Visibility Tooltip Overlap Hinders Token Selection In Virtual Tabletop Games

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Navigating the intricacies of virtual tabletop (VTT) games often presents unique challenges, and one such issue has surfaced within the realm of token selection. Specifically, a visibility tooltip overlap problem is hindering players' ability to interact with hidden tokens, creating frustration and disrupting the flow of gameplay. This article delves into the details of this issue, exploring its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

Understanding the Visibility Tooltip Overlap Problem

In the captivating world of virtual tabletop role-playing games, visibility is key. Whether it's scouting ahead in a dungeon or strategically positioning units in a tactical battle, knowing what your characters can see is crucial. Most VTT platforms employ visibility systems to simulate the limitations of sight, creating a more immersive and realistic experience. However, a recent issue has emerged where the visibility tooltip, a helpful feature designed to provide information about a token's visibility status, is inadvertently obstructing token selection.

The problem arises when a hidden token is positioned in close proximity to an observing token. When the player hovers their mouse cursor over the hidden token, the VTT system displays a tooltip, often labeled "Hidden," to indicate its obscured status. While the intention of this tooltip is to provide helpful information, its placement can overlap the hidden token itself, as well as the player's mouse pointer. This overlap creates a situation where the player is unable to directly click on and select the hidden token. They find themself in a situation where they can't select the hidden token anymore, at least until they wiggle their mouse pointer correctly so it doesn't overlay the "Hidden" label. This can be particularly frustrating during fast-paced encounters or when precise movements are required.

The following error occurs due to this:

EventBoundary.ts:357 Uncaught Error: Cannot find propagation path to disconnected target
[No packages detected]
    at vh.propagationPath (EventBoundary.ts:357:23)
    at Bt.composedPath (FederatedEvent.ts:158:52)
    at vh.mapPointerMove (EventBoundary.ts:741:20)
    at vh.mapEvent (EventBoundary.ts:231:28)
    at ra.onPointerMove (EventSystem.ts:396:31)

Imagine a scenario where a sneaky rogue is trying to pickpocket a guard in a crowded marketplace. The rogue is positioned just behind the guard, attempting to remain unseen. As the player hovers their mouse over the rogue's token to initiate the action, the "Hidden" tooltip appears, obscuring the token and making it impossible to select. This seemingly minor inconvenience can disrupt the flow of the game, forcing the player to awkwardly maneuver their mouse until the tooltip disappears or resorting to alternative selection methods.

This issue isn't just a minor annoyance; it can have a significant impact on the gameplay experience. In tactical combat situations, where every action counts, the inability to quickly select a token can lead to missed opportunities or even disastrous consequences. The frustration caused by this issue can also detract from the enjoyment of the game, particularly for players who are new to VTT platforms or who rely heavily on visual cues.

The core issue lies in the tooltip's positioning logic. The VTT system needs to intelligently determine where to display the tooltip so that it doesn't interfere with token selection. This might involve shifting the tooltip to a different location, adjusting its size, or implementing a mechanism that temporarily hides the tooltip when the mouse cursor is hovering over the token it describes. Addressing this overlap requires a careful balance between providing helpful information and ensuring smooth gameplay.

Root Causes and Technical Details

To fully grasp the visibility tooltip overlap issue, it's essential to delve into its underlying causes and technical aspects. The problem stems from the way the VTT system handles the display of tooltips in relation to interactive elements like tokens. When a player hovers their mouse cursor over a hidden token, the system triggers the display of a tooltip to inform them of the token's hidden status. However, the tooltip's default positioning can sometimes cause it to overlap the token itself, as well as the mouse pointer, making it difficult or impossible to select the token.

The root of the problem often lies in the EventBoundary.ts file, specifically around line 357, as indicated in the error message. This file likely handles event propagation and hit detection within the VTT system. The error message "Uncaught Error: Cannot find propagation path to disconnected target" suggests that the system is having trouble determining the correct element to target when the mouse click occurs. This is likely because the tooltip, which is rendered on top of the token, is intercepting the click event, preventing it from reaching the token itself.

