View source for Open Game License

{{short description|Public copyright license for tabletop role-playing games}}
{{for|the UK government publication license also abbreviated OGL|Open Government Licence}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}

The '''Open Game License''' ('''OGL''') is a [[public copyright license]] by [[Wizards of the Coast]] that may be used by [[tabletop role-playing game]] developers to grant permission to modify, copy, and redistribute some of the content designed for their games, notably [[game mechanics]].

==Language of the license==
The OGL states that "in consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=System Reference Document 5.0 |url=https://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/SRD-OGL_V1.1.pdf |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Wizards of the Coast |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107235937/https://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/SRD-OGL_V1.1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The OGL defines two forms of content:

;Open Game Content (OGC)
:...the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity....
;Product Identity (PI)
:...product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark...

Use of another company's Product Identity is considered breach of the licensing agreement.

== History ==
===3rd Edition===
The OGL (v1.0a) was originally published by Wizards of the Coast in 2000 to license the use of portions of the third edition of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'', via a [[System Reference Document]] (SRD), thus allowing third-party publishers to produce compatible material.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":38" /><ref name=":39" /> The SRD "included the basic rules and elements of D&D, such as classes, monsters, spells, and magic items, enabling the creation of legal support products for the game".<ref name=":40" /> This move was spearheaded by [[Ryan Dancey]]<ref name=":11">{{cite web | last = Dancey | first = Ryan| author-link = Ryan Dancey | title = The Most Dangerous Column in Gaming| work = Interview with Ryan Dancey| publisher = Wizards of the Coast| date = 2002-02-28| url = http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/md/md20020228e| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20020404235238/http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/md/md20020228e| url-status = dead| archive-date = April 4, 2002| format = Interview |access-date = 2008-02-26}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite web|last=Cook |first=Monte |author-link=Monte Cook |title=The Open Game License as I See It |url=http://www.montecook.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?mc_los_154 |access-date=2007-03-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501052435/http://www.montecook.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?mc_los_154 |archive-date=2007-05-01 }}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite web |last=Leonard |first=Andrew |date=March 10, 2000 |title=Dungeons & Dragons to go open-source? |url=https://www.salon.com/2000/03/10/dungeons/ |access-date=December 22, 2022 |website=[[Salon.com|Salon]] |language=en |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222031720/https://www.salon.com/2000/03/10/dungeons/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and it was "modeled on the various [[open-source license]]s used in the software industry".<ref name=":40" /> Publishers could also use the separate [[d20 System Trademark License]] to include a logo indicating compatibility. In an interview, Dancey stated:<blockquote>I think there's a very, very strong business case that can be made for the idea of embracing the ideas at the heart of the Open Source movement and finding a place for them in gaming. [...] One of my fundamental arguments is that by pursuing the Open Gaming concept, Wizards can establish a clear policy on what it will, and will not allow people to do with its copyrighted materials. Just that alone should spur a huge surge in independent content creation that will feed into the D&D network.<ref name=":11" /></blockquote>Academics Benoît Demil and Xavier Lecocq, in the economic journal ''Revue d'économie industrielle'', highlighted that a business goal of the OGL was to have competitors institutionalize a standardized rule system – "if WOTC could get more people in the industry to use the same system, players would learn only one system and be able to migrate from product to product and game to game without learning and transaction costs. While it would reduce the number of original gaming systems in the market, the idea was to increase the audience for everybody, especially for the leader. The ultimate goal was to establish 'd20' as a recognizable trademark, like 'VHS' or 'DVD'".<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |last1=Demil |first1=Benoît |last2=Lecocq |first2=Xavier |date=2014-05-15 |title=The Rise and Fall of an Open Business Model |url=https://journals.openedition.org/rei/5803 |journal=Revue d'économie industrielle |language=en |issue=146 |pages=85–113 |doi=10.4000/rei.5803 |s2cid=145373814 |issn=0154-3229 |doi-access=free |access-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111172412/https://journals.openedition.org/rei/5803 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2004, Wizards of the Coast addressed what would occur if the license was changed<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Community Holds Breath as Wizards of the Coast Prepares New OGL |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-leak-community-backlash-dnd/ |access-date=January 10, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110025509/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-leak-community-backlash-dnd/ |url-status=live }}</ref> – the OGL "already defines what will happen to content that has been previously distributed using an earlier version, in Section 9. As a result, even if Wizards made a change you disagreed with, you could continue to use an earlier, acceptable version at your option. In other words, there's no reason for Wizards to ever make a change that the community of people using the Open Gaming License would object to, because the community would just ignore the change anyway".<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2004 |title=Open Game License: Frequently Asked Questions (Version 2.0) |url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/oglfaq/20040123f |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040307094152/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/oglfaq/20040123f |archive-date=March 7, 2004 |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=The d20 System |publisher=Wizards of the Coast}}</ref>

