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Post by Tongsoon of Cygnus on Feb 2, 2005 2:06:28 GMT -5
I am currently trying to design and publish a game that uses the d20 game system. But, all the legal jargon in the Open Gaming License has me baffled and confused! Am I reading it right in that I am allowed to make my game and release it as long as I don't infringe on anyone else's copyrights or trademarks (using Dungeons & Dragons, for example)? How exactly does the OGL work, and how will it help me with my game? I'm not using any pre-copyrighted material, there's nothing in my game that is otherwise trademarked by any company, so can I release my game? It uses the d20 Modern system. Please someone with a little bit of RPG and legal know-how...HELP ME!!
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Post by Tone Cold on Feb 9, 2005 19:39:09 GMT -5
I'm gonna try my best here... Far as I understand it, the d20 OGL allows you make any game using the d20 system. But like you mentioned, you cannot use trademarks, i.e., slap the name "Dungeons & Dragons" anywhere in the book, or use any of the WotC's monster/deity/whatever creations that aren't d20 Open Content. (Mind Flayer/Illlithid was a "trademark" you couldn't use, but I've heard rumors of it being Open Content now. If true, you can use it, stats and all, in your book.) Hope that helped somewhat  Tony |
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Post by Tongsoon of Cygnus on Feb 9, 2005 21:53:32 GMT -5
So it's ok for me to use Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, all of those, the skill names, Hit Points (or a similarity thereof). What about Feats? Are those considered trademarked? Or do I have to come up with my own?
I really wish they made the OGL lisence a little more laymen's termed for some of us, but it's absolutely wonderful that they are willing to open their d20 universe for anyone who wants to play! I may need to form a discussion group here for my game! See what comes out of it!
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Post by Tone Cold on Feb 9, 2005 22:14:13 GMT -5
Yes, you can use Str, Dex, Hit Points, XP, Feats, etc. and other game mechanic terms in a d20 OGL creation.
Usually you can figure out what you cannot and can use by if it's a proper noun, i.e., name of a region in Forgotten Realm would be one and is considered a "product identity" so you can't use it, but a unicorn wouldn't be because it's a folklore creature already in public use, sort to speak.
Tony
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Post by Tongsoon of Cygnus on Feb 9, 2005 22:31:50 GMT -5
RIGHT ON!! Look out RPG world, here i COME!!!!
BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!
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