New GM Screen Design Pt.3 (we're getting closer) 

I think when everyone says they want the "Matt Mercer DM Screen" they mean two things: the hinge solution and the dark and white wood contrast. Cool to see the design process!

Need a sub brand - “Wyrmwood essentials”. Don’t dilute the primary brand with the cheaper look/feel but offering up an alternative is nice for folks. Product families exist for a reason

Christaldi's magnet solution is very elegant. Hidden magnents, curved wood, very nice

I think Jason is right about the Mercer hinge solution. It's just so elegant. But I think regardless it's nice to see progress on this project.

When I say I want the Matt Mercer GM screen, what I am saying is that I want that hinge solution.

The comment about how we don't normally see products until they're like a couple months into the design process was helpful, I'm glad to see the progress being made on the GM screen, already looks 10x better than the first iteration, keep it up!

I think Jason was spot on as always, people mostly want the barrel magnets and I personally would like a contrasting panel

If youre going to be offering both itd be nice for the frame and panel to be compatible with the solid. Someone could buy a nice frame and panel contrasting center piece, and buy all the sides in a cheaper complementary solid wood.

the Mercer hinge solution is the best part of the Mercer DM screen. 100% agree with Jason. Would pay a lot more for that hinge solution alone.

Thank you for actually saying what we want Jason! Everytime the Matt Mercer GM screen was brought up it was always about the super expensive wood and the intricate inlay work. While that is nice, what we really liked about it was its construction. Take away the insane inlay work. We want a stripped down version of it.

Jason’s right, the Matt mercer cylinder magnets are style I want for sure

Did anyone else go from depressed about the solid wood to VERY excited when Doug held up the contrasting frame and panel? I think I said 'YES" to everything Jason said throughout the meeting lol....

A $15,000 table is different than a $2,000 table. But when an item is under $1k people are willing to bend for the better option. People who want a GM screen would be willing to spend $750 on it to have it if better design and quality.

A good gm screen is something you take out everygame in front of your players, more so then mini's that are dependent of the setting. I feel like if I had a crown piece to my GM bling, it would be the screen that I get to use for all my games.

Doug -- you did a great job in this meeting giving your point of view and leaving plenty of room for everyone else's input. And egos were not at stake. This is good leadership.

Loving this design process. This is some *PREMIUM* wyrmlyfe content and I am here for it. A+ to the whole media team! And big ups to Christaldi! I love how much we see of him now and the hinge solution was smooth!

My favorite things from the Matt Mercer DM Screen: 1. Clean magnetic attachment 2. Carrying strap (or case) 3. Looks super high quality (the "wyrmwood" look) 4. Magnetic rails and card slots up top (utility) I think to meet #3 at least, you'll need to do either the veneer or the frame + panel style construction. I actually don't like the acrylic panels as they would make the product almost too thick. But if you go with a solid wood construction, you could mill out the back and have the acrylic sit more flush to then screen to avoid making it too thick.

I agree mercer hinge is the best hinge solution, the barrel magnet looks cheap and junky. Plus what it if my dog takes the magnet, or I otherwise lose the magnet, rather have something built in. Like the additional functionalities as well.

I would buy the Matt Mercer dm screen design in a second. Just straight up what he has with a couple different magnets. Don’t care the cost

Wyrmwood transparency is a thing to behold. The screen is coming along well and I'm crossing my fingers with the inset magnets. Looking forward to more WymLyfe as always.

I still think Frame and Panel is the way to go, even if it bumps the price up to double I would gladly pay for unless you have some really fancy veneer work in mind. The function improvements you guys made are fantastic changes though. Already looking so much better than version one.

Yes, I think Jason absolutely nailed it when I said I wanted that Mercer DM screen. That magnetic hinge put the screen over the top for me. Also really interested to see that new idea of the magnet being dropped into a bored hole! That’s some Wyrmwood thinking right there!