===4th Edition===
In June 2008, Wizards of the Coast transitioned to a new, more restrictive royalty-free license called the [[Game System License]] (GSL),<ref name="4e SRD">{{Cite web |url=https://www.wizards.com/d20/files/4E_SRD.pdf |title=Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition System Reference Document |date=2009-02-27 |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] |access-date=2023-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429065212/https://www.wizards.com/d20/files/4E_SRD.pdf |archive-date=2016-04-29 |url-status=unfit}}</ref> which is available for third-party developers to publish products compatible with ''Dungeons & Dragons'' 4th edition.<ref name="escapist">{{cite web |last=Tito |first=Greg |date=28 December 2011 |title=The State of D&D: Present |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/9293-The-State-of-D-D-Present.2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129004417/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/9293-The-State-of-D-D-Present.2 |archive-date=January 29, 2012 |access-date=1 October 2013 |work=The Escapist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 13, 2007|title=No '4th Edition d20 STL'|url=https://icv2.com/articles/games/view/11618/no-4th-edition-d20-stl|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107071316/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/11618.html|archive-date=January 7, 2010|access-date=2021-09-17|website=icv2.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=D&D 4th Edition Game System License|url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4news/20080417a|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080428162858/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/4news/20080417a|archive-date=April 28, 2008|access-date=2008-07-15|website=|publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> The GSL is incompatible with the previous OGL. However, by its own terms the OGL is perpetual, and remained in widespread use.<ref name=escapist /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=2016-08-01 |title=The story of Pathfinder, Dungeons & Dragon's most popular offspring |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/8/1/12317888/the-story-of-pathfinder-dungeons-and-dragons-most-popular-offspring |access-date=2020-11-21 |website=Polygon |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108122506/http://www.polygon.com/2016/8/1/12317888/the-story-of-pathfinder-dungeons-and-dragons-most-popular-offspring |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-04-29 |title=d20 - The Open Game License: Frequently Asked Questions - Version 1.0 - February 9, 2001 |url=http://www.wizards.com/D20/article.asp?x=dt20010417g |access-date=2023-01-30 |archive-date=April 29, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010429024325/http://www.wizards.com/D20/article.asp?x=dt20010417g |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>
Greg Tito, for ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' in 2011, commented that the GSL "released in conjunction with 4th edition took away many of the freedoms that the industry had come to expect with the ''D&D'' rules, such as reprinting text for clarity in new products".<ref name="escapist" /> [[Andy Collins (game designer)|Andy Collins]], a ''Dungeons & Dragons'' designer who became the "Design & Development Manager around the release of 4th edition", stated that:<blockquote>I remember arguing pretty hard to retain something like what Wizards had done for 3rd edition; an open license that included the core rules and a few basic guidelines on how to use it. I argued that without some kind of OGL, Wizards risked leaving behind the body of customers and potential customers who saw the open license as an assumed part of the D&D. [...] In hindsight, I wonder if it might simply have been better to [let the OGL die] rather than guilting the company into crafting a Frankenstein's monster of an open license that ended up pleasing basically nobody.<ref name="escapist" /></blockquote>

===5th Edition===
[[File:Dungeons & Dragons System Reference Document v5.1 (2023).pdf|thumb|right|Version 5.1 of the [[System Reference Document]], released in January 2023]]
On January 12, 2016, Wizards of the Coast released the 5th Edition SRD under v1.0a of the OGL, marking a return to the Open Gaming format.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/systems-reference-document-srd | title=System Reference Document (SRD) | access-date=19 January 2016 | archive-date=April 27, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427160716/http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/systems-reference-document-srd | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> This SRD was later revised and rereleased as SRD 5.1 in May 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2016 |title=Systems Reference Document |url=https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/systems-reference-document-srd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523081141/https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/systems-reference-document-srd |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Dungeons & Dragons |publisher=Wizards of the Coast}}</ref>

Content creators can alternatively utilize a different licensing option by publishing through the [[OneBookShelf#Dungeon Masters Guild|Dungeon Masters Guild]] storefront;<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Lemon |first=Marshall |date=January 12, 2016 |title=Wizards of the Coast Puts Out New Dungeons and Dragons Open License With Forgotten Realms Content {{!}} The Escapist |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/165838-Wizards-of-the-Coast-Puts-Out-New-Dungeons-and-Dragons-Open-License-With-Forgotten-Realms-Content |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211035705/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/165838-Wizards-of-the-Coast-Puts-Out-New-Dungeons-and-Dragons-Open-License-With-Forgotten-Realms-Content |archive-date=February 11, 2016 |access-date=2019-11-23 |website=Escapist Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-07-31|title=D&D's Dungeon Masters Guild Wants Players To Monetise Fan Content|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/07/dds-dungeon-masters-guild-wants-players-to-monetize-fan-content/|access-date=2019-11-23|website=Kotaku Australia|language=en|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423144218/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/07/dds-dungeon-masters-guild-wants-players-to-monetize-fan-content/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sims|first=Chris|title=You Can Now Publish Your 'D&D' Adventures Through The DM Guild|url=https://comicsalliance.com/dungeons-dragons-dungeonmasters-guild/|access-date=2019-11-23|website=ComicsAlliance|date=January 13, 2016|language=en|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127032306/https://comicsalliance.com/dungeons-dragons-dungeonmasters-guild/|url-status=live}}</ref> this license allows individuals and third party publishers to create and sell content based on specific Wizards of the Coast [[intellectual property]] such as the [[Forgotten Realms]], [[Ravenloft]], [[Eberron]], and the [[Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings#Magic: The Gathering planes|''Magic: The Gathering'' planes]].<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|date=2018-07-29|title=The D20 Beat: The DM's Guild is a fantastic way for D&D to resurrect old settings|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/07/29/the-d20-beat-the-dms-guild-is-a-fantastic-way-for-dd-to-resurrect-old-settings/|access-date=2019-11-24|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029050705/https://venturebeat.com/2018/07/29/the-d20-beat-the-dms-guild-is-a-fantastic-way-for-dd-to-resurrect-old-settings/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Content and Format Questions|url=http://support.dmsguild.com/hc/en-us/articles/217029298-Content-and-Format-Questions|access-date=2019-11-24|website=DMs Guild Support Site|language=en-US|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729023231/https://support.dmsguild.com/hc/en-us/articles/217029298-Content-and-Format-Questions|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2020-01-13|title=Dungeons & Dragons basically has DLC now, and it's excellent|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/13/21064147/dungeons-dragons-dungeon-masters-guild|access-date=2020-01-16|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804123417/https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/13/21064147/dungeons-dragons-dungeon-masters-guild|url-status=live}}</ref> Content creators are allowed to set their own price, however, Wizards of the Coast and [[OneBookShelf]] take a 50% cut of the proceeds.<ref name=":1" />

