New GSL Announcement

[xechnao]

Open Gaming is here to stay. And we have yet to see any actual evidence that WotC is declaring war on all Open Gaming. We have seen statements from Scott and Linnae that indicate that a publisher will have to chose between supporting 4e and 3.xe, but I'm not prepared to accept that the GSL will impose a choice between 4e and the OGL. Until we have the terms of the license in front of us, it is too early to make any kind of educated statement regarding its effects.

--G

They said they want 100% support. Anyway, if publishers do not somehow manage to give a standing value to OGL right now in the market it will weaken significantly because by the moment GSL starts the more drastic the poison will becoming.

 

[Arrond Hess]

I just read the entire thread.

I seriously feel like this thread could use some more kittens in cups. So, here ya go.

Cups are to small... no room left for the hot coffee. *evil grin*

 

[BryonD]

And I am baffled, BAFFLED by the sheer number of people in this thread complaining about the license who have absolutely ZERO freelance, or publishing credits to their name.

Baffled.

Woo HOO!!!! I don't have ZERO!!! I passed the test!!!!

Seriously, I don't remotely consider myself a publisher, but I consider this very important to me as a gamer who is interested in what materials will be produced for me to buy.

 

[Lizard]

And I am baffled, BAFFLED by the sheer number of people in this thread complaining about the license who have absolutely ZERO freelance, or publishing credits to their name.

Baffled.

Why?

People whose bookshelves are lined with OGL/D20 books might well wish to have the same breadth of choice for 4e, and if the GSL reduces that, they lose out.

 

[phloog]

And I am baffled, BAFFLED by the sheer number of people in this thread complaining about the license who have absolutely ZERO freelance, or publishing credits to their name.

Baffled.

If you're truly baffled I don't think that you're thinking it through enough.

I've published nothing, but I play a lot of D&D and use a TON of 3rd party materials - far more than WOTC stuff. I also plan on continuing to play 3.5, and may or may not ALSO play 4e.

So how is it baffling that I would complain about a license/policy that may cause companies that are currently supplying my 3.5 needs (and that HOPE to continue) to cease production of the stuff that I want so that they can produce 4E materials?

It impacts your business, it impacts MY ability to have a variety of materials for my game.

I guess I'm baffled if there are any publishers who don't get how this could impact the customer.

 

[mxyzplk]

And I am baffled, BAFFLED by the sheer number of people in this thread complaining about the license who have absolutely ZERO freelance, or publishing credits to their name.

Baffled.

Yeah, me too, I don't see how this could POSSIBLY have any effect on RPG consumers. Why, its no one's business but WotC's! I'm sure they'll make decisions that are best for us.

 

[Fifth Element]

I don't want to start any new rumors, and I don't know nuthin' about non-compete clauses, but didn't someone at Paizo that used to freelance at WotC get a letter from them indicating they wouldn't be using him anymore? For reasons that might relate to this thread/paranoia? (just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you after all!)

In the very thread discussing Mr. Logue, someone cautioned against broadcasting hearsay on the interwebs, since it will be undoubtedly be picked up by someone in the form of "didn't I hear somewhere that..." when in fact, it is not true.

Prophetic.

 

[der_kluge]

If you're truly baffled I don't think that you're thinking it through enough.

I've published nothing, but I play a lot of D&D and use a TON of 3rd party materials - far more than WOTC stuff. I also plan on continuing to play 3.5, and may or may not ALSO play 4e.

So how is it baffling that I would complain about a license/policy that may cause companies that are currently supplying my 3.5 needs (and that HOPE to continue) to cease production of the stuff that I want so that they can produce 4E materials?

It impacts your business, it impacts MY ability to have a variety of materials for my game.

I guess I'm baffled if there are any publishers who don't get how this could impact the customer.

Seriously? I mean, last I checked, there is more 3rd party products compatible with 3rd edition than I think I could read in a lifetime, and you're concerned that you'll end up with *not enough* at some point?

Now I'm more baffled.

Well, that and we don't know all the specifics of the license.

I don't know - I find the idea that we could get updates and re-releases of things like Tome of Horrors or Toolbox, or the Freeport series or any number of great 3rd party products revised, errata'd, and redone for 4th edition very exciting.

 

[Arrond Hess]

And I am baffled, BAFFLED by the sheer number of people in this thread complaining about the license who have absolutely ZERO freelance, or publishing credits to their name.

Baffled.

For me, it's the idea of WotC putting the crunch on 3pp companies to either pick one or the other system to support. I honestly do not think it is WotC's place to be telling another company what they can or cannot produce. Many of these 3pp companies would love to be able to support both systems and their respective customers. Just as their loyal customers would like to be able to support their favorite 3pp company.

It's because of that kind of strong arm tactic that I will not be supporting 4th Ed myself. If WotC does not have the faith and conviction in 4th Ed to succeed alongside of 3.x, well then, I guess I won't be going along for the ride.

 

[der_kluge]

Yeah, me too, I don't see how this could POSSIBLY have any effect on RPG consumers. Why, its no one's business but WotC's! I'm sure they'll make decisions that are best for us.

Two points:

1) you're just being snarky.
2) last I checked, WoTC didn't have a gun held to any publisher's head telling them they had to switch to 4e "or else".