(crap didnt mean for the post to get so long...just went overboard trying to cover all the bases) It helps to more realistically simulate true tabletop, a group of people all sitting around at table able to see each other, and their reactions, them laughing, them playing a part, or cutting up. That was a big part of the physical tabletop game, a group of people face to face. If I could talk all my players into using it (all the old school guys are more than willing..its the newer to tabletop guys that wont) I would use it too. We play on roll20 without it, only voice. but missing the visual does make some obstacles that normal tabletop didnt have. You cant judge peoples reactions as easy, as sometimes nuances of what they say or do CAN mean something. Its a LOT easier to feel detached from the game if your not involved in that situation at the moment, if all you have is voices in your ears talking and its a long exchange. People getting distracted and browsing the web, or such because a static town screen is boring to stare at..etc. its a lot easier to detach yourself and go do something else if all you have is voice, its like being on a conference call that you have no input currently on the subject at hand. just zone out the 'noise'. Being able to see the players talking, and moving, and hand motions can make even a boring "voice dialog' draw you in more. The group sometimes seems to act less like a 'group' when they cannot 'physically' interact with the other players...they tend to get a lot more engaged in a situation that otherwise wouldn't appeal to them. like in real tabletop, if they can see the other people. Think of it like theater..since it IS roleplaying. Sure you can do a theather show with the curtain down, but its a lot more engaging when you can see the actors and how they are phsyically engaged in what they are saying/doing. For example in the mid 90's I had a guy play an over zealous skinny head hunter/barbarian. At the table he would be waving his arms around, flex a lot, make a lot of exaggerated hand gestures at enemies that taunting them, make extreme faces that fit the mood he was trying to convey since his character didnt have the body to back it up..it was 1/2 the fun of watching him play...vs just hearing what his character had to say. And not all players are like that, many will just sit there and play..no dramatic physical element. but even then you 'connect' with them more as characters in a world that you travel with when there is the visual tie to them. Seeing them laugh at something you did, or face of shock when something goes wrong, adds a lot to the emotional gameplay so to speak. Another good example to the point: You and a bunch of friend are hanging out in person on the weekend just chilling and having fun. which would be more engaging or enjoyable. sitting at a table with them talking and joking where you can see each other and look at each other..or sitting at a table with them with dividers between you where you can only hear them? Tabletop has always been alot about the "getting together in person" aspect.
