Traveller Open Content - New Programme on the Way

Bravesteel25 · Jan 18, 2023

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the folks at Mongoose Publishing are top class because not only do they believe in ethical causes like open gaming, but they back it up with actions. Well done, Matt and team!

Mistwell · Jan 18, 2023

It is amazing the amount of long term damage WOTC has done to their RPG brand in such a short period of time. They had all the goodwill in the world going for them, probably the most they've had since the 1980s, and they set it all on fire in a matter of two weeks by not just initial incompetence but inability to get ahead of a PR disaster as it was happening.

Which shows in this accouchement (Edit: meant announcement?) - Mongoose was a long time business ally publishing under their license, which not just benefitted them but also benefitted D&D. Because learning D&D meant you learned the basic mechanics of so many other RPGs like some of Mongoose's. And now that feedback loop is broken...for no good reason.

Morrus · Jan 18, 2023

Mistwell said:
Which shows in this accouchement - Mongoose was a long time business ally publishing under their license, which not just benefitted them but also benefitted D&D. Because learning D&D meant you learned the basic mechanics of so many other RPGs like some of Mongoose's. And now that feedback loop is broken...for no good reason.

Mongoose wasn't using WotC's game system in any way AFAIK, just using the OGL as a tool to enable content sharing.

Bravesteel25 · Jan 18, 2023

Mistwell said:
Which shows in this accouchement[. . .]

I learned a word today. Thanks!

Dungeonosophy · Jan 18, 2023

Morrus said:
Mongoose Publishing has announced that the Traveller sci-fi RPG will be moving away from the Open Gaming License (OGL), and adopting Paizo's upcoming new Open RPG Creator License (ORC).

View attachment 272966

In light of recent events, Mongoose Publishing is going to be introducing a brand new Traveller Open Content programme, allowing gamers and publishers to build their own projects using the most recent edition of Traveller rules.

We will be working with existing Traveller OGL publishers to build a new SRD based upon the Traveller Core Rulebook Update 2022, using their feedback to ensure best utility, and a logo licence will be made available to clearly mark compatible products.

At this time, we are looking to the ORC licence to maintain openness, now and in the future.

The current TAS programme on Drivethru, which allows the publishing of material set in the official Charted Space universe, will continue to run separately, but alongside, Traveller Open Content.

More news as it develops!

awesome to see Mongoose and Traveller in the ORC alliance.

darjr · Jan 18, 2023

Morrus said:
Mongoose wasn't using WotC's game system in any way AFAIK, just using the OGL as a tool to enable content sharing.

No, but there are universal things among RPGs and a lot of overlap between Traveller and D&D.

Not in mechanics. A GM, a character sheet, adventures, loot, etc. Some brand new players are new to all of this. Though that is becoming rarer and rarer.

payn · Jan 18, 2023

So good to hear! I wish I lived in the U.K. id consider a career change for Mongoose!

schneeland · Jan 18, 2023

Nice! I hope this will increase attention for Traveller a bit (the system is a bit crunchy for my taste, but Mongoose is putting out solid stuff for it, and there's a number of nice publications based on Cepheus, which might be interested in building again directly on Mongoose Traveller 2nd edition now).