The function vh.propagationPath in EventBoundary.ts is responsible for calculating the path of event propagation, which is the route that an event takes as it travels through the hierarchy of elements in the VTT system. When the tooltip overlaps the token, the propagation path may be disrupted, leading to the error. The functions Bt.composedPath, vh.mapPointerMove, vh.mapEvent, and ra.onPointerMove are all involved in handling mouse events and determining which elements should receive those events. If the tooltip is intercepting the events, these functions may not be able to correctly identify the token as the target, resulting in the selection issue.

The attached MP4 video provides a visual demonstration of the problem. By observing the video, it becomes clear that the "Hidden" label tooltip appears directly over the hidden token, effectively blocking the mouse cursor from interacting with the token. This visual representation helps to solidify the understanding of the issue and its impact on gameplay.

Several factors can contribute to the severity of the tooltip overlap problem. The size and position of the tooltip, the size of the tokens, and the zoom level of the map can all play a role. In situations where tokens are closely clustered together, the likelihood of tooltips overlapping interactive elements increases. Similarly, when the map is zoomed out, the tokens become smaller, making it more challenging to precisely click on them without the tooltip getting in the way.

The tooltip's rendering order is also a crucial factor. If the tooltip is rendered on top of the token in the display stack, it will effectively block mouse clicks from reaching the token. The VTT system needs to ensure that tokens are rendered on top of tooltips or implement a mechanism that allows clicks to pass through the tooltip to the underlying token.

From a technical perspective, addressing this issue requires a careful examination of the VTT system's event handling, hit detection, and rendering logic. Developers need to identify the specific code responsible for tooltip positioning and implement strategies to prevent overlaps. This may involve adjusting the tooltip's placement algorithm, implementing a mechanism to temporarily hide the tooltip when the mouse cursor is over the token, or modifying the rendering order of elements in the display stack.

Impact on Gameplay and User Experience

The visibility tooltip overlap issue, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact both gameplay and user experience in VTT environments. The core problem lies in the obstruction of token selection, leading to a range of frustrating scenarios for players. In essence, a feature designed to aid gameplay – the visibility tooltip – inadvertently becomes a hindrance.

One of the most direct impacts is the disruption of the game's flow. Consider a dynamic combat encounter where swift decision-making and precise actions are paramount. When a player struggles to select a hidden token due to tooltip overlap, valuable time is lost. This delay can disrupt the intended strategy, potentially leading to missed opportunities or even detrimental outcomes for the player's character and the party as a whole. The frustration of repeatedly trying to click on a token that is obscured by its tooltip can quickly escalate, diminishing the overall enjoyment of the game.

Moreover, this issue can disproportionately affect players who rely on visual cues or have motor skill challenges. In a VTT setting, visual feedback is critical for understanding the game state and interacting with the virtual environment. When a tooltip obscures a token, it removes this vital visual cue, making it difficult for players to accurately target and select the desired unit. Players with motor skill challenges may find the precise mouse movements required to circumvent the tooltip overlap particularly difficult, further exacerbating the issue.

The overlap problem can also impact the sense of immersion in the game world. VTT platforms strive to create an engaging and seamless experience, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in their characters and the story. However, technical glitches like tooltip overlap can break this immersion, reminding players of the artificiality of the virtual environment. The constant need to work around such issues can detract from the narrative and the overall sense of presence within the game.

Furthermore, the issue can introduce an element of unfairness into the game. In situations where hidden information is crucial, such as scouting or stealth missions, the inability to easily select a hidden token can give the opposing side an unintended advantage. This can lead to unbalanced gameplay scenarios and a diminished sense of fair play. The transparency and clarity of information are vital in any gaming environment, and when a tooltip inadvertently obscures crucial elements, it undermines this principle.

The technical error message associated with the issue, "Uncaught Error: Cannot find propagation path to disconnected target," further compounds the problem. This error suggests a deeper underlying issue in the VTT platform's event handling system. While the error message itself may not be immediately understandable to the average player, it signifies a potential instability or bug that can further erode confidence in the system's reliability.

In essence, the visibility tooltip overlap is more than just a minor graphical glitch; it is a usability issue that can significantly impact the gameplay experience. By obstructing token selection, it disrupts the flow of the game, frustrates players, and detracts from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the VTT environment.

