What WOTC books will have content that falls under the GSL?

[Flynn]

Good Morning, All:

I realize that this is likely too early to know, but perhaps some of you may have read sources that I haven't, and so you might know the answer to this question.

We have been told that the SRD for the GSL will simply be a list of page references by book and a series of game element formats, that kind of thing. I assume that the GSL SRD will include the three initial core books. This was done with a stated intent (although I don't have the reference to the post to back this up) that the GSL SRD would be easier to update with future releases.

Do we have any idea what books may be included in the GSL as they are released? I am predicating my 4E book purchases on those that will include GSL "Open Content", and am wondering whether my library for 4E will only have three books, or if there will be more.

Any insight into this question would be appreciated.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Delta]

Technically, the GSL will not have any "Open Content". WOTC's Mike Lescault 5/2/08 ( http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=225232 ):

We are not classifying the GSL as “open” as defined under the open source movement. It is a royalty-free license for permissible usage of specific D&D 4th Edition content including terms, tables, and templates.

 

[Flynn]

Hence the use of quotation marks. For these purposes, consider the request to consist of identifying any books that will possess content which the GSL will allow third-party publishers to use in their GSL publications in support of 4th Edition.

With that understanding in place (and I apologize if it wasn't clear from my original post, Delta), does anyone know if any books other than the core three will have content that falls under the GSL?

Of course, if no one responds, I can assume that WOTC has not released any information on this aspect of the GSL, and so we will simply have to wait and see.

On a personal note, I presume that psionics will be made available under the GSL. This is based on the inclusion of the XPH in v3.5's SRD under the similarly-goaled OGL, and presumes that WOTC will wish to tap into that market via the GSL. However, this is only a presumption, and not at all a guarantee. As I've said before, I have heard nothing in specific, but I hope that others might have and are willing (and able) to share.

With Regards,
Flynn

 

[Yair]

I don't think any information has been released on that. I suspect, like you do, that since the new SRD would be far easier to update it would tend to include more. I hope it would include practically all new sourcebooks, so that publishers could use WotC's stuff in their works, but I really have no idea.

I agree psionics is very likely to make it to the new SRD pretty quickly. I believe the plan is to release PHBII, with psionics, within a year.

 

[Brown Jenkin]

So far the GSL is the one part of 4E that hasn't leaked. We are all waiting until June 6th to see what it says.

 

[lurkinglidda]

So far the GSL is the one part of 4E that hasn't leaked. We are all waiting until June 6th to see what it says.

Yay me.

 

[see]

Do we have any idea what books may be included in the GSL as they are released? I am predicating my 4E book purchases on those that will include GSL "Open Content", and am wondering whether my library for 4E will only have three books, or if there will be more.

Any insight into this question would be appreciated.

Nobody knows.

I'm being absolutely literal, there. Wizards of the Coast probably has plans, but well, let's look at the OGL SRD FAQ . . .

Q: Will there be additional sections added to the SRD?

A: Yes.

Q: When?

A: Additions to the SRD should become a fairly regular occurrence. The intention is to add major subsystems and content from various releases over time. Wizards must first extract their contents into an SRD format, review that content with the RPG Research & Development team for errors, omissions, and things we do not wish to license as Open Game Content, and then we will add it to the SRD.

I'm sure they actually meant that. I'm also not holding my breath for content from the Tome of Battle, Complete Whatever, PHB 2, and Tome of Magic to show up.