What's The Deal With D&D Translations?

Over the last year or so, the question of translations of D&D 5E into foreign languages has arisen from time to time. Sites like Hobby Japan have stated that WotC indicated that no D&D translations would be permitted, although very recently that site was apparently given permission to do translate the Basic Rules (more on that below), and today a petition was created by a German fan asking for translated books.

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This was Hobby Japan's announcement back in July 2014.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT "D&D NEXT"
Thank you very much for your continued patronage of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).

Since January of 2013, we have been engaging in promotional activities, primarily through "Table Game Channel", on the assumption of making the transtion from D&D 4th Edition to D&D Next. However, Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of D&D, has decided to sell only English versions of D&D Next, and not put out a license for translations. This applies not only to Japan, but all non-English language regions.
As a result, we cannot release a Japanese version of D&D Next.
We deeply apologize that we can meet the expectations of everyone who was looking forward to a Japanese version of D&D Next.

As a company, we will wait for an opportunity to do the translation, taking in account the possiblity that Wizards of the Coast may change their policy, but we must announce here that for the time being, there is no plan to publish Japanese versions of D&D Next merchandise.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who has supported the Japanese versions of D&D over the 10 years since the Japanese release of D&D 3rd Edition.

Eiji Nakabayashi
Game Development Department
Hobby Japan, Inc.
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WotC's Chris Perkins shortly thereafter clarified this, by saying "We want to adopt a plan that makes it possible for us to deliver new releases in multiple languages at the same time. That requires a lot of work on our end, and also likely ties into digital publishing."

Last week, Masaki Yanagida in Japan dropped me a note with the latest translation news from Japan.

As we know, Wizards of the Coast has not granted a translation license of the D&D 5th for other than English, yet. But Japanese D&D gamers obtained permission to publish the Basic Rules for D&D (Japanese version) on the Hobby Japan's D&D Suport page.

This translation made by volunteer who played D&D at D&D Adventure League (JapanRegion). Our regional coordinator and HJ's Staffs requested this permission to the WotC, and they gave it.

Player's rules comes first (PDF), and Dungeon Masters rules are in preparation now.

Some geek news sites picked up this news. And announced that, there is no plan to release a Japanese version of D&D 5th, but volunteer has translated free rules which is published at WotC site. So you can get this translation for free at HJ's D&D Site. Comments on this news shows that, not only active gamers but also retired gamers are
interested in this New D&D.

http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/newsclip/20150930_723372.html

http://www.4gamer.net/games/319/G031949/20151001001/

If D&D5th translated and sell legally, more Japanese gamers will return gameshop,play the D&D, and purchase the D&D. We hope the WotC to grant translation license of D&D for local publisher.

I think, this accomplishment will encourage all other non-English gamers demanding for translated D&D.
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And just today, Info Kiem from Germany started a petition on Change.org, asking WotC to translate D&D into other languages.

With 5th Edition, Wizards of the Coast has dropped all partnerships with local publishers and stopped all foreign-language editions of the game. It may not be reflected by the sales numbers, but D&D needs a proper localization. Most dedicated players may still buy the English rulebooks, but there are always players at the table, especially younger ones, that need a translation. Other RPGs are translated, all previous editions of D&D were, why not this one? If we rally up support here, maybe we can change somebody's mind at Wizards of the Coast.

Translate the 5th Edition rulebooks!
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[aramis erak]

I was just thinking on something. You know that brands and trademarks are only protected for a certain time, and some countries require the owner to actively use it and defend it. Well, how long has it been since the last licensed D&D book was released on countries like Spain, Brazil, Argentina Germany? more than 2? about 4? Because chances are the translated names are up for grabs (So no Dungeons and Dragons, but "Kerkers und Drachen" and "Mazmorras y Dragones" could be) so all it would take would be for a dedicated fan to write down a version of the game from the ground up with the same mechanics -that you can't copyright- and a quick visit to the local patents and brands registry and tada, local version all legal.