==== Proposed OGL changes ====
In August 2022, [[Wizards of the Coast]] launched a public playtest of the next version of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' under the ''[[One D&D]]'' initiative.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Xavier |date=2022-08-18 |title=Dungeons and Dragons brings huge changes to fifth edition rules under One D&D initiative |url=https://dotesports.com/general/news/dungeons-and-dragons-brings-huge-changes-to-fifth-edition-rules |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101211839/https://dotesports.com/general/news/dungeons-and-dragons-brings-huge-changes-to-fifth-edition-rules |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2022, there was reported speculation that the OGL would be discontinued for this new iteration of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' based on unconfirmed leaks.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eric |date=2022-11-14 |title=Rumor: One D&D Might Be Killing Third-Party Homebrew Content |url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-and-dragons-one-dnd-no-ogl-rumor/ |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113073331/https://gamerant.com/dungeons-and-dragons-one-dnd-no-ogl-rumor/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chancey |first=Tyler |date=November 22, 2022 |title=Wizards Clarifies One D&D Third Party Support |url=https://techraptor.net/tabletop/news/wizards-clarifies-one-dd-third-party-support |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=TechRaptor |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113072017/https://techraptor.net/tabletop/news/wizards-clarifies-one-dd-third-party-support |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3" /> In response to the speculation, Wizards of the Coast stated in November 2022: "We will continue to support the thousands of creators making third-party D&D content with the release of One D&D in 2024. While it is certain our Open Game License (OGL) will continue to evolve, just as it has since its inception, we're too early in the development of One D&D to give more specifics on the OGL or System Reference Document (SRD) at this time".<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2022 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Clarifies Support for Third-Party Material as New Edition Draws Near |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-open-game-license-srd-one-dnd/ |access-date=2022-11-26 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113022707/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-open-game-license-srd-one-dnd/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following concerns raised by third-party ''Dungeons & Dragons'' creators on the potential changes to the OGL,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eric |date=December 19, 202 |title=Dungeons and Dragons: 'OpenDnD' Trends on Twitter Amid Homebrew Rumor Controversy |url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-opendnd-twitter-trend-wizards-of-the-coast-controversy/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221224310/https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-opendnd-twitter-trend-wizards-of-the-coast-controversy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Dungeons & Dragons fans concerned One D&D will spell disaster for custom content |url=https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/dungeons-dragons-fans-concerned-one-dd-will-spell-disaster-for-custom-content-2014118/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Dexerto |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221210325/https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/dungeons-dragons-fans-concerned-one-dd-will-spell-disaster-for-custom-content-2014118/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2022 |title=The Dungeons & Dragons Open Gaming License Isn't Going Anywhere |url=https://gizmodo.com/dnd-open-gaming-license-dungeons-dragons-wizards-coast-1849919823 |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221193823/https://gizmodo.com/dnd-open-gaming-license-dungeons-dragons-wizards-coast-1849919823 |url-status=live }}</ref> in December 2022, Wizards of the Coast released additional details on the proposed OGL 1.1 which would have gone into effect in 2023.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2022 |title=OGLs, SRDs, & One D&D |url=http://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1410-ogls-srds-one-d-d |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=D&D Beyond |language=en-us |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221183154/http://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1410-ogls-srds-one-d-d |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2022 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Announces Changes to OGL, Some Third-Party Creators Must Report Revenue and Potentially Pay Royalties |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-srd-royalties/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221184130/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-srd-royalties/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5" /> It would have clarified that it only applies to "printed media or static electronic files (like epubs and PDFs)" and "only covers material created for use in or as TTRPGs";<ref name=":7" /> OGL 1.1 would not cover other content such as video games or virtual tabletops (VTTs).<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eric |date=December 21, 2022 |title=Dungeons and Dragons Releases Statement on how Homebrew Content Works for One D&D |url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-one-dnd-homebrew-ogl-srd-statement/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221213456/https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-one-dnd-homebrew-ogl-srd-statement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Content creators using OGL 1.1 would have been required "to put an official OGL badge on their products".<ref name=":5" /> Revenue related to OGL content would have been reported to Wizards of the Coast if that revenue exceeds $50,000 annually; creators who make at least $750,000 in income annually will be required to pay a royalty starting in 2024.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />

