These past days and weeks have been incredibly tough for everyone. As players, fans, and stewards of the game, we can't–and we won't–let thi...
So, WOTC has released a new announcement (again, through DnD Beyond instead of other channels), which is another PR attempt to diffuse tensions. All while not actually providing much. Let me explain why is this entire announcement does not provide much:
For starters, none of these statements mean anything as long as they have the clause that allows them to change the new OGL with a 30 days notice. They can make a seemingly friendly OGL 1.1 (or OGL 2.0, whatever they wanna call it), and change it when people stop paying attention. And if you already signed it, you are thoroughly screwed up.
Yet, let’s also revise the statements one by one, because most of them are purposefully ambiguous:
[ID: An image with text that reads “Your video content. Whether you are a commentator, streamer, podcaster, liveplay cast member, or other video creator on platforms like YouTube and Twitch and TikTok, you have always been covered by the Wizards Fan Content Policy. The OGL doesn’t (and won’t) touch any of this.”]
I wonder how this one works with paywalled streamed content, like d20. This statement does not mention anything about it. Let's also recall most streamers (small and big) don't only survive on streaming, but also sell homebrewed content of their own, which is impacted by the new OGL.
[ID: An image with text that reads “Your accessories for your owned content. No changes to the OGL will affect your ability to sell minis, novels, apparel, dice, and other items related to your creations, characters, and worlds.”]
This one talks about "your characters or your world", but not exactly about how this overlaps with terms that may be getting hit by the OGL. Is the 6-stat array getting included in the new OGL as WOTC's, for example? Can you sell merch using these terms? Is “drow barbarian” something they may will try to argue as being their content, not yours?
You can absolutely make any content using your creations, but this statement does really not say anything about stuff made pulling terminology taken from DnD.
[ID: An image with text that reads “Non-published works, for instance contracted services. You use the OGL if you want to publish your works that reference fifth edition content through the SRD. That means commissioned work, paid DM services, consulting, and so on aren’t affected by the OGL.”]
This one does specifically clear that 5e content is included and not getting affected by the OGL. But not taking a cut out of commissions and paid DM sessions is, well, the bare minimum. I don't think the new OGL ever asked for a cut of that.
Also, be aware that this does talk about 5e, but not OneDnD. I don’t think many people are planning to move to the new edition once it’s out, but the fact it is not mentioned here is worrying.
[ID: An image with text that reads “VTT content. Any updates to the OGL will still allow any creator to publish content on VTTs and will still allow VTT publishers to use OGL content on their platform.”]
This means absolutely nothing. If the systems themselves can't be hosted in VTTs, the homebrewed content sold on them won't work. It doesn't even specify DnD-related content here, again.
[ID: An image with text that reads “Your OGL 1.0a content. Nothing will impact any content you have published under OGL 1.0a. That will always be licensed under OGL 1.0a.”]
This is the bare minimum. Doesn't say the old OGL won't be revoked though (and it will absolutely get revoked if they can), which means that products and companies built on the old OGL suddenly have to change their entire business model.
[ID: An image with text that reads “Your revenue. There will be no royalty or financial reporting requirements.”]
This would be "nice" (not if they reserve the right to use the content you made themselves). But let's recall they haven't said if they'll still have the "can change this license whenever we want" clause. They can suddenly ask for royalties anytime.
It doesn’t say whether you still will need to sign a specific license for it either, and if they can forbid you from going forwards, which was something the OGL 1.1 absolutely allowed WOTC to do.
[ID: An image with text that reads “Your ownership of your content. You will continue to own your content with no license-back requirements.”]
The new OGL didn't touch your ownership of the content. However, it gave them a non-revocable perpetual license to use, sell, re-license and do whatever they wanted with your content. And also allowed them to copy it for their own use. This means NOTHING.
This is, again, another PR strategy meant to calm down people with statements that sound nice at first glance that just don’t hold much value once you read them properly. This also comes amidst leaks about their plans to monetize DnD Beyond further, which included:
Subscriptions for players, up to $30 a month
Inability to use homebrewed content without paying for a subscription
“AI-DMs”, in an attempt to lure players in without the need of an actual DM
So, remember: Keep your Dnd Beyond subscription cancelled, and if you haven’t yet, cancel it. Boycott the movie. Don’t buy their products. If you want to, buy books second-hand, which won’t give them money. You don’t need to stop playing 5e if you enjoy it, but don’t actively feed them. Consider investing that money on other TTRPG systems or third party content creators, which always are in dire need of it. And always remain sceptical of whatever PR movement WOTC seeks to unleash next in order to pretend the new OGL is fine.
We don’t need a compromise. The old OGL needs to stay.
(Also since I know most people follow me for art, feel free to blacklist long post or ogl if you don’t want these posts in your dash, I know they get very lengthy!)
