstore.com): Many free or purchasable online games for Apple's iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS.
- Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps): Many free or purchasable online games for Android-based devices.