Find a group from all over the world

Oh boy. This is going to be a lot of things to talk about. We have been busy and productive. But, as is tradition - here is an update on the updates we have added - We have Group manager, post listings updates, library redesign, timezone filtering, game applications and some more. So here we go. Group manager We'll start with the biggest new feature on Groupfinder. The Group manager. This has been something we have been working on since the start of the year and now finally got around to releasing it.  /images/general-media/1786708533_fHKbu2AS.png What it is, is the logical next step from Groupfinder's core function. Once you find a group, you can move everything to the manager and keep track of your players, your documents, notes, maps, images, links, polls, timefinder polls and session notes. As an integrated part of the platform it will help you keep everything organized and in one place. You can read more about the manager on this info page we created.  But to break it down simply, here is a list of all the base functionalities: /images/manager-info/group-overview.png Manager dashboard As a group owner/GM, you can create a manager group within moments - Enter the game's name, add some illustrative images and the group is created. On the dashboard you can start adding images, organizing documents and inviting your players. Asset management All documents most likely should not be visible to all members. You can set different view and edit permissions for each category. For example, create a separate category for "The Goblin Boys" and let only your goblin players see the contents. You can share forbidden goblin knowledge with only them. Or create a category, that everyone can see for your worldbuilding lore bits. The map of the world, the overall history of the campaign or an illustration of the tavernkeeper that already hates your PCs. We cannot describe all the possibilities and approaches, as we imagine you will all find a different way to interact and organize your games. And more power to you - this is your group manager, we only provide the framework. Player folders To keep specific assets private, you can find a folder on the right side of every member. This is a folder that only the group owner and that specific user can see - no external prying eyes allowed. Timefinder Scheduling is the biggest boss of tabletop gaming? Pretty much. While we cannot create a tool that completely solves it - we have timefinder - a scheduling poll system to settle on the next date that works for everyone. Session notes Players forgetting what happened last time, only to be reminded moments before the session starts that they are about to fight the BBEG? Write a session note after the last game and make it easier for your players to remember what happened last time and what the current direction is. Session notes can also be useful when trying to go back in time to know where the downward spiral of your campaign began. In addition players can leave session feedback. Things they liked and things they didn't. This will help any GM improve by focusing more on aspects the players enjoyed and cut back or rethink parts that didn't really jive with them. Polls, questionnaires and safety tools Group manager has interactive assets for you to use to settle on a specific question, understand the players' preferences and make sure everyone is enjoying the game, by having everyone fill a safety tool questionnaire. You never know if you don't ask. And there is more to discover. You will get the best idea of what and how the manager works by just tinkering and trying it out on your own. You can switch over to (and from) the manager by interacting with the finder/manager button in the menu. /images/general-media/1786709626_5gGr5AH5.png Post listings update We updated both the player and games listings pages. With added subcategories to quickly filter and find specific types of posts, you should find it easier to only find what you are looking for. /images/general-media/1786709750_LLT1IETF.png With this update, Groupfinder is now welcoming all West Marches games, when before we were rather hesitant about groups with no fixed amount of seats. Library redesign The library has slowly grown into one of our core elements. And the library, while practical, was due some attention. And boy - it definitely got some. With this update, the entries have a more logical layout. The tabletop community has tons of interesting games, projects and creators. We are all about empowering and helping you spread the word. /images/general-media/1786710068_3ifxmq5c.png If we created an entry for you in the past - be sure to visit your page and claim it. Once we approve your claim, you will have access to editing and improving it. And if one of your favourite creators, projects or game systems is in the library, be sure to pop over and click that "Recommend" button - this will help them a lot, as they will become more visible in the library. Timezone filtering Timezones and filtering by time and day were a thing many of you had asked for throughout many months. While we understood the need for such filtering options, we couldn't pin down exactly HOW the filtering should work. Well, now we did - now you can either look games by selecting your timezone (and the deviation) or by selecting specific weekdays and expected game starting times. /images/general-media/1786710633_01LM4ygV.pngYou should be able to use the filters to find games that work with your schedule. Game applications Want your potential players to fill out an application, to make sure they are a good fit for your game? You can build a game application that users can fill out. If they seem like a good match - get in touch with them and invite them to the group you created via group manager (See how this all ties together nicely?). /images/general-media/1786710844_lwLsPRj0.png And many other smaller updates This update log is long enough as it is - but there are many other smaller updates and improvements to discover and utilize. But hopefully we are steering Groupfinder in the right direction to make it even better for everyone to use and eventually start playing. If you have any feedback or critique - we welcome it all. Either use the Contact us button, or join our Discord server and we can chat there. The team is there ready to listen and help. Be sure to try out our new Group manager and share your feedback and ideas with us. Till next time.