+1 for the removable center detail. Contrasting woods are worth the extra $$$

Definitely when I think the Mercer screen, I immediately go to the magnets. Now if Team Jacob can show a version like the class vaults, I might be able to get onboard. Otherwise I’m on Team Edward.

That desk prank at the end was giving off some serious Jim and Dwight energy!

Hey fellas, Have you thought about breadboard ends? It's kinda the mid point between the two designs.

solid wood reminds me of a cutting board.. frame looks more of a design that would come out of your shop.

This episode was right up my alley. I was the door guy at a cabinet shop for years and have spent a significant chunk of my life running stiles, rails, and raised panels on the shaper table. I know the immense amount of additional labor that will go into it but the frame and panel looks a 100 times classier than that slab even with the extra detail milled into it to give it the faux-panel look. I'd even think a 1/4" plywood panel looks superior to the solid slab but may not give you the feel or perceived quality you guys are looking for. This is solely coming from a construction standpoint though not someone running a business. I am sure majority of your customer's aren't previous woodworkers so this is a pretty niche opinion but I'm 100% team frame and panel. The internal magnets would be soooooo sexy too.

I LOVE the idea of having an option between a basic and "prophecy" gm screen. Honestly, that's I think where the frame and panel screen belongs, but it also gives a very nice budget friendly option. Can't wait to see the final product! 😆😆

The Loose magnetic tube hinge is a terrible idea. It really is. What happens when you lose a tube because when folded they are only held on by one side? We definitely want the Matt Mercer Magnet hinge, and having it hidden would actually be really cool aesthetically. I like the Parquetry so long as it's completely flat and not proud. I actually really like the inset leather. Because all kinds of different designs could be put onto the leather panel, and it matches the pre-existing design elements of Wyrmwood.

I honestly want to see both fully done, I feel like I'd get a better idea of the differences

Loving the direction the magnets appear to be heading. Can't wait to see the next iteration! The contrasting coloured panels are by far the sexiest way to do this. The acrylic panels at the back and the other functional improvements are lookin' real good too.

I think both are good, I would love a frame and panel center screen and solid for side units if they are sold individually. You get the best of both overall lover cost on a 3-4 screen setup, and great overall look and feel

I genuinely thought contrasting colors WAS your aesthetic. Sure, your tables, and accessories may seem to be a simple wood aesthetic. But when you consider the cork on the gaming tiles, the metal on the cup holder, leather inserts, and even the foam in the dice faults.. then the Wyrmwood esthetic has LOTS of color contrasts.

"I'm here now." - Bobby Love it! lol Barrel magnets are a must for me. Leaps and bounds away from the rods or balls. Contrasting woods is a big thing for me as well. Jumps the aesthetic to another level. Team Edward, but the changes are making me Team Both.

I'd pay $600 to get a GM screen that looked closer to Matt Mercer's, before I payed $100 for a cheaper looking product. I buy Wyrmwood products for a reason - because they show clear craftsmanship. So I'd at least want BOTH options so folks can choose how much they want to spend. But offering only a simpler design dilutes the Wyrmwood brand away from quality products.

These are the conversations I live for. Listening to all of the voices of Wyrmwood working together to create beautiful products just amps me up. I love Wyrmlyfe and enjoy every glimpse into the goings on, but these conversations man, the way you all bend and weave and share and support and speak honestly about the products is glorious. The process, the "what is the Wrymwood brand" talks are absolutely extraordinary. You have open honest conversations with a common goal and your customers reap the rewards of all of your collaborations. That beautiful hive-mind. I love seeing the vulnerability of second guessing yourself from not just a profit margin perspective, but from the "what is a wyrmwood worthy product?" and the amazing consideration of "What do our customers want from us?" It is an absolute treat to be able to watch these stories unfold. And by the way...everyone involved in creating these Wyrmlyfe episodes is absolutely kicking ass. From shooting the footage to editing and sound and content...please folks take a minute to recognize that you are all f'ing rockstars. Love you all, keep being Wyrmwood...! Cheers :)

Definitely a vote for Jason’s barrel magnet solution. Then a vote for frame and panel with contrasting panel. Lastly, for aesthetics, I like the option of being able to also add a custom emblem. Talk about an easy up charge/add on. If you have multiple games running and you want a symbol for each group, to be able to buy that would definitely be amazing. As for function on the reverse side, looks like they are just getting started so I’ll wait to give feedback on that. Good progress though!