Trademarks, under English Common Law derived systems, have no expiry dates. One of the oldest trademarks ever registered is STILL in use and still protected - it's for a beer, and dates back to the decade with such protections were granted by the English crown.

In the US, since our system is derived from the English Common & Crown Laws, A trademark once registered lasts as long as it's defended. A few in use predate the revolution which severed it. (one such I'm aware of is for a brand of silverware.)

 

[Shasarak]

Trademarks, under English Common Law derived systems, have no expiry dates. One of the oldest trademarks ever registered is STILL in use and still protected - it's for a beer, and dates back to the decade with such protections were granted by the English crown.

In the US, since our system is derived from the English Common & Crown Laws, A trademark once registered lasts as long as it's defended. A few in use predate the revolution which severed it. (one such I'm aware of is for a brand of silverware.)

I think the key phrase is "still in use".

 

[MoonSong]

Trademarks, under English Common Law derived systems, have no expiry dates. One of the oldest trademarks ever registered is STILL in use and still protected - it's for a beer, and dates back to the decade with such protections were granted by the English crown.

In the US, since our system is derived from the English Common & Crown Laws, A trademark once registered lasts as long as it's defended. A few in use predate the revolution which severed it. (one such I'm aware of is for a brand of silverware.)

Yes, under ENGLISH common law, which doesn't cover non-English speaking countries (like Spain, Germany, Argentina, México) For example in México, a trademark must be registered to have the right to use it exclusively, registries last five years before having to be renovated, and when you renovate it you have to prove you are still using it. If you fail to renovate or can't prove you are using it in trade, that trademark is up for grabs. (This is a reason Duff bear exists, no really) I'm not sure about D&D itself, but "Calabozos y Dragones" and "Mazmorras y Dragones" are very likely available right now (How long since the last Spanish edition hit the country? about five years? if it was registered to begin with).

 

[aramis erak]

I think the key phrase is "still in use".

Actually, it's "Still Defended" - there's no requirement to prove use, just that one defends the trademark. even registry isn't required in the US, but it makes defense easier.

 

[Shasarak]

Actually, it's "Still Defended" - there's no requirement to prove use, just that one defends the trademark. even registry isn't required in the US, but it makes defense easier.

How much money are you going to spend to defend a trademark that you do not use?

After all there must have been a reason you stopped using it in the first place.

 

[MoonSong]

Actually, it's "Still Defended" - there's no requirement to prove use, just that one defends the trademark. even registry isn't required in the US, but it makes defense easier.

In the US, not in Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Japan or Bangladesh...

 

[Jan van Leyden]

I don't get this "still in use" discussion: all these trademarks are still in use as long as the trademark owner publishes stuff using it. And Hasbro/WotC still publishes "Dungeons&Dragons". Whether it's in your native language or not doesn't have any effect on the trademark, or does it?

 

[MoonSong]

I don't get this "still in use" discussion: all these trademarks are still in use as long as the trademark owner publishes stuff using it. And Hasbro/WotC still publishes "Dungeons&Dragons". Whether it's in your native language or not doesn't have any effect on the trademark, or does it?

It has an effect under the translated forms of the Trademark, "Dungeons and Dragons" is and will always remain in use, it is the localized trademarks -the translated names, the ones players who buy translations are actually familiar with- that are out of use and could be available.

 

[Jan van Leyden]

It has an effect under the translated forms of the Trademark, "Dungeons and Dragons" is and will always remain in use, it is the localized trademarks -the translated names, the ones players who buy translations are actually familiar with- that are out of use and could be available.

So, the name "Dungeons & ÄDragons" has been translated for other foreign editions than German? I always assumed that TSR/WotC/Hasbro wouldn't allow that. All the German versions since 1983 retained the original name.

 

[CaptainGemini]

So, the name "Dungeons & ÄDragons" has been translated for other foreign editions than German? I always assumed that TSR/WotC/Hasbro wouldn't allow that. All the German versions since 1983 retained the original name.

Possibly. I do know it's not a very good idea. Take a look at the Harvest Moon series and the split it suffered for why.