I was resistant to playing tabletop games online (or any games, really) for a long time. I did not like the idea of interacting with total strangers via voice. I did not like forgoing the social element of being with other gamers in person. I did not like losing the tactile and visual experience of pushing models around a table and rolling dice. I did not like the technology available for playing games online.
I now play Godtear online regularly and love it. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to give online Godtear a try, let me encourage you to do so. You may just find a gaming outlet that brings you unexpected joy.
Why Godtear Online?
Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about COVID. For many (if not most) of us, that means no in-person gaming events. Yet game we must. Video games are there, but they are also not quite the same (at least for me).
Godtear is a great game. It has become my favorite game. I have already written about why. A new reason I might add to that post is that it translates extremely well into online play. There are no distances to measure. Activations happen fast. The game already has built in mechanisms for keeping track of activations and buffs/debuffs, so there’s no need to translate this into some new digital format. A simple physics engine which includes the cards and tokens is all you need.
The online community is growing fast. At the time of this writing, there are at least two online tournaments in progress. I’ve played in three so far this summer. They were great. Here’s a recap of one of them. The #lookingforgame channel on Discord seems to ping with casual games continually. Every single person I’ve played with has been pleasant to interact with. The water is warm.
Honestly, I am now playing more than I used to. The logistical barriers of getting models ready for the table, storing, and transporting them are gone. There is no more effort required to create space in my schedule for a game night or an event. Instead, I just ask for a game whenever I like and usually get one. Moreover, I am playing with people I would never have had the chance to interact with otherwise. Despite being in the U.S, my most recent game was with a gentleman from Switzerland. How cool is that?
It’s not the same as in person gaming. Nothing is. Online Godtear is different, but it’s still pretty great.
What Platform?
You have essentially two options. One is free and pretty decent. One is not free and a bit better overall in my opinion.
The free option: Tabletopia.
There is a website and a steam client for this platform. Strangely, I find that the web-based version works better. It initially had some bugs, but its performance has improved considerably.
Pros
- Free
- 3d versions of models look very cool
- Snap-to grid effects make it easy to put things in hexes
Cons
- Not all champions are available
- Limited functionality (can’t alter, copy, or delete objects)
- Game is in the cloud, so connectivity problems occur
The not free option: Tabletop Simulator
This is a physics engine that mimics real board games. The fan-created Godtear mod is really, really good. If you see MightyFinePants on discord, I encourage you to extend your thanks because they have done a fantastic job creating and updating this mod. You can get it for free here.
Pros
- All champions are available as soon as their cards drop (Jeen was up within hours of her cards being spoiled)
- Powerful, simple interface
- Very stable platform
Cons
- Steam client costs $20 U.S. at the time of this writing
- 2d portraits are clear, but not as cool as the 3d Tabletopia models
My recommendation: Spring for TTS if you have the cash. It’s really fun to be able to experiment with all of the champions. I also use TTS for other games as well. I’ve gotten very good value for my money.
Either way - It’s EASY!
The only commands you really need to know:
Hover over a model to select it.
Drag box to select multiple models (hold shift if on Tabletopia)
WASD - Move the camera around
Mouse Wheel - Zoom in/out
F - flip cards over
R - Roll selected dice (hit repeatedly if on TTS, just once on Tabletopia)
There are certainly other commands that might enhance your experience, but that’s all you really need to operate the interface and play a game.
How do I find a game?
It’s easy to find games. You can play casually or in tournaments. Both are great.
Option 1: Casual
1. Join the Discord Channel
2. Hop on the #lookingforgame channel
3. Post a message stating when you’d like to play
4. At the appointed time, hop on one of the game voice channels with your opponent, start a TTS or Tabletopia game and get going.
Option 2: Tournaments
1. Make an account on BattleLadder
2. Register for a currently open tournament.
3. Find your opponent on discord
4. At the appointed time, hop on one of the game voice channels with your opponent, start a TTS or Tabletopia game and get going.
Thanks for reading! I hope you are ready to give online Godtear a try. I am very glad that I did. If you enjoy posting about, reading about, and thinking about Godtear, then you should definitely PLAY Godtear. Hopefully, I'll see you across a virtual table soon.