D&D Next - 5e Discussion

I don’t want fancy 3d models. I want to use my imagination

Personally, I wouldn't mind fancy 3D models and animations. In theory. But to use a VTT with them requires much more prep as a GM than just playing theatre of the mind, or on a Paizo flipmat with a few quick dry-erase walls and pillars scribbled on. I want to spend my prep time prepping story, combat balance, and understanding NPC motivations & abilities, not meticulously placing assets on 3D battle maps. And then at the table, I want to be able to reach out in front to a shared space between me and the players, not have to figure out how everyone can look at the same virtual screen.

Even playing online, Roll20 does a much better job of replicating that at-the-table experience with a simple grid that you can hastily draw on if you want. In a fully 3D environment that really isn't going to work. The chasm between the players' character tokens and the fancy animations when they cast their abilities, and the white void they'll be standing in if I don't spend hours prepping, just isn't going to create the immersive experience they seem to want.