A few companions are all you need for a tabletop adventure. Thanks to apps like Roll20, you don’t even need a table. Also, you don’t have to get everyone together for a face-to-face game. But some GMs would like to put a little more effort into their campaigns. like a GM Brian Versteig (opens in new tab)detailed maps and models combined with an overhead projector to create the magic of tabletop gaming.
Using the paint app Procreate, Versteeg can create all sorts of things and project them onto the table. In the clip below, posted to Twitter earlier this week, you can see him clearing the fog of war. to light things up in real time.
I installed a projector in the ceiling above the gaming table. Use @Procreate to paint dynamic lighting into your game or layout. Use this for grid overlays, stats, fog of war, area of effect simulations, and some dramatic lighting. #boardgames #conceptart #3Dprinting pic.twitter.com/sjhzVNVZFkOctober 4, 2022
“We use this for grid overlays, stats, fog of war, area of effect simulations, and dramatic lighting,” Wizard explains.
Take a closer look at his settings here.
A projector installed on the ceiling. I am using Airplay for screen sharing between my tablet and projector. pic.twitter.com/lkYys3rdicOctober 5, 2022
“Any projector with Airplay can display the same screen as the tablet,” he says. follow up tweet (opens in new tab)“I have an open ceiling so installation was easy. Then any drawing program (I use Procreate). The building is 3D printed and hand painted, but the map I was able to project the whole, the uses are endless.”
It always amazes me to see people using bespoke lighting setups for tabletop campaigns, but this is next level. And with that space, it seems like anyone could use it for their next adventure, though what’s worth noting is that Versteeg is a concept his artist with useful skills.You can check out his work on his website personal website (opens in new tab).
Versteeg also publishes a number of videos demonstrating the creation of various Mars dioramas.
Now, I wish I could have him fly from Canada to GM. That’s my dream. In the meantime, we’ll see how easy it is to set up his overhead projector in his game area.
