When this blog was last active, prior to 2020, COVID-19 had not yet turned the world upside down. Back then, the Virtual Tabletop (VTT) industry was a growing niche, a useful tool for the tech-savvy TTRPG community, but hardly a mainstream necessity. Fast forward to today, and the industry is nearly unrecognizable. Fueled by the pandemic and the need to connect remotely, VTTs have become an indispensable part of how Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players experience tabletop role-playing games. In this post, I’ll explore the rapid evolution of VTTs, the platforms leading the charge, and what may be next—including topics I plan to delve into more deeply in the coming months.

Before 2020, VTTs were a niche but growing segment of the TTRPG community. Established platforms like Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds catered to gamers looking to enhance their online sessions. Key features included 2D maps, digital dice rollers, and basic character sheet management, but adoption was limited compared to traditional in-person gaming. Other platforms like Tabletop Simulator on Steam provided physics-based sandboxes for a variety of tabletop games, but their versatility was often seen as overkill for standard TTRPG campaigns.

The sudden halt to in-person gaming in early 2020, driven by lockdowns and social distancing measures, forced TTRPG enthusiasts to seek digital alternatives. VTT platforms saw unprecedented growth as they became the default method for playing. Roll20, for example, reported over 10 million registered users by 2023, doubling its user base within three years. Similarly, Fantasy Grounds and newcomers like Foundry Virtual Tabletop and Owlbear Rodeo experienced significant spikes in adoption.

The Current VTT Landscape

There’s no going back! The VTT market has exploded, and gamers are spoilt for choice. In fact, for many gamers who would never have used a virtual tabletop prior to the pandemic, this has now become their preferred method of gaming, even if they are playing in-person. Some of the reasons for their increased popularity include:

• Post-Covid Culture: COVID-19 fundamentally reshaped the perception of remote collaboration, both in professional and gaming spaces. (Microsoft Teams and Zoom, anyone…), and this has permeated the world of gaming as well.
• Increased Accessibility: Many platforms, like Roll20 and Owlbear Rodeo, offered browser-based solutions requiring no downloads, reducing technical barriers to entry.
• Content Expansion: VTTs have hugely expanded their available content, both through community-generated resources and strong support from third-party publishers. Even Wizards of the Coast (WotC) has entered the space, despite their previous missteps.
• Technological Advancements: Platforms like Foundry VTT and Alchemy pushed the boundaries with advanced APIs, immersive storytelling features, and seamless integration with third-party tools.

The list below represents a snapshot of the key platforms on the market:

1. Roll20
   • Browser-based with robust 2D mapping and automation tools.
   • Supports multiple systems, including D&D, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu
   • Over 10 million users, making it the largest VTT by market share.
   • Official Site
2. Foundry Virtual Tabletop
   • Self-hosted with extensive API capabilities and community modules.
   • Supports hundreds of systems and custom content.
   • Popular for its flexibility and automation capabilities.
   • Official Site
3. Fantasy Grounds
   • Desktop application with advanced automation and official content integrations.
   • Strong focus on rule enforcement for systems like D&D and Savage Worlds.
   • Longstanding reputation among dedicated gamers.
   • Official Site
4. Owlbear Rodeo
   • Lightweight, browser-based, and easy to use.
   • Focuses on simplicity with minimal automation or rule integration.
   • Ideal for casual gamers and on-the-fly sessions.
   • Official Site
5. Alchemy Virtual Tabletop
   • Emphasizes immersive storytelling with high-quality audiovisual features.
   • Strong partnerships with publishers like Kobold Press.
   • Growing user base among indie TTRPG fans.
   • Official Site
6. D&D Beyond Maps / Project Sigil (WotC)
   • Integrates tightly with D&D Beyond’s ecosystem.
   • “Maps” provides a 2D VTT, while “Project Sigil” offers Unreal Engine-powered 3D environments.
   • Still in beta but poised to compete with leading platforms.
   • Official Site
7. Shard Tabletop
   • Tailored for D&D 5E with built-in automation and a streamlined UI.
   • Supports limited import functionality but excels in curated experiences.
   • Official Site

Over the next few months, I’ll be delving into each of these platforms in greater detail, evaluating their functionality from the perspective of running a published adventure. To put them to the test, I’ll be using Shards of the Spellforge by Kobold Press (Check it out here). Each VTT has its strengths and weaknesses, and I’m eager to explore which one provides the best experience for preparing and running a rich, engaging adventure. Stay tuned as I break down the features, usability, and overall effectiveness of each platform!