Bit of Advice

mjb1980 · 12th February 2009, 01:56 AM

Hey gents,

First off, you've all got a great looking forum/site here. Absolutely love it.

I'll get right to the point though. I've been asked to develop some simple website apps that involve the D20 gaming system. I apologize for my lack of knowledge when it comes to all things D20 - the last time I picked up a RPG was about forever and a day ago and it was D6 (golden oldie).

I have contacted WotC (simply because they were my first stop on the road to discovery) and they referred me to a couple information sources on the Wizard site and then to HERE. Quite honestly, it seems like things are moving a bit more thoroughly here.

Because I do not wish to get into the nitty gritty on the open forum, I am seeking to have a chat with someone knowledgable in the world of D20 OGL and OCL.

I would be more than happy to discuss this over Skype, Mobile, AIM, YIM, IRC, ICQ, MSN, or any other variation thereof. If you would be willing to discuss this with me, please shoot me a PM and I'll provide you all my contact details.

I know this is an odd request, but since this is a "favor" project, I do NOT want to spend the next two weeks reading through legal jargan when I will simply not ever need the information again.

Again, I appreciate your time and review and I hope to hear back from someone soon.

Best regards,

Sigurd · 12th February 2009, 05:52 AM

Good luck.

The only simple solution will come from WOTC and\or a lawyer. What that solution is and whether its acceptable is another matter. For one, the D20 license has been revoked so start phrasing you solution in light of the OGL license and or permission from WOTC.

I'd be careful not to misrepresent this as a simple thing to your employer. Your best bet is to CYA and pass the weirdness along.

Sigurd

mjb1980 · 12th February 2009, 06:16 AM

Sigurd,

I have made no promises to anyone other than that I would research the requirements and legalities. Much as I am doing now. Before I even contact my IP Lawyer (not that he isn't a great guy... but I'd rather not pay the bills) I'd like to exhaust some other resource avenues. It seems like there has been some solid movement in regards to what I may possibly be investing time in - or simply put - I'm not pioneering any new ground with this system. Therefore, my hope is to have a discussion with someone who has indeed run the 'firing line' per se' and get some good advice.

Personally, my hope is that there is a simple work around. But without knowing too much ABOUT D20... it really leaves me hanging out to dry.

Regardless, I appreciate the information.

Regards,

DaveMage · 12th February 2009, 03:33 PM

Just FYI, mjb1980, there currently is no valid d20 license available (so there is nothing to point you to). That license was pulled back in June of 2008. Per their website, WotC may be releasing a new d20 license in the future (for games other than D&D), but as of today, there is nothing.

You can use the open gaming license (OGL) because that does not expire, but the d20 license is no more.

kenmarable · 12th February 2009, 09:59 PM

If you are going with third edition/OGL (the 2000 to 2008 version of D&D, and the foundation of Pathfinder RPG, True 20, Mutants & Masterminds, d20 Modern, Arcana Evolved, Iron Hereoes, etc.), then...

...if you haven't already, I'd start with WotC's archived OGL information here.

The most relevant pages would probably be the Open Gaming Definitions FAQ, the OGL FAQ, and the Software FAQ. Also the OGL itself it around 1 page-ish in length, so it's not too terrible to actually dig in and read.

Oh, but any references to the "d20 System Trademark License" are old and no longer relevant. That was an additional license for using the d20 logo to indicate compatibility. But it's gone now, even if some references to it remain in the FAQ's above.

I don't know if anyone will take you up on your offer given how loathe people are to offer pseudo-legal advice over the internet. But much of the basics are pretty straightforward (as far as contract licenses go, that is).

Your best bet might be to ask specific questions. I'm sure most any have come up in the past and been argued to death years ago, so people might be willing to give "the consensus seems to be" sort of answers.

You can probably throw specific questions out there without necessarily spilling the beans on your project. Besides, most people who would have wanted to develop 3e software and websites probably already have (although maybe Paizo's Pathfinder will breathe some life into the edition and spark new developments).

If you are working on 4e material (D&D 2008+), then...

... good luck. The rules are in the GSL, and are far more strict than the OGL. Plus with WotC getting into the digital arena themselves, they are being far more protective of their content.

The other option for 4e material would be the "copyright" route (referencing the court case or three that supports the idea that game mechanics aren't copyrightable, just the "implementations" of them). But very few will go on record with advice on exactly how to do that beyond "talk to a very good lawyer".

Sigurd · 17th February 2009, 07:06 AM

MJ,

Sorry if I sounded negative. That wasn't my intention.

This site, and other game sites, are great resources for all sorts of things. Legal advice, not so much. My hats off to DaveMage who had a much more useful answer.

Sigurd

Nellisir · 22nd February 2009, 08:58 PM

mjb1980 - I'm neither a lawyer nor particularly familiar with computer apps, but I have a relatively decent understanding of the OGL. Feel free to drop me an email if you still have questions, and I'll see if I can either clarify things or point you in a better direction.

cheers
Nell.

nellisir at gmail dot com