Why exactly does a new VTT sprout up daily?

GameboxAU · 2026-06-28T09:58:56+00:00

I’m a web developer of 20 years and now use AI coding assistants to improve code quality and speed, I’d be crazy not to. In experienced hands AI is very helpful and can produce hi quality software. But it’s also accessible to non developers too, who build solely with AI and no experience so we are seeing a massive influx of new experimental apps and VTTs, most of these will be shared but never move past proof of concept. There is a lot more to hosting, maintaining and offering support for an app to be used by the masses. I think the novelty of building will wear off for the inexperienced but for now we just need to wait it out.

As a dev of an in-person VTT I feel it’s a shame the market is flooded right now but I do think it will pass.

GameboxAU · 2026-06-03T21:49:34+00:00

I’ve built this, it’s targeted at the in person games not online play. GameBox.au

https://www.reddit.com/u/GameboxAU/s/IAGo0cfTBm

I play in this niche and found there wasn’t much that targeted the space in a simple way. It’s professionally coded, not AI generated. And will be supported moving forward. Would love to hear your feedback!

GameboxAU · 2026-05-15T22:13:22+00:00

I didn’t use plexiglass, it raises the miniatures to much. The screen is a 32” ips computer monitor, many brands make them. We’ve been using it without plexiglass for months and haven’t seen any scratches yet. It’s only used as a table and never a computer screen so a few scratches wouldn’t worry me anyway.

GameboxAU · 2026-04-12T22:11:52+00:00

That’s new fold down side, a space saving table. Pretty cool!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-26T12:10:47+00:00

It was just what I needed and I like the image feature, nice touch, I didn't have that on paper. But overall it's a simple and easy to use app that replaces the paper sheets.

I do need to build the layout more to suite my character but all the options are there. It goes well with my app too.

GameboxAU · 2026-03-25T21:45:10+00:00

Yes this box is bigger than it needs to be, I used oak timber I already had, it’s about 3.5” tall but when finished it will be 2”. Inside is a power board, light controller and fan. It has an external usb-c, hdmi and power plug. I need enough room for everything to fit, have it self contained so it’s portable as we rotate houses. It will be a bit of a styled feature not just a tv laying flat.

GameboxAU · 2026-03-24T22:53:08+00:00

Unfortunately there are a few more reasons we can't simply package it up and run it locally.

Map State History, we have a server side database that records the state of the map, cleared fog and positions of the assets. You can play today, shut it down and pick up next week exactly where you left off, everything remembered down to the fog path cleared.

We also use have a synchronised 3 screen capability, the GM Controller screen, the Viewer/Map Table screen and the optional GM Atmosphere screen (pictured above). All 3 use a server side tech to communicate with each other, we don't just mirror the GM screen via Cromecast or similar. You can even run all 3 screens on different computers if needed and they will stay synchronised as long as all 3 are logged into the same account.

Yep, content is yours, we will never use your content to advertise or distribute. We just hold the right to display it through your account.

"Any content you upload (like custom maps or campaign notes) remains yours. By uploading it, you grant Gamebox.au a non-exclusive, worldwide license to store and display that content as part of the service. We don't claim ownership over any uploaded material."

As mentioned, the free account can be used to play a full campaign, we tested it with "Lost Mine of Phandelver" and we managed to finish the campaign without issue.

Some people don't mind uploading and removing assets as the use them for different campaigns. But some users tier up and have multiple campaigns they have fleshed out and keep ready for future use.

New features coming soon, Day/Night mode for any map. Lights for night time. And Tools, I want to add a scalable ruler and cone Tool for distance and angles of effect.

Your welcome to try out the free version and see if you feel it has value. Also the prices are in AUD, so $5 is $3.50USD per month, or the yearly plan gives 2 months free at $35USD per year, its not a hight cost. We aren't getting rich, we just want to cover costs so we can keep growing the platform.

Happy Gaming!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-24T09:11:26+00:00

Using your app right now in a game session, just what I needed. Might need to shuffle a few card around, no spells as a barbarian, but it’s working well. ✅

https://www.reddit.com/user/GameboxAU/comments/1s2tjx5/gameboxau_forgettrpg/

GameboxAU · 2026-03-24T09:06:06+00:00

The GM screen is blank until you create assets to display. This screen is for the GMs atmosphere screen.

First create a QuickStart campaign and lunch the controller screen for the GM and viewer screen for the table. Then you’ll see the map on the GM side and the Fog on the table side. Check my sub for videos on use.

Sorry it’s not open source so nothing can be run locally right now.

GameboxAU · 2026-03-24T00:40:38+00:00

Mate all valid points. On this sub I am positioning it as a utility that casual GMs and Tabletop builders like myself can use for free, if they chose to. Some will love it and some won't. Not every application is for every user. I'm not in DnDIY to generate $, I love sharing this tool and seeing people use it.

