As the virtual tabletop (VTT) market evolves, SmiteWorks has taken the bold step of moving its flagship platform, Fantasy Grounds, to a free-to-play model. This is a significant move that lowers the barrier to entry for new Game Masters and players, removing the upfront software cost that previously acted as a gatekeeper to the hobby.
Recognising that this shift fundamentally changes the value proposition for those who supported the platform by purchasing a licence in the past, SmiteWorks has launched a reward initiative to ensure legacy customers feel valued during this transition.
The company has collaborated with its publishing partners to create a dedicated Reward Claim page. Eligible users (those who held a paid licence prior to the business model shift) can now redeem a selection of digital products. To ensure no one misses out due to inactivity, SmiteWorks has set a deadline: users have until 1st January 2026 to claim these items.
The initiative highlights the complex nature of managing a digital storefront that relies heavily on third-party intellectual property. SmiteWorks appears to be leveraging its industry relationships to deliver value to its user base without passing on costs directly to customers.
While the gesture aims to reward loyalty, the transition has naturally sparked discussion regarding the specific nature of the compensation. Because the rewards consist of specific modules and add-ons rather than universal credit, some users have noted that the utility of the freebies varies depending on which TTRPG systems they currently run.
On Facebook, one user highlighted this discrepancy, noting that receiving an add-on for the Transformers RPG is less useful if one does not own the core rulebooks. The frustrated customer suggested that a coupon system might have offered more flexibility.
Engaging openly with this feedback, SmiteWorks clarified the constraints they face as a platform holder rather than a content owner.
SmiteWorks replied:
Thank you for your feedback. The rewards were selected by our publisher partners, as we do not control or own their products.”
This interaction underscores that the rewards package is effectively a donation from the publishers themselves, facilitated by SmiteWorks, rather than a direct refund of the licence cost.
Other community members have offered constructive criticism, suggesting that SmiteWorks could have utilised their own proprietary assets, such as dice skins or spell effects, to bolster the bundle. One user commented that while they support the move to a free model, a mix of first-party cosmetic assets alongside the partner products might have felt like a more comprehensive “thank you” to high-spending veterans.
Despite the mixed feedback on the specific items, the shift to free-to-play positions Fantasy Grounds competitively against rivals like Roll20 or FoundryVTT. For legacy users, the current offer remains a net bonus of digital content that they can add to their library at no additional cost.
Legacy Fantasy Grounds users should log into their accounts to review and claim their partner rewards well before the January 2026 cut-off.