Thanks you Jason for bringing up the magnet hinge system! That was by far my favorite feature of the matt mercer screen, and I was very confused when the current prototypes had the weird magnetic hinge pin instead. Christaldi with the hidden magnet idea just takes it to another level. I can't wait to see the prototype for that.

Now that’s definitely progress on the screens. It’s moving in the right direction. Hidden barrel magnets are way more the Wyrmwood quality feel than ‘slab o wood’ + ‘rod o magnet’. Looking forward to the next iterations.

I love seeing the entire prototyping process, for me at least is so much fun to see all the changes as the product develop. I'm not too big a fan of the leather inset into the wood, just reminds me too much of a school chalkboard/whiteboard for some reason.

I would really like a Class of the Month looking solution cause those look very good.

@8:55 Yeah, that is 100% more like what we want. That looks GOOD. Gimme 3 of those and put the wyrmwood logo on the middle one.

I haven't said this yet, and have thought it plenty of times, but Wyrmwood doing videos like this, showing the process and development of products, really instills a faith in the brand and products. It's not some mysterious other figure, it's a group of guys, logically thinking and taking the next steps. Good video.

I am on team do both. I appreciate that you let us in so early in this process at the peril of receiving criticism. It should at least make you feel good to know that a lot of customers have a lot of passion for this product. Hi can’t wait to see what you develop in two weeks. Best of luck to you all :)

I'm absolutely loving this series. Mainly because this is the product I've been looking forward to the most. Very excited to see what they end up with.

I think milled Veneer is the best option by far

This is really fun to watch! I love the episodes where the team shows their creative side.

Real excited to see the cristaldi dm screen

Just want to throw it out there. I LOVE THAT YOU SHOW THE PROCESS FROM THE BEGINNING. It not only show the passion of the people you guys as Wyrmwood, but it also makes me feel invested with the development of the product. As if I'm sitting at the meeting table as a stakeholder. I'm pretty sure when the GM screen is available that I feel that I HAVE to buy it, because I've also invested my time in giving feedback to you guys to make the best product. Please keep us updated! About the GM Screen itself. I fully agree with Jason that the magnet hinge of the Mercer GM screen is what people maybe like the most. The magnetic rod doesn't look too appealing to me because I want to have an almost pure wood experience. If you guys manage to get the magnetic hinge within the wood and make it would, that would be even better! There was still one question on my mind after watching the video. When you guys were estimating the cost of the Solid Wood vs Paneled Wood production, you use the most basic wood where Jason said that Paneled wood be roughly double. Would this still have this cost ratio when you are using fancier wood? Or how would this cost scale? Because if the ratio is double, I could imagine fancier wood GM screen to be really pricey for Paneled Wood.

What I want out of the Matt Mercer GM screen is: 1) initiative tracker groove along the top 2) magnetic rack for papers (love the stackable plexiglass!) on the back 3) hidden/barrel magnets for joining screens. Yes shearing/racking is a concern that needs to be addressed 4) style. I put this last because I trust in your team to make a wyrmwood brand worthy product. I like the different wood color options and Kellys idea of a leather insert. The color contrast is what makes Mercer’s screen really POP

Use the MM hinge solution, add a thin piece of sheet metal under vainer on the inside face so the whole panel is magnetic and offer wyrmwood magnets (wooden circles + magnets w/ logo on them) as another add on. $$

The screen is looking better and better

I'm most excited by the functions you all are adding to the screen. Those are the elements that will help start shaping it as a DM panel. Keep up the good work! It would be interesting to understand the weight difference between the options. A lot of DMs have to travel to their game session. I don't want to be logging around a ton more weight then I already need to.