Lin Codega, for ''[[Io9]]'' in January 2023, reported on the details from a leaked full copy of the OGL 1.1 including updated terms such as no longer authorizing use of the OGL1.0. Codega explained that while the original OGL granted a "perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive license" it also included language around authorized versions of the license and "according to attorneys consulted for this article, the new language may indicate that Wizards of the Coast is rendering any future use of the original OGL void, and asserting that if anyone wants to continue to use Open Game Content of any kind, they will need to abide by the terms of the updated OGL, which is a far more restrictive agreement than the original OGL".<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons' New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition |url=https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111115214/https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-open-gaming-license-1849950634 |url-status=live }}</ref> The document also states that the intention of the OGL was not "to fund major competitors and it wasn't intended to allow people to make D&D apps, videos, or anything other than printed (or printable) materials for use while gaming".<ref name=":13" /> In a statement to [[EN World]], Dancey, former VP of Wizards of the Coast and the architect of OGL1.0, said, "my public opinion is that Hasbro does not have the power to deauthorize a version of the OGL. If that had been a power that we wanted to reserve for Hasbro, we would have enumerated it in the license. I am on record numerous places in email and blogs and interviews saying that the license could never be revoked".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrissey |first=Russ |author-link=Russ Morrissey |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Ryan Dancey -- Hasbro Cannot Deathorize OGL |url=https://www.enworld.org/threads/ryan-dancey-hasbro-cannot-deathorize-ogl.694196/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=[[EN World]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105190328/https://www.enworld.org/threads/ryan-dancey-hasbro-cannot-deathorize-ogl.694196/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following an apology issued by Wizards of the Coast, the company released a new draft titled OGL 1.2 for public comment on January 19. It would have put some of the ''Dungeon & Dragons'' mechanics under a [[Creative Commons license]], while other material would have been covered by OGL 1.2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=2023-01-19 |title=D&D will move to a Creative Commons license, requests feedback on a new OGL |url=https://www.polygon.com/23562874/dnd-dungeons-dragons-ogl-1-2-release-download-feedback-survey |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121000023/https://www.polygon.com/23562874/dnd-dungeons-dragons-ogl-1-2-release-download-feedback-survey |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=January 19, 2023 |title=The D&D Open Game License controversy, explained |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2023/01/19/dungeons-and-dragons-open-game-license-wizards-of-the-coast-explained/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119203631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2023/01/19/dungeons-and-dragons-open-game-license-wizards-of-the-coast-explained/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=2023-01-20 |title=D&D reveals new licensing terms amid community backlash |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/20/23563712/dnd-wotc-dungeons-and-dragons-ogl-ccl-license-feedback |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121002326/https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/20/23563712/dnd-wotc-dungeons-and-dragons-ogl-ccl-license-feedback |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":30">{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Releases New OGL Draft, Includes Some Core Mechanics Released Under Creative Commons License |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-new-ogl-creative-commons-1-2/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121002324/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-new-ogl-creative-commons-1-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike the leaked OGL 1.1, the proposed OGL 1.2 contained "no royalty payment, no financial reporting, no license-back, no registration, no distinction between commercial and non-commercial".<ref name=":31">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=Dungeons & Dragons' New OGL Will Be 'Irrevocable' and Bring Mechanics to Creative Commons |url=https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-creative-commons-licen-1850008294 |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121002327/https://gizmodo.com/dnd-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl-1-1-creative-commons-licen-1850008294 |url-status=live }}</ref> The proposed OGL 1.2 would have de-authorized the OGL1.0a;<ref name=":30" /><ref name=":31" /> it would also be "irrevocable, although there's still a severability clause should a part of the license is held to be unenforceable or invalid".<ref name=":30" /> Along with the proposed OGL 1.2, Wizards released a separate virtual tabletop (VTT) policy.<ref name=":30" /> On January 27, 2023, Wizards of the Coast announced that following feedback during the open comment for OGL1.2 they had decided to instead release the [[c:File:Dungeons & Dragons System Reference Document v5.1 (2023).pdf|System Reference Document 5.1]] (SRD 5.1) under an irrevocable Creative Commons license ([[CC BY 4.0|CC-BY-4.0]]) effective immediately and would no longer pursue deauthorizing the OGL1.0a.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=January 27, 2023 |title=D&D won't change the OGL, handing fans and third-party publishers a massive victory |url=https://www.polygon.com/23574677/dungeons-dragons-dnd-ogl-canceled-wizards-fans-win |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127201901/https://www.polygon.com/23574677/dungeons-dragons-dnd-ogl-canceled-wizards-fans-win |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Will Not De-Authorize Current OGL, Releases Full SRD Under Creative Commons License |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-not-deauthorized/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127212444/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-not-deauthorized/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":34">{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Scraps Plans to Update Its Open Game License |url=https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-will-no-longer-deauthorize-its-open-1850041837 |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127202427/https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-will-no-longer-deauthorize-its-open-1850041837 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2023 |title=System Reference Document 5.1 |url=https://www.dndbeyond.com/attachments/39j2li89/SRD5.1-CCBY4.0License.pdf |website=[[D&D Beyond]] |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] |quote=The System Reference Document 5.1 is provided to you free of charge under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (“CC-BY-4.0”). |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127212445/https://www.dndbeyond.com/attachments/39j2li89/SRD5.1-CCBY4.0License.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2025 update ====
The SRD was revised to reflect the [[One D&D|2024 revision]] to the 5th Edition ruleset. [[:File:Dungeons & Dragons System Reference Document v5.2 (2025).pdf|SRD 5.2]] was released under a Creative Commons license on April 22, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2025 |title=Coming April 22: Publish Your Own Creations Using the 2024 Core Rules |url=https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1949-coming-april-22-publish-your-own-creations-using |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=[[D&D Beyond]] |language=en-us |type=[[Press release]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oaks |first=Amanda Kay |date=April 16, 2025 |title=New D&D Errata Revise 2024 5e Rules Ahead of SRD 5.2 Update |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-dnd-5e-errata-rules-update-srd-5-2-release/ |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dohm-Sanchez |first=Jeffrey |date=April 23, 2025 |title=Wizards of the Coast Updates 'D&D' System Reference Document |url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59390/wizards-coast-updates-d-d-system-reference-document |access-date=April 24, 2025 |website=[[ICv2]] |language=en}}</ref> Jess Lanzillo, VP of Franchise and Product for ''Dungeons & Dragons'', explained that the "SRD will be part of the [[Erratum|errata]] process, ensuring it is regularly updated as official clarifications and corrections are published for our Core Rulebooks. [...] Future SRDs will be published with new version numbers, allowing us to respond to how players are playing D&D and what creators are creating within the game and update the SRD with future versions".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Benjamin |date=April 16, 2025 |title=New D&D rules are being given to creators for free, reflecting 'the lessons we’ve learned and the steps we’re taking to rebuild and strengthen our relationship with our players' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/tabletop-gaming/new-d-and-d-rules-are-being-given-to-creators-for-free-reflecting-the-lessons-weve-learned-and-the-steps-were-taking-to-rebuild-and-strengthen-our-relationship-with-our-players/ |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Open Game License ===
Those individuals, groups and publishing companies that license their works under the OGL and similar documents are sometimes collectively referred to as the "[[open gaming]] movement".<ref>{{cite web |last=Wizards of the Coast |author-link=Wizards of the Coast |date=2004-01-26 |title=The Open Gaming Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/oglfaq/20040123e |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040407181800/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/oglfaq/20040123e |archive-date=April 7, 2004 |access-date=2008-02-26}}</ref> The OGL led to the development of the stand-alone ''[[Pathfinder Roleplaying Game]]'' which is a modified version of the 3.5 game.<ref name="Baichtal">{{cite web |last=Baichtal |first=John |date=March 25, 2008 |title=No D&D 4E for Paizo?!? |url=https://www.wired.com/geekdad/2008/03/no-dd-4e-for-pa/ |access-date=October 1, 2013 |work=Wired.com |publisher=Conde Nast |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717020004/http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2008/03/no-dd-4e-for-pa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" /> James Maliszewski, for ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'', commented that the OGL also helped launch the [[Old School Revival]] movement and that "by 2002, the idea of using the SRD to reverse engineer the out-of-print ''AD&D'' took root on Dragonsfoot and other old school forums".<ref name=":40">{{Cite web |last=Maliszewski |first=James |date=August 20, 2009 |title=Full Circle: A History of the Old School Revival |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/full-circle-a-history-of-the-old-school-revival/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922014251/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/full-circle-a-history-of-the-old-school-revival/ |archive-date=September 22, 2021 |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US}}</ref> Academics Benoît Demil and Xavier Lecocq, in the economic journal ''Revue d'économie industrielle'' in 2014, stated that the OGL had an immediate impact on the tabletop role-playing industry with an increase in new TTRP publications where the "majority of the new entrants adopted" the d20 license; d20 products sold at a higher rate than non-d20 products until the mid 2000s.<ref name=":10" /> It "was considered by WOTC's managers as a huge success due to the large movement of adoption it created among publishers".<ref name=":10" /> They also highlighted that the "success was amplified by the rise of electronic publishing".<ref name=":10" /> Christopher B. Seaman and Thuan Tran, for the academic journal ''[[Iowa Law Review]]'' in 2022, also highlighted that the release of the OGL "created a major shift in the RPG industry" and "led to a boom in the RPG industry in the early 2000s".<ref name=":9">{{Cite journal |last1=Seaman |first1=Christopher B. |last2=Tran |first2=Thuan |date=2022 |title=Intellectual Property and Tabletop Games |url=https://ilr.law.uiowa.edu/print/volume-107-issue-4/intellectual-property-and-tabletop-games/ |journal=[[Iowa Law Review]] |volume=107 |issue=4 |pages=1615–1683 |access-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111112235/https://ilr.law.uiowa.edu/print/volume-107-issue-4/intellectual-property-and-tabletop-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They commented that "the emergence of open source licensing for RPGs facilitates user creativity and innovation, as dozens of ''D&D''-compatible supplements have been created under the Open Game License".<ref name=":9" />

