GM Forge - Virtual Tabletop
- May 29, 2018
- Game Master LLC
Get on Steam"GM Forge - Virtual Tabletop" is a standalone game mastering tool with competitive features, allowing friends to join through their web browser without purchasing a copy. It includes dynamic lighting, worldmaps, music and video integration, combat tracker, custom character sheets, and a full system builder. The game comes with 6 sample systems and additional user-created content is available through the Steam Workshop. It also supports online, offline, and local network play.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Offers a one-time purchase model, making it more cost-effective than subscription-based alternatives like Roll20.
- Packed with features and customization options, allowing for a flexible and powerful virtual tabletop experience.
- Active developer engagement and community support, with a strong Discord presence for assistance and feedback.
- The software is abandoned and lacks ongoing support, leading to numerous bugs and performance issues.
- Steep learning curve with an unintuitive user interface, making it difficult for new users to navigate and utilize effectively.
- Frequent crashes and game-breaking bugs that hinder gameplay, making it unreliable for serious tabletop sessions.
- stability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users report that the platform suffers from significant bugs and feels incomplete, leading some to prefer free alternatives that offer similar features without the stability issues. Overall, the experience is marred by instability, prompting users to seek more reliable options.
“I bought this hoping for an alternative to Roll20 with just a one-time purchase, but it is rather buggy and feels incomplete.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to enjoy a full session.”
“I experienced constant lag and disconnections, which ruined the gameplay experience.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Users suggest that for complex graphics involving layers, a dedicated map builder or graphics editor may provide a more user-friendly experience than the game's built-in tools.
“If you need layers (drawings combined with objects on a background, etc.), you will find less frustration in using a dedicated map builder or even just a graphics editor.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been criticized for slow performance and the presence of small bugs, with some players experiencing game-breaking issues such as maps failing to load and preventing new tokens from being placed, even after restarting.
“I didn't mind the small bugs and slow performance until I ran into a game-breaking issue that persists even after a restart - maps not loading or allowing new tokens to be placed.”
“Slow performance.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's exceptional replayability, emphasizing its value as a one-time purchase that provides unlimited gameplay opportunities, access to free assets, and a comprehensive workshop for years of continued enjoyment.
“It's hard to beat a one-time purchase for a whole group that offers unlimited replayability, free assets, and an entire workshop ready to be used over the next several years.”