Jason’s read on what people mean about Matt Merced’s DM Screen was spot on. That magnet solution is way better. I know that this is for further down the design path, but an amazing add on for me would be customisable initiative trackers. Not sure what that would look like, but having them match the aesthetic of the screen would be an absolute buy for me.

I like having both as an option. That said, frame and panel has the additional option of mixing wood types for unique looks. Like, having one wood for the panel and a different wood for the frame. Could even play into those class motif items you've been doing. EDIT: Nvm, just addressed it at 8:45 lol

Fantastic episode! Doug has shown his customers that yes R&D starts very basic and gets improvements each version. I think we as fans and customers can finally just STFU and understand that they are works in progress. Doug and team, we are not hating Wyrmwood. If we did, we'd just not buy any of your products and THAT would be an insult to you guys. I, and I think most of us, criticize because we love Wyrmwood and we want to see the best quality and the best product that's well-rounded. Wyrm Lyfe is the most active focus group I think you guys have because many people give criticisms often because we WANT to see that success! Wyrmwood is a staple name in my house, and I have products that I'm proud to say I got from you guys. So I better freaking love it! 😂 It's all in good faith and wanting to help with whatever input we can give. All with love!

Jason I think you are right on the money with the observation for what people mean when they say: "I want the Matt's GM screen"

I think the majority of people would enjoy a screen similar to Matt Mercer's. There's enough uniqueness to it that people will love it, it is a product that yells craftsman ship which is wyrmwood and for wood types you could go with what you guys chose for each class of the month.

Complete solution to all problems: The "mercer" hinge solution, create a veneer CENTER insert for the solid wood panel, AND adjust the routing on the inner grooves a bit to match the frame and panel aesthetic more. The veneer inserts will bring it close enough to the Wyrmwood aesthetic and can be mass produced very efficiently as long as it is the CENTER of the panel and not the outside. By putting the veneer inset into the panel, you can mass produce the veneer to the correct size on a laser cutter/cnc, and if you are machining the routing on the solid wood panel, the veneer will always fit perfectly. The steps don't increase that much, and they are automated mostly. Hell, since the veneer is mostly square in this idea, your initial sheet of veneer to cut the inserts is only limited by the size of your laser cuter and you could churn those puppies out FAST. This should solve all design issues without drastically increasing the step count.

This video was exactly what I was hoping for, to look at the different options, and see how it looks. Honestly with some options I would look at any three(edit: of the more expensive) of the panals, and I would heavily consider even the basic if there is a good example of the contrast, say with vanir or something. Those backs look sexy. The only thing I will 100% say, I plan to get 4 panels. 3 is not enough for several notepads AND a monster manual(And a dice tray, etc). So two nicer middle ones, two complimenting simple side ones is totally fine for me.

Jason is absolutely right, what I love on the Mercer DM screen is the magnet hinge solution. As far as frame in panel vs solid wood I love the contrasting tones regardless of solution as long as warping doesn't make it super unsatisfying when I put the screen away. Really love seeing the full design process on this one.

Team contrasting wood, frame and panel, magnet rail, like the clear magnet panels, the groove rocks.

I'd be really interested in seeing what the milled veneer look like. But, i think the frame and panel would make a really nice center frame, and then have the outer frames the solid wood. If you offer both as different lines, making them cross compatible with each other would be cool.

Here is some possible accessories. 1. The top groove on the gm screen could be used for initiative tracking. You could make small wood plates with rewritable screen. (Similar to the hex tiles). 2. A book stand, if feasible, would be a great addition to the screen. Alternatively, place a small ramp at the bottom of the screen connected by magnets. . This would slightly elevates book laid on top and give reader some neck relief. DMs and College student know looking directly down at a book for house cause neck pain. 3. I already imagine the group is already working on other accessories: pen holder, dice holder, and jail dice holder. It would be nice if you could add them to the top and bottom of the screen with magnets. Finally, I strongly agree with Doug on this one. The frame and panel looks better but not enough to justify the extra cost.

