Question for Scott Rouse re: Retroclones

[thecasualoblivion]

That's not how I read it. It seems to me that the brand license manager asked for the distribution of OSRIC to be interrupted without having a clear view of the situation. Later, WotC legal found that they had no case and they dropped the issue.

Splitting hairs, I'd say there is a difference between there being no case and there being a case that wouldn't be worth pursuing. Both to WotC, and interested 3rd parties.

The reality being in that limbo generally results in silence, which is what we have.

 

[Piratecat]

The only thing known positively is that the legal department of WotC has known about OSRIC for years and done nothing. Ascribing a motive to that inaction is pure speculation.

It sure is! That's why my post had a bolded "this is only a guess!" line. Hey, at least I'm explicit about it.

 

[Halivar]

Well, if it's any consolation to WotC, I just purchased the $30 OSRIC hardcover off Lulu.com, and WotC isn't losing one cent of revenue off the purchase; I'm still buying Divine Power when it comes out.

 

[Remathilis]

It could be this. Sending C&D letters to OSRIC would not be exactly the same as the C&D letters they sent to character sheets -not the same for the hobby population. But exactly for this reason, I believe more and more OSRIC becomes popular the more difficulty they will have trying to settle this. Most probably what happened is that they tried to stop it first place at its launch, as P&P narrates here, but did not manage to win.

I'm sorry, but if ANYONE thinks any retro-clone is going to become so big as to actually challenge WotC's sales numbers, I think they're a bit too optimistic. The Retros have their place; they cater to the segment of D&D players who never left the 1980s and haven't been WotC's demographic for years. And aside from a small group of players who will get into the games from more recent editions (the "throwback" players, named after the Pepsi products) I don't see the movement expanding enough to challenge WotC, or even Paizo, in total sales.

 

[Mark]

The reality being in that limbo generally results in silence, which is what we have.

Ergo, my not having heard from WotC in regard to my 3.5 SRD Revised* OGL product, and someone having once erroneously posted that they didn't understand why it was legal, means WotC are considering suing me? I hope not.



* There's the link, Halivar.

 

[xechnao]

I'm sorry, but if ANYONE thinks any retro-clone is going to become so big as to actually challenge WotC's sales numbers, I think they're a bit too optimistic. The Retros have their place; they cater to the segment of D&D players who never left the 1980s. And aside from a small group of players who will get into the games from more recent editions (the "throwback" players, named after the Pepsi products) I don't see the movement expanding enough to challenge WotC, or even Paizo, in total sales.

Yep, it is mostly a matter of trend to the D&D hardcore fan base. Not of direct sales. I guess it is not a challenge because there is nothing that they can do about it that would be worthing the price they would have to pay. Certainly it is not threatening by any means Wotc existence, as you put it.

 

[Jack99]

Cause ENWorld is such an irrelevant community to D&D. Especially during 4E's launch. Yeah right..

I never said it was irrelevant. Of course it isn't.

 

[xechnao]

I never said it was irrelevant. Of course it isn't.

I am pretty sure you did. Regarding Scott's job. But I guess it doesn't matter to discuss about it. We are making more noise than any sense here. All of us. Except Hairfoot.
I want to requote him for truth

If the clones are potentially a target for Hasbro's legal department, I want to know now, because the only reason they're not throwing cease-and-desists around is because they don't see a threat to Hasbro profits.

"Big Brother will destroy your game if it becomes popular" is not a reasonable or tolerable situation for people to game under.

 

[Mallus]

If the clones are potentially a target for Hasbro's legal department, I want to know now, because the only reason they're not throwing cease-and-desists around is because they don't see a threat to Hasbro profits.

Why does it matter to you? Just play the game, officially sanctioned or not, that entertains you.

If one was inclined to be charitable, one could consider WotC's stance on the retroclones to be a kind of 'fair use'. They're allowing these fan creations so long as they don't develop into serious competitor products. For the life of me I can't see the malevolence in that. In fact, they're turning a blind eye towards fan creations that have left the realm of 'fan creation' behind and are, in fact, commercial products.

It seems rather nice for corporate behavior. It's certainly nothing like TSR trying to trademark the word 'elf'.

And seeing as the retroclones aren't likely to become serious competitor products --which shouldn't be construed as a knock against them-- I don't what the fuss is about.

"Big Brother will destroy your game if it becomes popular" is not a reasonable or tolerable situation for people to game under.

The 1984 reference is doubleplusungood.

Will the secret police drag you away to Minigame for reeducation if you continue playing OSRIC after a hypothetical cease-and-desist is issued?

 

[xechnao]

Why does it matter to you?

It is a principle to consider or debate about. How much power should businesses have. How should they operate. How should the economy operate. Cause you know even the games that get developed and how we play and entertain ourselves are subject to this parameter.