As you may have heard, Wizards of the Coast is poised to release a new version of the Open Game License (v1.1). Parts of the license have been leaked online and it appears that Wizards' intent is to revoke the current version of the OGL, forcing creators to adopt the new version. Whether this is actually legal for them to do, under the terms of the license, is seemingly open to interpretation.
A huge number of games, including our own Old-School Essentials, are founded on the Open Game License. If that license were revoked, such games would be in jeopardy. The leaked version of the new OGL includes some extremely unappealing terms, most notably granting Wizards a "nonexclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, sub-licensable, royalty-free license" to use content released under the OGL "for any purpose".
Needless to say, we are making various contingency plans in anticipation of the official release of the new OGL. Once the official release happens and we've had time to fully digest its implications, we will announce any possible alterations to our publication schedule.
39 comments
We all back you up there – shame on WotC – and Hasbro – that is trying to milk from independent developers like you all the money they can get. Some parts of the OGL 1.1 can be understood by the principles behind, but they ask too much!
To quote the heroes of my youth, “Spider-Friends! Go for it!”
My hope is the IP lawyers that have shared their insight on YouTube are right. Their answers boil down to two things;
1. They do not think 1A can be revoked, at least until 35 years have passed, which under US law they can.
2. WOTC out language in 1.1 that is unlawful and knowingly want to go to court on the issues.
Good luck guys.
I’m certain your amazing followers will be willing to help in any way they can!
Necrotic for life!