Role | Solo Student Project
Tools | Figma, Solidworks, Keyshot
problem
Virtual TTRPGs are increasing in popularity, especially during and after the pandemic. However, existing platforms lack the traditional elements that made us all hooked to these genre. Missing on these elements, weakens the overall game experience as well as the in-person interaction compared to table setups.
solution
The platform combines digital and physical technologies (3D Audio, AI Filtering, Bluetooth, and weight sensors) to enhance crucial TTRPG elements. 4DnD integrates with any existing virtual platform players already use, preserving the "in-person" game feel in remote setups.
Existing platforms lack communication support, Voices sound equal all over and conversation doesnt sound natural. On the other hand, in-person communication will enhance the feeling of sitting around the table and improve in-game interactions.
Surprisingly none of the existing VTT platforms offer video or audio customization settings, a feature that can easily encourage immersive role-playing.
Interacting with a physical dice builds tension and sensations that are lost in an unsatisfying click of a button on the digital platforms. The anticipation for a high roll and the suspenseful wait for the best results are thrilling and missed.
final product - platform
Overlay platform that elevates remote TTRPG experience. Compatible with existing platforms like Roll20 and Foundry, it combines physical dice with advanced audio technologies and AI filters. With 4DnD, players can play with friends almost as if they were gathered around a real table, keeping the traditional essence of role-playing in a virtual setup while leveraging technology to enhance the overall gaming experience.
Log-in the Platform
Each player have a profile where all their personalised settings are kept. Profiles are connected to multiple servers the player has created (as a Dungeon Master) or was invited to join (as a player).
3D Audio Calibration
The 3D audio technology gives the sounds direction and intensity based on the virtual distance between objects. Most headsets support this technology, and it can be found in almost every FPS game.
Connect Bluetooth Dice-Set
A Bluetooth dice-set can be easily connected with the platform, presenting the physical roles outcome on the screen for everyone to see.
Along with enhancing the feeling of a real interaction, choosing the seat around the table gives sense to the direction of the sound coming towards the user and the whole fake “in-person” experience. ,
Pre-Game Hub
Separation between out-of-game “chit chat” and in-game, enhances the emergence into the game. Furthermore it helps making the switch easier and provides boundaries.
To enhance communication freedom, The Whisper feature provides players the ability to speak in private and avoid interrupting other ongoing conversations in game.
While sitting around a table, no-one can see themselves. The Mirror feature shows players their own video, while at the rest of the time they can fully engage the game and concentrate on other players.
Customise your Character
Role-Playing is the essence of Table-Top RPG games. By using the capability of technology and AI, 4DnD provide the players with tools to change their voice to sound like they want to, and change their appearance with a simple AI filter.
final product - Dice Set
The box contains whimsical features that make it part of the fantasy realm. The shape is inspired by magical artefacts from the games and a D20 (20-sides dice), the most used dice in most TTRPG. Furthermore, each engraving reveals the place of each dice, and like a magical box with a hidden locking mechanism, helps the user close the box correctly.
The box has 6 hidden magnets to make sure the it is sealed shut when closed correctly, and a wireless charger for the dice inside. To connect all the dice to the software, the user only needs to press the button on the bottom of the box with the dice inside it.
