OGL To Be Renamed Game System License (GSL)

charlesatan · Feb 1, 2008

From Gamer Radio Zero episode 27 (12:20):

Mike: Why is Wizards of the Coast calling it the OGL when it really doesn't seem quite open?

Linae Foster: We decided that yeah, OGL isn't the best name for it. So we're going to call it The Game System License from now on or GSL.

DaveMage · Feb 1, 2008

charlesatan said:
From Gamer Radio Zero episode 27 (12:20):

So "open" gaming is finished, eh?

Darrin Drader · Feb 1, 2008

DaveMage said:
So "open" gaming is finished, eh?

It sounds to me like 3rd edition will remain open. 4th edition is a whole new deal.

charlesatan · Feb 1, 2008

DaveMage said:
So "open" gaming is finished, eh?

More like 3E OGL is OGL, 4E d20 is GSL.

Pale · Feb 1, 2008

You mean the supported edition that most people will be buying and stores will bother to stock is a whole new deal?

Isn't this pretty much what they had before the OGL when it came to third parties?

I know that this will keep a lot of bad product from showing up on shelves... but it also prevents the next Necromancer Games, Green Ronin or Privateer Press from seeing the light of day as well.

I think that it also crushes a lot of dreams out there.

charlesatan · Feb 1, 2008

Pale said:
You mean the supported edition that most people will be buying and stores will bother to stock is a whole new deal?

Isn't this pretty much what they had before the OGL when it came to third parties?

I know that this will keep a lot of bad product from showing up on shelves... but it also prevents the next Necromancer Games, Green Ronin or Privateer Press from seeing the light of day as well.

I think that it also crushes a lot of dreams out there.

For me it's better calling it the SGL rather than constantly referring to "oh, that book is the 3.0 OGL while that book is the 4.0 OGL".

And no, the SGL doesn't prevent third parties from using the 4E rules. THIS IS the license that allows them to use the 4E rules for the game, it's just not as loose as the original OGL, but probably a step ahead of the d20 license. For me this is good because if they didn't rename it, we'd be having two kinds of OGL out in the market.

Pale · Feb 1, 2008

So what are the restrictions on the GSL that make it not as open as the OGL?

I mean, if it costs cash to use it at all free fan products are out the window.

The Ubbergeek · Feb 1, 2008

Pale said:
You mean the supported edition that most people will be buying and stores will bother to stock is a whole new deal?

Isn't this pretty much what they had before the OGL when it came to third parties?

I know that this will keep a lot of bad product from showing up on shelves... but it also prevents the next Necromancer Games, Green Ronin or Privateer Press from seeing the light of day as well.

I think that it also crushes a lot of dreams out there.

I prefer the culling and stop of bad third party products. Don't trust them myself, frankly. Okay, somes are made by old veterans, but others....

Gundark · Feb 1, 2008

I predict a lot nerd rage with this thread.

Haffrung Helleyes · Feb 1, 2008

well

Since 4E is derivative of 3E, and 3E had the OGL, someone will be able to replicate the mechanics of 4E and release a product under the OGL that will be somewhat compatible with 4E, regardless of what the GSL says.

What they won't be able to do is use WoTC exclusive IP, or use the d20 Logo.

I'm wondering if part of the drive towards feats with florid names (golden wyverns tail, or whatever) is to associate mechanics with fluff that WoTC can claim as protected IP. In other words, a OGL derived game like Grim Tales could pick up a 4E rules mechanic, but they'd have to change its name because the name is not Open. But that's just a wild guess.

At least, that's my perception of the situation. Would anyone care to correct me?

Ken