Honestly I really love the idea of 2 tiers of the GM screen just like you have for the dice holders. I know that'd be multiple skus that would cause an issue, but making a cost that makes the manufacturing worth it is something I think people would be willing to pay for since your products are quality, and something I will own until I die.

The convo was cool to watch & everything, but I just really loved that prank.

Don't get me wrong, I come here for the product updates, but learning the terminology of stuff is also hella cool. Mad props for that April Fool's prank too. Loved it.

Both versions of the screen look a lot better than the previous versions you've shown us. You are headed in the right direction, and I think you could make something awesome going either route.

Just some oddball suggestions: Doug's tablecloth may have provided a radical solution. magnetic fields can penetrate the wood, but reverse it, instead. Use a steel plate as a core, then use wood veneers like from the CAP, and glue them to the steel. The sides can have wood to hold the magnets for the steel tube hinges, but the top and bottom can go right to the edge. If the steel is polished or plated, it could look like silver stringing. Also, for the tubes, give them some utility. Make wooden caps and use the tube as pencil storage or (if they're big enough) dice tubes.

A GM screen is super personal, and when you get what you want most are willing to do a 1 time expensive purchase. We are not talking thousands of $$$ (though there probably is a small market for that), but a few hundred. I would say $300-600 is what most are willing to save up and spend on a quality GM screen they are really happy with.

As usual, I think Jason just understands what makes Wyrmwood appeal to its base customers. Elegance in the hinge, while offering an assortment of wood contrasts is what customers have come to love. We want the craftsmanship and innovation we couldn’t do ourselves. I mean if I wanted a few wood panels connected with a magnet, I could probably just do that myself. Just because it is cheap and/or easy doesn’t make it more appealing or necessarily wanted. GM screens are a centerpiece of any d&d group. Similar to dice vaults and towers for players, the quality, functionality, and awe factor must all be present here to live up what makes having Wyrmwood present on the table special.

I'm a big fan of the magnet solution. I also really like the solid wood with leather for the panels. It's creates more sophistication than the simple wood does, and wood and leather is already a common Wyrmwood aesthetic.

ALL of this was super fascinating! Thank you for explaining the sharp difference between what normally makes it to Wyrmlyfe and what we previously saw. Very exciting stuff!

I love the frame and panel for the design, and the hole with bung for the magnet placement. Very cool and functional ideas. I also like the functionality of the groove in the top and the metal rail.

This is so exciting! My favorite content is a seat at the design table. Such great conversations from talented thoughtful people!

I am on Team Just Make it Look and Function Awesome.

the sample of the custom insert in this video is my favorite so far.

Holy shit I love the multi colored frame and panel. It's so cool. And I love the new magnet idea where the magnet is hidden. I can't wait to see how this moves along

The inset barrel magnets would also allow for modularity between the Frame and Panel and Solid screen options. Props to Cristaldi for that one. This would allow buyers to purchase as many individual screens as desired while keeping the interface between them seamless. Opens up the market for buyers to go for either a 3 or 4 screen setup, and the wood customisation options can be the left more open for buyers to build what they want. Case in point, I would go for 2 F&P and 2 Solid to give me the contrasting look in the centre, and the solid screens would wrap around as they wouldn't be the focal point for my players. Seeing the design process from the initial conception is great content, but also a good sales tactic. I am invested in seeing how this goes, and I am already putting money aside to buy a full set up.

I'm interested to see what they can get to with the solid wood, but the contrasting woods is so nice. The swappable inset is nice and I'm excited to see prototypes with the inset barrel magnets. The nice thing is if you get to a solution that both Jason and Doug can agree on, you probably have a winner.