Kit Walsh, a senior staff attorney at the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]] in 2023, highlighted that roleplaying games have aspects that are copyrightable, such as creative expression, and aspects that are not, such as functional descriptions of game mechanics. Walsh commented that the original OGL "is very narrow" and includes "elements that are not copyrightable in the first place" – agreeing to the OGL "almost certainly means you have {{Sic|''fewer''}} rights to use elements of Dungeons and Dragons than you would otherwise. For example, absent this agreement, you have a legal right to create a work using noncopyrightable elements of D&D or making fair use of copyrightable elements".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Kit |date=2023-01-10 |title=Beware the Gifts of Dragons: How D&D's Open Gaming License May Have Become a Trap for Creators |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/01/beware-gifts-dragons-how-dds-open-gaming-license-may-have-become-trap-creators |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112003746/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/01/beware-gifts-dragons-how-dds-open-gaming-license-may-have-become-trap-creators |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Walsh highlights the "primary benefit" is knowing the exact terms in order to not be sued by Wizards of the Coast and avoiding "having to prove your fair use rights or engage in an expensive legal battle over copyrightability in court".<ref name=":22" /> Walsh stated that "open licenses can involve a lot of legalese that makes them hard for a layperson to understand" and explained that "perpetual" and "irrevocable" are separate legal terms; while the OGL states it is perpetual, it does not state that it is irrevocable.<ref name=":22" /> In an update to the article, Walsh wrote that past statements by Wizards of the Coast make "very clear that Wizards always thought of this as a contract with obligations for both sides [...]. Unlike a bare license without consideration, an offer to contract like this cannot be revoked unilaterally once it has been accepted, under the law of [[Washington (state)|Washington]] (where they are located) and other states". Walsh stated that works already published "under OGL 1.0a are entitled to the benefit Wizards of the Coast promised them under that contract. But Wizards can revoke the offer of the OGL 1.0a as to new potential users who haven't yet accepted its terms".<ref name=":22" /> Kyle Orland, for ''[[Ars Technica]]'', highlighted Walsh's analysis and commented that the "legal situation is complicated a bit [...] by Section 9" of the original OGL as that clause states third party designers can "use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License".<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=2023-01-11 |title=RPG fans irate as D&D tries to shut its "open" game license |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/01/rpg-fans-irate-as-dd-tries-to-shut-its-open-game-license/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112004242/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/01/rpg-fans-irate-as-dd-tries-to-shut-its-open-game-license/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Orland stated that Section 9 coupled with statements made by Wizards of the Coast in the original 2001 FAQ, seem "to suggest that companies could continue using the old license to make products based on the old ruleset that was published under OGL v1.0a (even if upcoming rules changes are covered more directly by OGL v1.1)".<ref name=":25" />