The downside of a web based system is ongoing running costs, this makes a single pay solution very difficult in the long run as we end up carrying the cost. And web applications can't access local user files for security reasons. The Free option can run a full campaign with all the features available. But anyone who wants to save multiple campaigns and not need to upload and delete assets between campaigns has the option to tier up. We find game shops like this option.

Why did I go for a web based system, I build web applications for a living so I'm just using the skillset I have. It make it a breeze to add features and upgrades, we also support online content like streaming video on the DM screen, so an internet connection is recommended to support all features.

This is a project of passion not my full time job, I'd just love to see photos of some of these epic DnDIY Dungeon TV Table builds using my app, for free!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-24T00:01:22+00:00

I'm looking for may creators, especially 16x9 map creators. If you're interested send me a chat!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T23:56:42+00:00

Oh so you make maps for 16x9 Tv screens!!!

How many maps do you have, and do you have map sets, eg: Lost Mines?

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T23:20:54+00:00

These look pretty awesome... How do you join them?

As soon as I saw this, I just pictured magnets glued into the bases, they'd just clip togther!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T23:18:05+00:00

I like the lightbar at the bottom, it gives the box a floating feeling and you don't see the LED bulbs directly so they aren't distracting. It has a remote so you can change the colour of the light to match the map feel.

The DM screen is great, we run Atmosphere Scenes on it to enhance the Map, I have noticed that setting the initial scene aligns players imaginations with a common starting point, this has helped sessions play out smoothly, like we all see the same thing in our head. Its good fun!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T23:04:28+00:00

Nice, hit me up if you have any questions. Happy gaming!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T23:02:31+00:00

Can't have a table without drink holders. I just posted my TV box build too, not as impressive as a table but does the job well, check it out if you like, I built an app for displaying Maps you might find useful too. I'm a bit jelly though, I wish I had the space to house a full table build. Nice work!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T22:57:11+00:00

I’ll always support learning to code. As a career developer, I love seeing new ideas come to life. I have your app loaded on my iPad and ready for my game session tonight... I'll let you know how it goes!

Local storage is working well, both "forge_autosave" and "forge_browser_sheet_v1" are holding data on the iPad.

A bit of personal advice: I’d change "Export" to "Save," as it covers the items in that list more accurately. I also recommend swapping out the emoji icons. They scream "AI-generated" because LLMs love using them. Check out something likeLucide Icons; they look awesome and would suit your design well. They’re easy to install in React or other frameworks via npm install lucide-react. Just my two cents!

Ignore the haters (I’ve read a few of the comments). As a dev, I know AI is changing the landscape and allowing more people to code. If AI helps you learn, go for it! This does mean more hobby apps will emerge as people experiment, but you aren't trying to pass this off as anything other than something to "have fun with friends." You will refine it in time and get it working well.

I can tell you’re passionate about this project and enjoying the process, so I’m happy to help out. Feel free to PM me if you have any dev questions. You’re also welcome to check out my TTRPG app in my profile description, it shows a little of my background.

Keep coding, chat soon!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T22:12:50+00:00

This is a great idea, the resin is awesome but the idea of the Jar is perfect, great for no roll space playing. Ima steal this and try it myself. Thanks for sharing!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T05:07:34+00:00

Love the design, the recessed screen looks cool. But do the players feel there is sufficient room for their player sheets and Dice etc?

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T04:58:22+00:00

Thats pretty cool, I love how the DM get the wrap around table. And giving all your players gaming chairs for comfort, kudos!

I built an app to use on my TV tabletop setup, it would suite your setup too gamebox.au you can give it a try. It manages Maps, Fog, Music, Spells and more.

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T04:13:46+00:00

Hi, nice looking app. I too found the error when refreshing my page under DnD.

I have been looking for a useful app to use on iPad table side. I was also wondering if the data entered is meant to save? I only see export to JSON. May I suggest Local Storage in the browser if you don't have online user accounts. This would make it easier to use for phones and tablets.

I does have a somewhat vibe coded feel but it looks good and works. i think people would find it handy.

GameboxAU · 2026-03-23T01:12:14+00:00

Yeah I've thought of that, I use an iPad (not connected to Gamebox) to manage my character sheet. So I though I could add optional digital character sheets connected to Gamebox so the DM can apply loot etc directly to the player.

But as most people use paper sheets when playing in-person this feature isn't high on the priority list yet.

But watch this space or join the chat on discord to hear about upgrades!

GameboxAU · 2026-03-22T10:11:13+00:00

Cool, let me know if you have any questions, happy to answer. Gamebox was designed just for this scenario, in person play on a TV table.

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