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General Tabletop Discussion
D&D Older Editions
What will happen if 4E doesn't use the OGL?
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<blockquote data-quote="pawsplay" data-source="post: 3476094" data-attributes="member: 15538"><p>It seems likely that someone is going to produce unofficial 4e material. From my understanding (IANAL), the case law looks pretty weak for WotC's side. In fact, the Microsoft antitrust cases would suggest that trying to restrict third parties from producing compatible copyrighted materials might even be restraint of trade. Certainly, previous cases involving strategy guides, knockoff board games, and the like suggest you cannot protect the concept of "hit points" in any meaningful way.</p><p></p><p>Plus, at this point, with the CRPG industry, a few years of the OGL, the LOTR movie and so forth, a LOT of stuff is now in the public currency and would be difficult to even trademark. </p><p></p><p>Hasbro and WotC definitely realize D&D is a "hobby industry" and they are never going to create the same kind of environment you have for trading cards, clix, and the like. The game is sold around the table. Trying to sell D&D without a solid fan base would be like trying to sell cricket bats in the Bronx. </p><p></p><p>Now, I could see more "Living" type leagues, tighter control of their settings, some new licensing scheme to replace d20 (more restrictive, but with more sweetheart deals), and so forth. Online campaign registration. Subscriptions to Complete type products online.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="pawsplay, post: 3476094, member: 15538"] It seems likely that someone is going to produce unofficial 4e material. From my understanding (IANAL), the case law looks pretty weak for WotC's side. In fact, the Microsoft antitrust cases would suggest that trying to restrict third parties from producing compatible copyrighted materials might even be restraint of trade. Certainly, previous cases involving strategy guides, knockoff board games, and the like suggest you cannot protect the concept of "hit points" in any meaningful way. Plus, at this point, with the CRPG industry, a few years of the OGL, the LOTR movie and so forth, a LOT of stuff is now in the public currency and would be difficult to even trademark. Hasbro and WotC definitely realize D&D is a "hobby industry" and they are never going to create the same kind of environment you have for trading cards, clix, and the like. The game is sold around the table. Trying to sell D&D without a solid fan base would be like trying to sell cricket bats in the Bronx. Now, I could see more "Living" type leagues, tighter control of their settings, some new licensing scheme to replace d20 (more restrictive, but with more sweetheart deals), and so forth. Online campaign registration. Subscriptions to Complete type products online. [/QUOTE]
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What will happen if 4E doesn't use the OGL?
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