WotC To Give Core D&D Mechanics To Community Via Creative Commons

Wizards of the Coast, in a move which surprised everbody, has announced that it will give away the core D&D mechanics to the community via a Creative Commons license.

This won't include 'quintessentially D&D" stuff like owlbears and magic missile, but it wil include the 'core D&D mechanics'.

So what does it include? It's important to note that it's only a fraction of what's currently available as Open Gaming Content under the existing Open Gaming License, so while it's termed as a 'give-away' it's actually a reduction. It doesn't include classes, spells, or magic items. It does include the combat rules, ability scores, and the core mechanic.

 

[Charlaquin]

The harmful content section is problematic (if for no reason other than there is no way to contest a decision), though I suspect it is aimed at certain people and communities rather than content. For example, would Satine Phoenix lose her rights to publish compatible content due to her conduct? Maybe. It’s up to WotC.

Ugh, probably, at least under the terms in this draft. I don’t know about you, but that’s not a power I’m comfortable with WotC having.

 

[Hex08]

Those wishing to continue fanning this flame until the brand is in ashes, you are free to do so as you wish, but I am not supporting the idea of seeing D&D burn so a few people can feel warm. We're making progress. This was a huge step forward.

I think you are mischaracterizing people's anger here. I don't play D&D and more and haven't in well over a decade but I have and do play games that exist because of the OGL and want to continue doing so. I don't want to see D&D burned down and I doubt others do either. What I do want to see, however, is the OGL 1.0 kept in place. I want Hasbro/WotC to be quicker with their responses and to own up to the damage they have caused and correct it, not just take steps forward.

Trust broken is not easily repaired.

 

[overgeeked]

For reference on WotC and morality clauses Curse of Hearts story.

Exactly.

“WotC would never use a morality clause to go after LGBTQ+ representation.”

Ahem. They already have.

 

[Xyxox]

They just gave Kobold Press all the tools to make 5E Pathfinder, really. Putnallntheybneed under Crearive Commons, even.

We have no clue what will actually go in Creative Commons. It will probably be so void of any rhyme or reason as to be completely useless.

 

[FormerLurker]

For reference on WotC and morality clauses Curse of Hearts story.

Exactly.

“WotC would never use a morality clause to go after LGBTQ+ representation.”

Ahem. They already have.

That was the Dungeon Master's Guild and people at DriveThruRPG.
WotC weren't consulted.

 

[Yaarel]

Those wishing to continue fanning this flame until the brand is in ashes, you are free to do so as you wish, but I am not supporting the idea of seeing D&D burn so a few people can feel warm. We're making progress. This was a huge step forward.

"D&D" is a brandname.

What Hasbro-WotC seeks to destroy is the unfettered imagination and the financial sustenance of the roleplay gaming culture itself.

Burning down Hasbro-WotC until it relents unequivocally and irrevocably is the only way to save D&D.

In this crisis, the only thing that matters is the original intent of the OGL 1.0a.

Hasbro-WotC knows this.

We know this.

The more Hasbro-WotC continues to try stab the heart of the gaming community, the more nefarious Hasbro-WotC morphs.

Hasbro-WotC demonstrate they are no longer responsible custodians of the D&D tradition.

 

[Justice and Rule]

That was the Dungeon Master's Guild and people at DriveThruRPG.
WotC weren't consulted.

I mean, if they are okay with this being how their license is administered, then what difference is it? It's tacit approval.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Believe that if you like, I see this as worse than the non-draft.

what in ot do you see as worse

 

[Yaarel]

All of the 3e and 5e SRDs are already in the OGL 1.0a.

You already have full legal access to all of the SRDs.

Simply ignore any attempt by Hasbro-WotC to change the status-quo.

Just say, no.

Lawyers are ready to fly if Hasbro-WotC tries to harm you or anyone else who relies on the OGL 1.0a.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Lawyers are ready to fly if Hasbro-WotC tries to harm you or anyone else who relies on the OGL 1.0a.

what lawyers and who is paying for them? will YOU put up half a mil?