Revised GSL on the way

[lurkinglidda]

In case you haven't seen the thread in the general forum, we have just announced that we will be releasing a revised GSL, SRD and FAQ shortly. The hope was to have all the documents ready before Gen Con, but that was not meant to be.

I'm not able (as in unable, not unwilling) to discuss the specific changes just yet.

 

[dmccoy1693]

Glad to hear lidda. I can't wait to read it.

 

[FormerlyDickensC]

I think this is great news. I hope, tho, that shortly is actually short. Ok no whining. But yes, I think this could be really good news.

Perhaps, after its release you/someone/anyone from wotc will be able to discuss it and talk about it?? Or will you still be unable to talk as with the previous (current) release of the GSL?

I would mainly like to hear the intentions behind the given elements of the license. What are the goals of the license. And, if some of those goals were not actually achieved, then why? Why/what were issues compromised, what forced the compromise and why the given manner of compromise reached? ..if ever you are able to discuss. My hope is that through such discussion, there is some middle ground to be reached between the triumvirate of consumer/3pp/wotc. But maybe I'm overstepping my bounds.

 

[ruemere]

Thank you for your valiant efforts, Madam.

Still, within this short announcement, there is no mention on whether any restrictions are to be lifted or clarification of terms applied. The statement of goodwill is however there, so, while late, it may still be useful to those publishers who are sitting on the fence.

Personally, I'm still waiting for PHB2 to make a decision whether to purchase 4E. I know, on the other hand, that I will not be using it within next two years. My players and me have decided to continue current campaign, and so we will be switching to Pathfinder.

Finally, I'd like to say that decision to add additional abstraction layer[1] to game system, is the real dealbreaker for me. So, while I may enjoy 4E some time in the future as a player, it is unlikely to make me switch as a GM.

Regards,
Ruemere

[1] The game system layers of d20: the world, the mechanics.
4E version: the world, the intermediate translation layer, the mechanics - the new layer is needed to translate effects of mechanics into consistent results in game world.
To, it is a deal breaker, since it makes character in game actions even more removed from the world than before.

 

[Drkfathr1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

This bodes very well, and does go to show that there are some very strong advocates still working within WOTC to make things right, and I think that the trust that is given to Scott and Linae is obviously well deserved.

 

[see]

Seeing will be believing.

 

[Bacris]

I await the revisions with eager anticipation.

 

[Cwheeler]

Crosses fingers in the hope that

a) The changes are what is needed

and

b) They come before the damage of 'rats from a ship' syndrome is irreprable.


Best of luck, and thanks for letting us know .

 

[Corjay]

Considering WOTC's slow to respond ways in other areas (often taking up to 6 months to formulate a reply), I think everyone should view it as a good sign that WOTC is being so proactive so quickly.

Here are the major changes we should be expecting to see (disregarding minor irritants to selective individuals, irritating to some, laudable to others):
1) Periodical publishers inability to support past issues. (Subsection 6.1)
2) Once changed to GSL, product line cannot be changed back to OGL, meaning the product rises or falls with 4e. (Subsection 6.1)
3) Licensee's inability to use their own IP after the termination of the GSL (Subsection 6.1, 6.1b)
4) No cushion period or protections for licensee for termination of GSL (Subsection 11.1)
5) Total destruction of product line upon termination of GSL (Subsection 11.3)

 

[Dias Ex Machina]

Thats fairly interesting news, though I don't think it will affect companies that have already signed onto the GSL. We knew the stakes going in. Unless you make it more restrictive, no additional freedom you will offer will really affect the progress we are making on current project (though it may help with future projects, I personally am not as certain). We will still be renaming all our creatures; we will still be keeping the rules unchanged. When it comes to the changes we instigated to follow the GSL, we are actually happier now with our new version than the last one. Don't expect a huge retroactive alteration based on the revisions of this new GSL for Amethyst. We thank you for the boost in confidence as it shows those willing to sign onto the GSL in its current state did not truly think we were making a pact with the devil.

Still up for coffee, right Lidda?