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

Addressing the visibility tooltip overlap issue requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing both immediate workarounds and long-term solutions. While developers work on a permanent fix, players can employ several strategies to mitigate the problem. Additionally, understanding the potential solutions from a development perspective can provide insights into the complexity of the issue and the steps needed to resolve it.

Player-Side Workarounds

  1. Mouse Maneuvering: The most immediate workaround is to carefully maneuver the mouse cursor around the tooltip. By slightly shifting the mouse position, players can often find a spot where the tooltip doesn't obstruct the token, allowing for selection. However, this method can be cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly in fast-paced situations.
  2. Zoom Adjustment: Zooming in or out on the map can sometimes alleviate the overlap issue. By changing the zoom level, the relative size and position of the tooltip may shift, making the token more accessible. Experimenting with different zoom levels can help players find a view where the tooltip is less intrusive.
  3. Alternative Selection Methods: Many VTT platforms offer alternative methods for selecting tokens, such as using keyboard shortcuts or clicking on the token's name in a list. These methods can bypass the need to directly click on the token on the map, providing a workaround for the tooltip overlap problem.
  4. Token Highlighting: Some VTT systems allow players to highlight or outline tokens, making them easier to see and select. This can help players visually distinguish the token from the tooltip, reducing the chances of misclicks.

Developer-Side Solutions

  1. Tooltip Repositioning: A primary solution is to implement a more intelligent tooltip positioning algorithm. Instead of simply placing the tooltip directly above or next to the token, the system could dynamically adjust the tooltip's position based on the surrounding elements and the mouse cursor's location. This could involve shifting the tooltip to a less obstructive area, such as the opposite side of the token or a corner of the screen.
  2. Tooltip Hiding: Another approach is to temporarily hide the tooltip when the mouse cursor is directly over the token. This would allow players to click on the token without the tooltip interfering. The tooltip could reappear when the mouse cursor moves away from the token.
  3. Click-Through Tooltips: A more advanced solution is to make the tooltip "click-through." This would allow mouse clicks to pass through the tooltip and interact with the underlying token. This approach requires careful implementation to ensure that the tooltip remains visible and informative while not obstructing interaction with other elements.
  4. Rendering Order Adjustment: The VTT system's rendering order can also be modified to ensure that tokens are always rendered on top of tooltips. This would prevent tooltips from blocking mouse clicks on tokens. However, this solution may have unintended consequences if other UI elements are also affected by the rendering order change.
  5. Error Handling and Debugging: Addressing the underlying "Uncaught Error: Cannot find propagation path to disconnected target" error is crucial for a long-term solution. Developers need to investigate the event handling system and identify the cause of the error. This may involve debugging the EventBoundary.ts file and related code to ensure that mouse events are correctly propagated and handled.
  6. User Customization: Providing users with customization options for tooltip behavior can also be a valuable solution. This could include options to adjust the tooltip's position, size, transparency, or even disable tooltips altogether. Allowing users to tailor the tooltip behavior to their preferences can improve the overall user experience.

A Holistic Approach

Ultimately, the best solution to the visibility tooltip overlap issue likely involves a combination of these approaches. Developers should strive to implement intelligent tooltip positioning, provide options for tooltip customization, and address any underlying technical errors. In the meantime, players can utilize workarounds to mitigate the problem and continue enjoying their VTT experiences. By working together, developers and players can create a more seamless and enjoyable virtual tabletop environment.

Conclusion

The visibility tooltip overlap issue in virtual tabletop games, while seemingly a minor inconvenience, underscores the importance of thoughtful user interface design and robust technical implementation. By understanding the root causes of the problem, its impact on gameplay, and potential solutions, both developers and players can work together to create a more seamless and enjoyable VTT experience. Addressing this issue is not just about fixing a bug; it's about enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring that VTT platforms continue to be a valuable tool for tabletop gaming enthusiasts.

By implementing intelligent tooltip positioning, offering customization options, and addressing underlying technical errors, developers can create a VTT environment that is both informative and intuitive. In the meantime, players can utilize workarounds and provide feedback to help developers prioritize and address this issue effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to create a VTT experience that is as engaging and immersive as playing around a physical tabletop, free from the distractions of technical glitches and usability issues.