Goodman Games Releasing 4e Adventures Prior to October 1st

Ydars · Jun 23, 2008

But JVigatis; they are starting to SELL their DCC modules BEFORE the embargo date! You can't do that under GSL (unless they have a special deal with WoTC).

JVisgaitis · Jun 23, 2008

Ydars said:
But JVigatis; they are starting to SELL their DCC modules BEFORE the embargo date! You can't do that under GSL (unless they have a special deal with WoTC).

That's the only bit I don't entirely understand. Everything else seems inline with what is in the GSL.

JVisgaitis · Jun 23, 2008

Sorry, I missed this post.

Ydars said:
The simple answer is this; they CANNOT be using the GSL!

Aside from the timeframe, I see nothing else that states otherwise. They might have approval to release prior to Oct 1st from Wizards.

Ydars said:
My guess is that they either have a special license or have decided to test the waters with regard to copyright law.

I don't think they would test copyright law. Just MHO.

Jack99 · Jun 23, 2008

JVisgaitis said:
I don't think they would test copyright law. Just MHO.

Testing the law against WotC sounds like a poor idea for a smallish company like GG. Surely it would be "safer" and more profitable (factoring the cost of laywers) to merely support 3.5, Pathfinder or some other deviant of D&D.

When that is said, I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of having 4e Dungeon Crawl Classic Adventures (I already pre-ordered all of them on Amazon.co.uk).

Here's to hoping that this will all stick.

Scribble · Jun 23, 2008

Haven't read the whole thread so maybe someone said this but:

1. DCC's schtick really is that they don't look like the product they support... So no need for them to use the "official" monster or power templates, or any of the "visual" stuff.

2. Since monsters have to be redone anyway to be legal, most common monsters are already available, and the idea of special monster powers can't be Copywritten... Only specific instance of said special powers... Combine that with the whole idea of not being able to copywright game rules...

3. Goodman probably realizes that anyone who A: knows who they are, and B: is at Gencon most likely knows what 4e is anyway so no need to have the official brand logo displayed in order to move product.

JVisgaitis · Jun 23, 2008

Scribble said:
Haven't read the whole thread...

The heart of the thread is how can they release a pay for product before October 1st.

cdrcjsn · Jun 23, 2008

catsclaw227 said:
Under the GSL, what would this mean to previous DCCs that are currently being sold under the OGL? How are they getting around the Product Line issue?

Perhaps they plan on converting their entire DCC line to 4e? They'll have more than enough time to sell off their backstock of 3e stuff.

Having 50+ instant 4e mods would put them way ahead of the publishing game.

Yair · Jun 23, 2008

Jack99 said:
Testing the law against WotC sounds like a poor idea for a smallish company like GG. Surely it would be "safer" and more profitable (factoring the cost of laywers) to merely support 3.5, Pathfinder or some other deviant of D&D.

Anyone knows where GG are located, and what are the laws like there? There are states with laws protecting the little guy from harrasment suits, perhaps GG is planning to use them if needed...