3rd-Party Apps for 5E Rising From The Dead!

To quote Monty Python, "I'm not Dead Yet!" Over the last few months, a number of D&D 5E third-party electronic tools have been removed from the web at WotC's request. Some of the creators of these tools cited Cease-and-Desists and posted angry "closing down" messages, while others indicated they'd had friendly requests to observe WotC's IP rights. What's interesting is that some of these tools are now reappearing, apparently after having met WotC's requests as to what can or can't be included - whch appears, at least at first blush, to be Basic Rules material, along with some minor trademark usage restrictions.

A couple of notable examples include Pathguy's D&D Next character generator. He closed his generator last month, leaving a closing message, but now the generator is back and running, noting that "I've been granted specific permission by WoTC to publish and distribute this generator. However, I've been asked to limit my "Fifth Edition" character generator to the content of the free online D&D Basic Rules."

That's not the only one that's risen from the grave! The d20 Fight Club for Fifth Edition iOS app was removed from Apple's App Store, citing an actual "cease and desist order from Wizards of the Coast". This, too, is back, under a new name! The creator notes that "To be compliant with Wizards of the Coast copyrights and trademarks this app will no longer contain any content from the Dungeon Master's Guide or use the trademarks "Dungeon Master" and "D20"

So what's happening? It seems that two things are going on. First, the C&Ds folks are talking about don't sound like they're particularly stern, and WotC is happily working things out with the creators of these apps and the like. Secondly, it appears that WotC is limiting use of certain trademarks (which is hardly surprising) and allowing content from the Basic Rules, although that's not 100% clear.

Does this hint at any kind of longer-term policy or license? These are individual agreements at present, but this may be a clue as to what we migh be able to expect in the future.

The D&D Tools website is still closed, but that was a rather different kettle of fish.

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[Kramodlog]

d20 is a trademark own by WotC?

 

[Morrus]

"d20 System" is, as is the d20 System Trademark Logo, but "d20" itself is not. I assume that the creator means the former.

 

[Reynard]

So perhaps what we will see soon is some sort of Basic Compatibility License? That seems like the sort of thing WotC might want to see to support sales of the Core Rules while not stepping on the toes of WotC released APs. It could also herald an expansion of the Basic Rules, short or long term. Interesting.

 

[evilbob]

I get that their IP is their IP and they don't want others infringing - that's perfectly fair. It's sad that something that people really, really want and can use - like an online character generator (for all PHB characters) - still doesn't exist ~8 months after it should have been released.

 

[Kramodlog]

From an exchange of post I had with Morrus, apparently WotC would need to make SRD-like document to have an OGL. Imagine where that is on WotC's list of priorities, the hours of work and the number of jurors that would be required to do this.

 

[Morrus]

From an exchange of post I had with Morrus, apparently WotC would need to make SRD-like document to have an OGL.

That's not what I said. I said that's what they did last time, not that that's what they need to do.

 

[Kramodlog]

That's not what I said. I said that's what they did last time, not that that's what they need to do.

What would they need to do? Their isn't any license in the published books, so they would need to do something.

 

[Reynard]

What would they need to do? Their isn't any license in the published books, so they would need to do something.

All they would have to do is attach a "Use" policy to the Basic Rules, outlining what is and is not covered and how to avoid a C&D. I feel certain they *will not* produce an SRD of any sort since that would very likely lead to a muddying of the waters between what WotC is hoping to do and what folks already using the OGL are trying to do. WotC wants people to buy the Core books and does not want to make short adventures. A Basic License of some sort serves both of those purposes.

 

[Morrus]

What would they need to do? Their isn't any license in the published books, so they would need to do something.

There's lots of ways to approach it. A license on their site describing what was available for use would do the trick. The SRD was just an easy way to describe what was available for use.