![]() ![]() We've found it helpful to have at least two cameras running: one providing an overall view of the battlefield and a second camera that can be moved to provide a "soldier's eye view" of the game. Your players will instruct you how to move their troops, and you'll carry out their orders. If you forgo a digital tabletop you can stream a game directly via Zoom.If you haven't used TTS before, give yourself at least a week to get your game set up within it and familiarize yourself with the controls. Tabletop Simulator requires a license to play, so requiring it may limit the number of players you attract to your game. Numerous wargames have already been ported to Tabletop Simulator including Battletech, Star Wars Legion, Warhammer 40K, Star Schlock and more. Many of the tools suggested for RPG game mastering can be deployed for wargaming as well.Transferring that experience to a virtual environment is tricky, but it can be done. While RPGs take place largely in the player's mind, wargames are a more tactile experience that relies on accurate positioning of models and terrain in a physical space. Begin hosting your game 15 minutes before its scheduled start time to ensure everything is running smoothly from a technical stand point and to welcome early arrivals who may need some coaching on how to get up to speed playing virtually.Be sure to email any required materials 48 hours ahead of your scheduled game start time so players have time to gather and print them. Game masters will receive a list of their players along with their email addresses as early as the Scrum Con team can provide them.We find most games that would take 3 hours face-to-face take about 4 hours when playing virtually. Be realistic about the amount of time your session will take. Running games virtually can be tricky.Confirm that you have accounts with the services you plan on using (Zoom, Roll20, etc.) before volunteering to run a game.If you use a virtual system, give yourself at least a week to get up to speed on how it works and to prepare your game within it. Decide if you'll run a pure "theater of the mind" game over Zoom by itself, or if you'd like to employ a virtual system like Roll20, Tabletop Simulator or Fantasy Grounds.YouTube hosts numerous tutorial and actual play videos with insight on gaming online, and a robust suite of software and online tools allow you to flex your game running skills in a virtual environment. RPG Virtual Game MasteringĪs an RPG game master you have tons of advice from those GMs who have come before you. Tabletop wargames require a bit more ingenuity, but the Second Saturday Scrum Club has run numerous wargames via webcam or Tabletop Simulator. RPGs have found a natural fit with online tools like Roll20. It may seem daunting, but game mastering via virtual tools CAN be done. ![]() Accounts or software preferred by the game master including Tabletop Simulator (paid), Roll20 (free), or Discord (free).that need to be downloaded and printed before the game begins). Printed material (character sheets, army lists, etc.Please check your game description to see if you should prepare: Your game may also require you to provide game materials on your end. A computer with a webcam, speakers and microphone (or a headset with a mic). ![]() Minimum RequirementsĪll Scrum Con Online games assume you have access to the following: We ask that you test your mic, camera, and connection at least 24 hours before your game starts to avoid technical headaches on the day of the convention. Please check each game's description for the specific tools and materials you'll need to prepare. If you've been working from home, you may already have the software and hardware needed to participate in this year's Scrum Con Online. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |