D&D 5E So, 5e OGL

[tomBitonti]

This is what I found in the software FAQ.

The difference, as far as I can tell, is between the OGL and the System License. Only, I didn't see a link to that. I thought software and miniatures were not allowed, but I don't see an expression of such a limitation. What happened here?

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srdarchive

This for 4E: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20

Q: So what kinds of programs can I make with the OGL?

A: Anything. Character generators are popular, as are programs that help GMs keep track of their adventure. Random treasure generators are also fun.

Q: So I could make a game?

A: Sure. Remember though, you cannot use any Product Identity with the OGL or claim compatibility with anything. So you can't say your game is a d20 System game or uses D&D rules or call it ñElminster's Undermountain Crawl.î

Q: What is different if I use the d20 System License?

A: In addition to following all the rules of the OGL for any Open Content you use, the d20 System Guide doesn't let you describe the process for creating a character, describe the process for applying experience to a character, and cannot be an interactive game.

NOTE: Please pay attention to the section of the license that prohibits a Covered Product from being an interactive game. It is not enough to say your product isn't a game; the license gives a definition for what is considered to constitute an interactive game.

Thx,

TomB

 

[Morrus]

The difference, as far as I can tell, is between the OGL and the System License. Only, I didn't see a link to that. I thought software and miniatures were not allowed, but I don't see an expression of such a limitation. What happened here?

The d20 System Trademark License (d20 STL) is what gave you permission to use that d20 logo on your product. It was rescinded years ago.

 

[tomBitonti]

The d20 System Trademark License (d20 STL) is what gave you permission to use that d20 logo on your product. It was rescinded years ago.

Hi; thanks!

Here's a question: Would a "closed ecosystem" approach (for example, what Apple does with the App store) be feasible for D&D content? I can imagine a lot of companies, Hasbro included among them, would much prefer this type of approach to an OGL type approach. I can understand that many folks would rather dislike this approach. But, would it retain enough business for it to work?

I'm wondering if the delay is Hasbro working through the issue to create the business infrastructure (software, legal, and necessary personnel) to make this work, with an OGL only provided as minimally necessary to enable use of the basic rules.

Perhaps an end of Paper and Pencil RPG in the D&D realm, but (I'm thinking) a possible outcome.

Thx!

TomB

 

[Kramodlog]

The d20 System Trademark License (d20 STL) is what gave you permission to use that d20 logo on your product. It was rescinded years ago.

How can they rescind that one, but can't do it with the OGL, kneecapping Paizo in the process? Or is it just a case of Good Guy WotC?

 

[Remathilis]

How can they rescind that one, but can't do it with the OGL, kneecapping Paizo in the process? Or is it just a case of Good Guy WotC?

Open means open. They can't retroactively closer it now. The OGL can't be put back in the bottle, so to speak.

 

[Morrus]

How can they rescind that one, but can't do it with the OGL, kneecapping Paizo in the process? Or is it just a case of Good Guy WotC?

The OGL is non-rescindable. The d20 STL was a rescindable logo usage license. The rescindablity of a license is determined by the text of the license.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Hi; thanks!

Here's a question: Would a "closed ecosystem" approach (for example, what Apple does with the App store) be feasible for D&D content? I can imagine a lot of companies, Hasbro included among them, would much prefer this type of approach to an OGL type approach. I can understand that many folks would rather dislike this approach. But, would it retain enough business for it to work?

I'm wondering if the delay is Hasbro working through the issue to create the business infrastructure (software, legal, and necessary personnel) to make this work, with an OGL only provided as minimally necessary to enable use of the basic rules.

Perhaps an end of Paper and Pencil RPG in the D&D realm, but (I'm thinking) a possible outcome.

Thx!

TomB

Maybe they're working with Drive Thru to act as their storefront? I could see that.

 

[Morrus]

Hi; thanks!

Here's a question: Would a "closed ecosystem" approach (for example, what Apple does with the App store) be feasible for D&D content? I can imagine a lot of companies, Hasbro included among them, would much prefer this type of approach to an OGL type approach. I can understand that many folks would rather dislike this approach. But, would it retain enough business for it to work?

I haven't the foggiest. I expect so.

 

[Nellisir]

How can they rescind that one, but can't do it with the OGL, kneecapping Paizo in the process? Or is it just a case of Good Guy WotC?

This:

4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.

and this


9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License.

WotC published one Authorized version of the OGL. Once that was done, there was no point in doing another unless it offered more benefits, since the initial authorized version could always be used. And WotC can't stop anyone from using it as long as they obey the license.

 

[Henry]

How can they rescind that one, but can't do it with the OGL, kneecapping Paizo in the process? Or is it just a case of Good Guy WotC?

It really pays to digest the OGL license - it's not terribly complicated, and it self-answers a lot of questions people have about it. If one wants to USE it, though, I still advise getting a lawyer involved who's familiar with copyright law.