=== Leaked OGL1.1 draft ===
In November 2022, ''[[Game Rant]]'' commented that "many players are not happy with the implication" of the OGL discontinuation rumor as "tons of creators and companies have made their living on selling third-party ''Dungeons and Dragons'' homebrew. If Wizards of the Coast does not use the OGL in ''One D&D'', many of these creators will be unable to make content for the evergreen system–or will at least have to tiptoe around the law by only using the ''5th Edition'' SRD to do so".<ref name=":2" /> ''[[ComicBook.com]]'' highlighted that "while not creating a new System Reference Document for One D&D wouldn't snuff out third-party material, it would certainly discourage publishing or force publishers to turn to the DMs Guild" which "uses a separate license" and requires a 50% cut of the proceeds.<ref name=":3" />

Following the statement released by Wizards of the Coast in December 2022, Christian Hoffer, for ''ComicBook.com'', wrote: "Wizards noted that this royalty should impact less than 20 'creators,' which include major publishing companies like [[Kobold Press]] and Ghostfire Gaming".<ref name=":6" /> Chase Carter, for ''[[Dicebreaker]]'', commented that "this vision of an updated OGL paves a path for Wizards of the Coast to muscle in on ultra-successful crowdfunding projects without crushing existing communities, which the blog post says are 'a critical part of the D&D experience'. It also said existing virtual tabletop agreements will not be affected by whatever shape the OGL takes, even though the company has announced their own version to launch close to OneD&D's release in 2024".<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2022 |title=OneD&D's open gaming licence will introduce royalties for biggest creators, prevent third-party NFTs |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/dungeons-and-dragons-onednd-updates-ogl-srd |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Dicebreaker |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221193716/https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/dungeons-and-dragons-onednd-updates-ogl-srd |url-status=live }}</ref>

