Defining Terms: How to differentiate between various flavors of d20 D&D

[Glyfair]

In discussions about different RPG products recently I've noticed that the terms are getting blurry, particularly when dealing with d20 and OGL.

It used to be that a d20 game was one that used the d20 license, and other games using the D&D/d20 system were OGL games (such as Arcana Unearthed and Mutants & Masterminds). Now, however, several other game systems are using the OGL (such as Runequest) and saying a game is an OGL game doesn't imply a specific system. This makes communication a bit more difficult.

Perhaps we are being too limiting in referring to only games that use the d20 license as being d20 games. Aren't all games that use the d20 SRD really d20 games (including D&D)? Do we need a new term for OGL games that are built on the d20 system, or maybe one for OGL games that don't use the system?

If we can come to a consensus maybe communication can be a bit less awkward in this area (at least on this forum).

 

[S'mon]

Well, fewer and fewer use the d20 license AFAIK, so you could probably lose that as restricted to d20-TM games.

 

[Glyfair]

Well, fewer and fewer use the d20 license AFAIK, so you could probably lose that as restricted to d20-TM games.

But when you do several people come out and say something like "Arcana Unearthed isn't a d20 game technically." What I'd really like to do is eliminate these diversions and try to set up a set of terms that are agreed on.

I do agree, that's the set of terminology I like. In fact, I'd like "D&D" (or "D&D 3.5") to refer to any product that uses the d20 3.5 SRD and is fantasy. If it fits in D&D seamlessly, it's D&D.

 

[Ranger REG]

If we can come to a consensus maybe communication can be a bit less awkward in this area (at least on this forum).

I found no awkwardness regarding the differentiation of d20 System ("labeled") games and d20-based OGL games.

 

[Ranger REG]

But when you do several people come out and say something like "Arcana Unearthed isn't a d20 game technically." What I'd really like to do is eliminate these diversions and try to set up a set of terms that are agreed on.

Simple.

d20 System game is a product that require the Player's Handbook, d20 Modern, or that other core game book by WotC. It's italicized text refers to the trademarked logo you see on products like Traveller d20.

d20-based OGL is a product that does not require the Player's Handbook, d20 Modern, or that other core game book by WotC. They may carry the OGL attached inside but it does not carry the trademarked d20 System logo, and does not follow the d20 System Trademark License.

Then there are other OGL games that uses different rulesystems, like Action! System and FUDGE.

The OGL has become a generic open source license that is not restricted to one particular ruleset.

 

[C.W.Richeson]

I think you're best off being specific, given how much variation exists between games using a d20 resolution mechanic.

 

[S'mon]

So, "d20 System" and "d20 OGL"?

 

[Moon-Lancer]

so if a product is describing itself could it use the phrase "d20 OGL"?

 

[Lanefan]

Call me thick perhaps, but what's the end-result difference between d20 and OGL material anyway, if written for the same game e.g. D+D? In other words, if I pick up a book written for D+D and start reading it, would I be able to tell the d20/OGL difference if I ignored the legalese and cover symbols?

What matters more for discussion purposes is whether a given thing is written for D+D, or for Star Wars, or whatever game, to put it in context.

Lanefan

 

[Greg K]

Call me thick perhaps, but what's the end-result difference between d20 and OGL material anyway, if written for the same game e.g. D+D? In other words, if I pick up a book written for D+D and start reading it, would I be able to tell the d20/OGL difference if I ignored the legalese and cover symbols?

If the product were written for DND you probably wouldn't notice a difference unless the author is providing you an alternative which contradicts something published officially by WOTC. However, with all the new rules supplements with new mechanical systems coming out of WOTC you still might not notice.
On the other hand, you would most likely notice the difference of the d20 or OGL material when th material was not written for dnd, but as an entirely new game that uses the d20 mechanics (in part or whole) to provide a familiarity to d20 fans.