This month we mostly have a heavily requested VTT update from Jonesy, but I do want to help clear up a few concerns at the top before we get into it.
INTERNATIONAL BACKERS!
It's come to our attention that the tracking links provided to our International Backers are a little strange and often don't seem to be working. For folks in the EU in particular, you will often see a tracking number that starts with GPPI. This is a Global Post tracking number, even though it was picked up by USPS and shipped domestically in the US to the Global Post hub, before it then goes through customs. Shipstation, which is the software our warehouse is using, automatically flags the number as a USPS number because that's who has it initially, but the USPS tracking page doesn't seem to like Global Post numbers at the moment.
If all else fails, you can even try a Universal Parcel Tracking page which should both identify the courier used, and give you any available updates if your link isn't working. This is a really handy link to bookmark if you have a lot of packages sent to you from other countries. https://parcelsapp.com/en/tracking
If your package is coming FedEx, you may be contacted by someone at FedEx asking you to confirm the package, and possibly its contents. They should already have all the needed information, such as the type of items being shipped, the value, and the country of origin. But if anyone gets confused (you or them), feel free to contact me at [email protected], and I'll get things straightened out.
ALL BACKERS!
Unfortunately there was an error in the estimated count for the Protogen Dice promotional offer, and we ended up not having enough. So, we will need to order more, and those will go out with the remaining physical rewards.
And finally for backers with miniatures plus something else in their order, shipping for these has slowed somewhat. Atlas Games is doing fulfillment for us, and we are not their only client. They also have their own campaign that they are working through, a little game called The Ars Magica Definitive Edition. So, no need to worry if you do not have a tracking number just yet, even though it says "shipped" in Backerkit. They are working through those orders as quickly as possible.
Now, let's get to Jonesy's update for VTT!
The Expanse VTT Update Aug
Hey folks, I wanted to take a few minutes to give you an update on the VTT versions of The Expanse corebook and a little look under the hood as to what it takes to port a book to VTT.
So, let's start with a general overview of the VTT conversion process.
To make sure that the text stays consistent between the print/PDF edition and the VTT port, we wait until the PDF is finalized before starting to move the text into the VTT.
Once any typos and errors found as part of the early access PDF release are incorporated, the VTT team gets to work on porting the text. As part of that process, we identify where to put in page breaks, since our pages may be shorter or longer than an 8.5 x 11 print pages, our goal is to maximize user flow and reduce excess scrolling.
As part of that step, we are also identifying all game elements that need to turn into what we call structured data, examples are focuses, talents, gear, and adversaries. In this step we basically take the text and move it into spreadsheet format so it can be loaded into database tables so when you drag to your sheet it loads all the right data into the correct areas.
Example Data Sheet
While working on the text we have to also update any art used in the book to sizes and formats that works for VTT, as well as creating tokens for any adversaries. Since some adversaries might not have art, we are also sourcing suitable art for those NPCs who do not have art in the book, mimic lizards would be a good example.
Once all the text is loaded, we can format the pages with headers, italicization, and hyperlinking as well as adding the updated art, all of which are manual steps.
Example, on the left is just text, and on the right is the page with text and links.
Along with loading in the content there is QA testing and revisions as adjust page breaks and data structures to support better flow and use during a session.
Building out the table of contents, marketplace page and the like, wrap up the process. So, as you can see it is just a little bit of work. One other thing I want to highlight is that there are only a couple of us VTT team members and we have day jobs. So, while the porting isn’t going as fast as everyone has hoped we are making great progress.
So where are we on Roll20 and Foundry Editions?
Completed
● Text has been added for both.
● Art has been adjusted for both.
● Tokens build for non-Alien Adversaries, still sourcing the last few.
● Roll20 Sheet updates to support Drag and Drop for weapons, talents, and specializations.
In Progress
● Data for Drag and Drop is being revised.
● Adding Art and Hyperlinking
Here are some screen shots for Foundry work in progress.
