A copy of the new OGL forDungeons and Dragonsreportedly leaked online, and the contents have third-party creators concerned. The updated legal document is about 10 times longer than the original and is full of new protections for Wizards of the Coast–and restrictions forDungeons and Dragonscontent creators.The Open Game License, or OGL, is the legal document that enablesDungeons and Dragonsplayers and publishers to create and sell their own content compatible with the TTRPG’s rules. However, recentrumors and statements surroundingOne D&D’stake on the OGLhad players concerned that Wizards of the Coast was cracking down on third-party publications.RELATED:Wizards of the Coast Reportedly Cancels 5 Unannounced GamesThe updated OGL reportedly received by Gizmodo from a reputable source seems to confirm many of these concerns. The newOne D&DOGL adds a lot more red tape for third-party creators to go through. Any commercial publisher whosells homebrewDungeons and Dragonscontent with this OGLwill be required to register their products and earnings, no matter how much they make, though royalties will only be required for revenue made in excess of $750,000.
According to the new OGL, Wizards of the Coast will no longer allow products to be published under the old OGL. This means existing publishers would have no choice but to abide by these new rules, even if their contentdidn’t use newDungeons and Dragonscontent. What’s worse, according to the leaked draft, the document was supposed to release publicly on January 4 and go into effect on January 13, giving publishers just over a week to comply with the new rules.
The most concerning section of the legal document adds that Wizards of the Coast has full rights to any content created by the OGL. This would allowDungeons and Dragonsto take any homebrew content and publish it in officialDungeons and Dragonsmaterial without permission or compensation to the original creator. Likewise,Wizards of the Coast reserves the right to change, terminate, or revoke the agreement with only a 30-day notice.
As one might imagine, third-party publishers are starting to panic about their futures withDungeons and Dragons. Many companies are already freezingDungeons and Dragonsprojects until official word comes out by Wizards of the Coast. Paizo,Pathfindercreator and major competitor for Wizards of the Coast, has not yet commented on the evolving situation.
It is important to note that this leaked document has not been officially released. Though the draft seems legitimate, Wizards of the Coast’s hesitance indicates it may still change. A note in the document indicates Wizards of the Coast is aware it will face criticism and is open to feedback. Hopefully,Dungeons and Dragonshears its fans andensures the Open Game License forOne D&Dis actually open.
MORE:The Pros and Cons of One D&D Removing Homebrew Content
