4E Rules and Names: An Attempt to Deliberately Create Distance with the OGL?

[Roman]

I am just wondering if one of the reasons for the huge differences between 4th edition rules and flavor and that of the previous editions is an attempt to consciously distance the rules and the names from the Open Gaming License, so as to gain greater control over the product and create more branding within the product. This applies particularly to names. For example, names of fantasy creatures and races tended to be taken from ancient myths and legends and became somewhat generic to fantasy (a practice I like). This was not always the case, but the tendency was to do that. Now, it seems, with names such as Eladrin or Dragonborn, there seems to be a shift to using names that can more easily be copyrighted (if that is the correct term for it).

Sorry if this may sound somewhat confusing, I am neither a publisher nor a lawyer, so I don't necessarily know the proper terms for what I am trying to express here. Also, this post is not really meant to express judgment on what I perceive to be a new policy, but rather to see whether others also think this is the case. Yes, I did prefer previous practice, but I do understand that business is business and exists to make a profit and all that.

 

[Brown Jenkin]

I think many of us figure that is their intent.

 

[Yair]

I don't think this is a matter of the OGL so much as branding in general. They don't want 3rd parties to make miniatures of Lizardfolk, period - not under the OGL, not under Fair Use, not at all. They don't want products that will compete with their own products, using the same "code names" and hence attracting the same customers.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

It is possible, but I am not entirely convinced of it yet.

The main issue is - who cares about the new stuff? Mind Flayer, Beholders, Lizardfolk all that is what decades of D&D player associate with D&D. Dragonborn, Eladrin, Bael Tureath, do they have the same traction?

Though maybe they can have have the same traction in 5-10 years? Possible, possible...

 

[Dragon Snack]

There does seem to be a steady stream of people looking for Dragonborn minis here and at the Reaper boards. Although a smaller percentage, some seem to be looking for Teiflings with tails as well.

So even now it's started. Only the current group knows to ask around for stuff. If that elusive 'new customer' can be tapped, they will probably be more likely to stick with the 'official' Dragonborn and Teifling minis.