Lin Codega, for ''Io9'' on January 5, 2023, wrote that "by ending the original OGL, many licensed publishers will have to completely overhaul their products and distribution in order to comply with the updated rules. Large publishers who focus almost exclusively on products based on the original OGL, including [[Paizo]], [[Kobold Press]], and [[Green Ronin Publishing|Green Ronin]], will be under pressure to update their business model incredibly fast".<ref name=":13" /> Codega highlighted that "if the original license is in fact no longer viable, every single licensed publisher will be affected by the new agreement, because every commercial creator will be asked to report their products, new and old, to Wizards of the Coast. [...] The main takeaway from the leaked OGL 1.1 draft document is that WotC is keeping power close at hand. [...] There are a lot of implications in this extended policy, and the ramifications of this updated OGL could have a chilling effect on new licensed products".<ref name=":13" /> Eric Law, for ''Game Rant'', commented that this leak was causing "panic" among third-party publishers.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eric |date=2023-01-05 |title=Dungeons and Dragons: Leaked OGL Reveals Plans for Homebrew in One D&D |url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-leaked-open-game-license-homebrew-crackdown-one-dd/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106020828/https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-leaked-open-game-license-homebrew-crackdown-one-dd/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Law stated that "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 allow ''Dungeons and Dragons'' to take any homebrew content and publish it in official ''Dungeons and Dragons'' material without permission or compensation to the original creator".<ref name=":17" /> ''[[ICv2]]'' commented that the leaked OGL has several controversial parts including prohibiting "commercial publication for virtual tabletop platforms" and that while it "grants ownership of the OGL works to their creator" it also "gives WotC the perpetual, irrevocable right to use their works in any way it sees fit without payment".<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2023 |title='Dungeons & Dragons' OGL 1.1 Furor |url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/53040/dungeons-dragons-ogl-1-1-furor |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=[[ICv2]] |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111092439/https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/53040/dungeons-dragons-ogl-1-1-furor |url-status=live }}</ref>

Christian Hoffer, for ''ComicBook.com'' in January 2023, stated that "if the OGL viewed by io9 is indeed the final OGL planned for ''One D&D'', it would have seismic consequences for the thriving ecosystem that surrounds ''Dungeons & Dragons''".<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Looks to Clamp Down on Competition With New OGL |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-one-dnd-leak-kickstarter/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106021824/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-one-dnd-leak-kickstarter/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hoffer highlighted the debate on if the OGL could be deauthorized and commented that regardless, "the intent of the new OGL is to force publishers to comply with the new OGL, with its easily revocable status and its tiered royalty structure".<ref name=":18" /> Charlie Hall, for ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'', commented that "if enforced as written, io9 reports, it could put revenue streams for companies like Pathfinder maker Paizo, Kobold Press, Green Ronin, and others in jeopardy".<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=2023-01-05 |title=D&D's stricter licensing rules might impact some beloved RPGs |url=https://www.polygon.com/23540640/dnd-ogl-1-1-leak-dungeons-dragons-pathfinder-2e-wotc-hasbro |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106015656/https://www.polygon.com/23540640/dnd-ogl-1-1-leak-dungeons-dragons-pathfinder-2e-wotc-hasbro |url-status=live }}</ref> Hall also highlighted that [[Kickstarter]] negotiated with Wizards of the Coast to lower the royalty amount for creators who use their platform. Hall wrote, "Kickstarter has recently seen increased competition from alternate crowdfunding outlets, including Gamefound and Backerkit. A partnership such as this, formally enshrined into the OGL 1.1, would encourage the largest D&D crowdfunding campaigns to use Kickstarter’s services".<ref name=":14" />