Always cool to watch you all brainstorm! My mind was blown watching you all draw out the magnet diagrams.

What draws me towards the frame & panel path is that it gives an option where a series of screens with inner panel & frame can be developed with the same wood/ color scheme combinations used in your master vault systems (would love to get my hands on a matching cleric master vault & dm screen). Whichever way the project goes, super stoked to see what y’all end up with

I am happy they are talking about dropping that rod magnet and going to the potential of the Mercer magnet version, to me that would make it look amazing.

That's substantial progress there! I'm glad to know that what we saw before were early iterations and not close to the final. I really like the idea that was thrown out about having a "Prophecy" line for everything so you have high-end, exquisite, master crafted item and then have another line that was more MGT like in that it's more accessible, but still high quality. And I'm not gonna lie, I did like that leather on the panel! Good work y'all!

Visually, the contrasting just puts the frame and panel, on another level. All the function should be equally achievable for both.

If they do the different colored frame, I am 100% in! Those look amazing, even without logos.

i really like the kelly design honestly, and for me, the Mercer screen is perfect as you made it, i like the metal and wood combo with the magnets on the outside, and love the color combo, but i also think that the hidden magnet solution for the sides is pretty cool

YAY I'm very happy with the direction now :D keep making the GM SCREEN

The Interesting proposal on the veneered slabs! Would love to see that play out! Still generally on team frame-in panel, though. Hinge idea is absolutly killer! Love that!

I don't think people want Mercer's GM Screen, I think people want a well designed screen that also offers functionality (like the first GM Screen you guys did) Use the frame and panel, offer the same wood combinations as you do in your adventuring party sets and make the two compatible. Make it possible to add a matching dice tower between two pieces of the screen for example. If you use the same wood combinations as the adventuring party you will also already know which combinations are going to be popular and people who already bought one of the adventuring party pieces would have additional incentives to get a matching GM Screen. Also if you go frame and panel, maybe make the panel exchangeable? You already seem to plan to put magnets in the Stiles so maybe you could use some in the rails as well to keep them together instead of glue. That way people could put in their own designs, or you could offer something modular to put in there. Maybe maps or whatever. Maybe you could use the concept from halloween where you had monsters and maps of the areas the monsters lived in? Or somesthing related to the adventuring party? I guess that is what the plexiglas sheets were for but again, this solution would feel nicer. But then we are probably also just a step away from the turning window thing you had on your original GM Screens i guess…

Love the inlayd woods, both from design and cist effectiveness. Can't wait to see where the team takes it,no matter the direction

From someone who likes the design process, thank you.

I like the contrasting frame and panel ones. You already has great wood pairings in the class of the month stuff, just offer those pairings that make sense as contrasting panels options. I think most people would be pretty happy to chose from those static combos

These meeting vids have become some of my favorite content

They do need something else to make them stand out, they feel like cabinet doors, especially the frame and panel.

I definitely like this iteration of the solid wood panel a lot more than the previous prototypes we've seen, but I would need to see the magnetic joints because that's what literally and symbolically pulls it together. I think the big sell for me on frame and panel is the aesthetic of the natural contrasting between the frame and panel pieces. Definitely moving in a great direction overall.

I fully believe that making product families would be the optimal way that Wyrmwood could produce and market their future products. Having a complete line of Prophecy products for people who want everything to be the pinnacle of quality and design. Then a mid-level for the more balance minded consumer, that maybe compromises a few aesthetic elements, but retains functionality. Then of course, the entry-level line for someone who wants the Wyrmwood name, but needs to be friendly to their finances. It's a prominent element to many successful manufacturers across the world, and should definitely be a key talking point for Wyrmwood in the future.

What makes the Mercer Screen for me is the contrasting frame and panel look with the center logo. The barrel style hinges and magnetic holders are super cool though

I'm leaning towards frame and panel of the contrast woods look good, loved the example. I also really liked the solid with leather mat; I think you could still get customization on those with the laser as well.