I think there are many great features that we see in todays MMORPGs that could be incorporated into a Virtual Table top system. The concept I'm thinking about would incorporate a number of features from both. To start with, when you login you can either join a game or be the GM. The online system would be similar to Diablo , but with a more advanced chat lobby. Some games might be password protected and others might be open to anyone who wants to play. The gaming environment would be complete with chat windows, dice, character sheets, and a battlemap. The battlemap would support the placement of miniatures that the server would supply. The items available would also come from the server. In the end, you would end up a GUI that looks like your typical MMO (perhaps one like Wow), but the main screen resembles a very advanced and customizable Virtual Tabletop. Expansions to the game would come in the form of battlmaps, modules, items, class options, etc. the combat system would be turn based, but it wouldn't be anything like a typical turn based game. it would simply facilitate Pen and Paper style rules. I know there are systems like OpenRPG or Fantasy Grounds, but they lack the online server component to support drop in games and casual gamers. They are also too application like. I seriously, think that this is something that is lacking in the gaming industry. On the other hand, there might not be a market for it and that's why no gaming company has taken up the challenge.

While I agree that there is a market for this game/program, there is one major problem to contend with. Table-top gamers and MMO players are looking for completely different experiences in their games. To try to cater to both would very likely water down the overall game.

A second problem is that you would either have to liscense a table-top game or write your own (which would be the less expensive option). Table-top gamers are notoriously finicky when it comes to game systems, so this would be a "make or break" part of the design.

That is, unless you were going to try to make the program universal. That might cause more problems than it solves as well, however.

I've been considering these issues for the last ten years, as I've perceived the same void in the market. I'd love to chat more about the subject.

-G