BorisD wrote:Why not create a simplified version for cheaper?
Because the developer is an honest person and knows that if you don't want the advanced features from BRPG or BGE, then you may as well use one of the free VTs out there. Heruca keeps an extensive list of other VTs, for purpose of comparison:
http://battlegroundsgames.com/links.html
BorisD wrote:Maybe this version could be better with just a simplified GUI, without dropping any features?
I agree that the existing interface, when opened, could do with quite a bit of improvement, and have long advocated that the developer add the ability to customize the interface. My preferred method of implementing that would be
Flash extensions, which would allow third party developers such as myself to create custom interface elements for BRPG.
BorisD wrote:Why not adopt a tabbed methodology similar to what MS Word uses. So have a top row with the general options of: Map, Dice, Figures, and whatever else.
BRPG was designed based on the philosophy of minimal interface, so that most of your valuable screen real estate is devoted to the map at all times. This tends to make the game much more immersive than VTs that clutter 75% of the screen with panels and toolbars.
Additionally, the developer is primarily a Mac user, and it shows. One of the proof of concept Flash components I created for him to test, however, was a Windows-style menu bar. If the Flash extension feature is ever added, that'll certainly be among the first few extensions that I create.
BorisD wrote:without needing a "read-me" to get started
To be fair, I never needed the manual to figure out how to use any of the basic features in BRPG.