what is OGL

bolen · Feb 23, 2004

I was wondering is the only requirement for OGL that you have x% of your product as open source? eg do I have to run a d20 like game to have it OGL. I am asking because the two OGL products that I own are Conan an Mutants and Masterminds and althought these products have character creation and leveling they are still very D20 like as opposed to GURPS.

I am asking if one could make a game like GURPS a OGL game if one wanted or are there still some restrictions.

smetzger · Feb 23, 2004

An OGL game does not have to be d20 like.

The Action-System is non-d20 like and it is OGL.
http://www.action-system.com/

In fact it doesn't even need to be a 'game' to be released under the license. It could be a computer program(gaming or non-gaming), list of recipes, etc.

bolen · Feb 23, 2004

So it works under the same laws as UNIX does?

smetzger · Feb 23, 2004

bolen said:
So it works under the same laws as UNIX does?

Er...uhm. No. Your probably thinking about Lynix. But still no.

I suggest reading the license about 5 times. Then asking any questions at:
http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/

The only restrictions on OGL are those that are indicated in the license.

Umbran · Feb 23, 2004

bolen said:
I am asking if one could make a game like GURPS a OGL game if one wanted or are there still some restrictions.

Well, that depends what you mean.

If you write up a completely new game, you can release it under the OGL, no matter the mechanic. The OGL makes no explicit restrictions on th emechanics used in the game.

Mutants and Masterminds and Conan are based upon material that WotC made open for third-party use. You can base an OGL product upon such open material.

Steve Jackson has not, to my knowledge, made any of GURPS open. So you cannot take any GURPS material and release it under the OGL. More correctly, you can try, but Mr. Jackson would be within his rights (and obligations) to take you to court.

bolen · Feb 23, 2004

I meant Linux sorry, the OGL states that

1. The license must allow game rules and materials that use game rules to be freely copied, modified and distributed.
2. The license must ensure that material distributed using the license cannot have those permissions restricted in the future.

I am still confused does this mean I could xerox the combat section of conan and distribute it to all my friends. Surely not that would prevent Mongoose from making money and put them out of business.

But to answer my question I could make my own system where one rolls a d12 for actions (so it would be a different system) and call this an OGL.

Len · Feb 23, 2004

bolen said:
I meant Lynix sorry

(Actually I'm pretty sure you meant Linux.

)

I am still confused does this mean I could xerox the combat section of conan and distribute it to all my friends. Surely not that would prevent Mongoose from making money and put them out of business.

You can only copy the parts of the book that are designated Open Content. I haven't seen Conan, but I'm sure that certain vital parts, like the name "Conan", are not open. That's why people will have to buy the book from Mongoose. It is possible that the bare rules of combat are open content (check the book to find out). You could take some of those parts, combine them with your own rules, and publish your own OGL game. Neat, eh?

jgbrowning · Feb 23, 2004

Also, it's a good bet that any images are not open content.

joe b.

Ranger REG · Feb 24, 2004

Read My Disclaimer Below.

bolen said:
I was wondering is the only requirement for OGL that you have x% of your product as open source? eg do I have to run a d20 like game to have it OGL.

No. The game does not have to be as close to d20. Also, you do not need to meet any minimum amount because Open Gaming License does not have any stated minimum nor maximum limitation.

(The "minimum 5% OGC" requirement criteria comes from the other license -- d20 System Trademark License -- if you wish to use the "d20 System" logo. Do not confuse the two.)

bolen said:
I am asking because the two OGL products that I own are Conan an Mutants and Masterminds and althought these products have character creation and leveling they are still very D20 like as opposed to GURPS.

But they don't advertise as being d20 (both product does not carry the square "d20 System" logo/label) nor do the products stated they require Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook or any Wizards of the Coast Core Game Book with Wizards' trademarks.

bolen said:
I am asking if one could make a game like GURPS a OGL game if one wanted or are there still some restrictions.

If you wish to create a new rules system and place them under the OGL, you may do so. Just make sure you fully understand the license.

As someone else have stated, there is another rules system (non-d20) that is under the OGL: Action! System.

www.action-system.com

johnsemlak · Feb 24, 2004

This OGL versus d20 thing is getting confusing. I wonder if we could create a term that could refer to an OGL game/product that was d20-compatible.

It is true that 'OGL' is often used to refer to a product that is d20 compatible, as are Mutants and Masterminds, Arcana Unearthed, Conan, and many others.

One interesting product is AEG's Spycraft. It is a d20 System game published under the d20STL, and as such states it requires the use of the D&D player's handbook, even though they are completely different genres. I believe the Traveller d20 game is the same.

what is OGL

bolen

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Len

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