In the days following the leak, ''[[IGN]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Northup |first=Travis |date=2023-01-06 |title=Wizards of the Coast OGL Change Draws Ire From Creators and Fans Alike: 'It's Not Right' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wizards-of-the-coasts-new-dungeons-dragons-license-ogl-controversy |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112125127/https://www.ign.com/articles/wizards-of-the-coasts-new-dungeons-dragons-license-ogl-controversy |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Dungeons and Dragons Is Jeopardizing Its Greatest Strength: Its Ubiquity |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/dungeons-and-dragons-is-jeopardizing-its-greatest-strength-its-ubiquity/ |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=Vice.com |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112140313/https://www.vice.com/en/article/3ad9kn/dungeons-and-dragons-is-jeopardizing-its-greatest-strength-its-ubiquity |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'',<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title='People are leaving the game': Dungeons & Dragons fans revolt against new restrictions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/jan/12/dungeons-and-dragons-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113061242/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/jan/12/dungeons-and-dragons-wizards-of-the-coast-ogl |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Financial Times]]''<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons & fear & loathing |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b8f27121-ac91-45c8-9f4d-7a1d86115c19 |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113112621/https://www.ft.com/content/b8f27121-ac91-45c8-9f4d-7a1d86115c19 |archive-date=January 13, 2023 }}</ref> and many other industry focused outlets reported on negative reactions from both fans and professional content creators.<ref name=":23" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nattrass |first=J. J. |date=2023-01-09 |title=D&D content creators outraged over licensing changes, demand the game remain "open" |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/gaming-news/dd-content-creators-outraged-over-licensing-changes-demand-the-game-remain-open-3377607 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=NME |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112040950/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/gaming-news/dd-content-creators-outraged-over-licensing-changes-demand-the-game-remain-open-3377607 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Plante |first=Corey |title=D&D's community is up in arms over a controversial change |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/dnd-dungeons-dragons-ogl-11-homebrew-changes-opendnd |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Inverse |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113022546/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/dnd-dungeons-dragons-ogl-11-homebrew-changes-opendnd |url-status=live }}</ref> ''ComicBook.com'' reported that it had "spoken with over 20 small to mid-sized creators who have said that in-progress projects set to be published under the OGL have been placed on hold due to" the terms in the leak.<ref name=":19" /> Many designers had also reported considering switching role-playing game systems entirely.<ref name=":19" /> As part of a grassroots campaign protesting against the reported terms of the new OGL,<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Thousands Sign Open Letter Protesting Reported Restrictions in New Dungeons & Dragons OGL |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-open-letter-backlash-outrage-one-dnd/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |quote=Editor's Note: as of 5 PM ET on January 9th, over 15,000 people had signed |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110032823/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-open-letter-backlash-outrage-one-dnd/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Julia |date=2023-01-09 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Fans Rally Behind #OpenDnD, Demanding WotC Revoke OGL 1.1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/dnd-fans-demand-opendnd-wotc-revoke-new-ogl/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110033438/https://www.cbr.com/dnd-fans-demand-opendnd-wotc-revoke-new-ogl/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-09 |title=Indie TTRPG Creators Sign OGL 1.1 Open Letter |url=https://techraptor.net/tabletop/news/indie-ttrpg-creators-sign-ogl-11-open-letter |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=TechRaptor |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110162105/https://techraptor.net/tabletop/news/indie-ttrpg-creators-sign-ogl-11-open-letter |url-status=live }}</ref> over {{As of|2023|01|13|alt=66,000}} people have signed the "#OpenDND" internet petition within days of its launch.<ref name=":26" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Silberling |first=Amanda |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons content creators are fighting to protect their livelihoods |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/12/dungeons-and-dragons-ogl-wizards-of-the-coast/ |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US |quote=More than 54,000 people have signed an open letter against these changes as part of a movement called #OpenDND, organized by Mage Hand Press editor-in-chief Mike Holik |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112172002/https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/12/dungeons-and-dragons-ogl-wizards-of-the-coast/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Abbott |first=Benjamin |date=January 10, 2023 |title=More than 26,000 people sign open letter condemning new D&D license |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/more-than-26000-people-sign-open-letter-condemning-new-dandd-license/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=gamesradar |language=en |quote=An open letter criticizing the new, rumored D&D license (known as the Open Game License, or OGL 1.1) has garnered more than 26,000 signatures in the last two days. |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110211513/https://www.gamesradar.com/more-than-26000-people-sign-open-letter-condemning-new-dandd-license/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This included "several well-known D&D community members" such as "''[[Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus]]'' writer M.T. Black, prominent D&D streamer Mark Hulmes (who recently ran a streaming show for Wizards of the Coast on [[List of Dungeons & Dragons web series|D&D's streaming channel]]), and Mike Shea, publisher of ''Sly Flourish''".<ref name=":21" /> There was also an online movement to cancel subscriptions to [[D&D Beyond]];<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Fans Launch D&D Beyond Cancellation Campaign Over OGL Changes |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-dndbeyond-subscription-cancellation-page/ |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113135533/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-dndbeyond-subscription-cancellation-page/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Io9'' reported that per their sources at Wizards "the result of these cancellations and their impact on the bottom line of Wizards of the Coast is not negligible" and led to scrambling by upper management "to adjust their messaging around the situation".<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Wizards of the Coast Cancels OGL Announcement After Online Ire |url=https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-ogl-announcement-wizards-of-the-coast-1849981365 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112233743/https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-ogl-announcement-wizards-of-the-coast-1849981365 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Starburst (magazine)|Starburst]]'' commented that "historically when the owners of ''Dungeons and Dragons'' attempt to restrict what people can do with the game, it leads to a boom in other tabletop roleplaying games. This is happening right now".<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=DUNGEONS & DRAGONS TV Show Announced Amid Controversy |url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/dungeons-and-dragons-tv-show-announced-amid-controversy |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=STARBURST Magazine |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111185059/https://www.starburstmagazine.com/dungeons-and-dragons-tv-show-announced-amid-controversy |url-status=live }}</ref> Both Kobold Press and [[MCDM Productions]] announced upcoming new tabletop RPG systems with both stating their respective systems would be open games.<ref name=":24" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eric |date=2023-01-10 |title=Dungeons and Dragons Publisher Kobold Press Making New Roleplaying System |url=https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-publisher-kobold-press-tabletop-roleplaying-system-black-flag/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111185050/https://gamerant.com/dungeons-dragons-publisher-kobold-press-tabletop-roleplaying-system-black-flag/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Matt Colville Announces Plans for New RPG as Dungeons & Dragons OGL Furor Continues |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-matt-colville-ttrpg-mcdm-productions/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111025034/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-matt-colville-ttrpg-mcdm-productions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Paizo]] then announced a new Open RPG Creative License (ORC), an open, perpetual, and irrevocable system-agnostic license, as a direct response to the reported changes to the OGL. They stated that the license would not be owned by Paizo or any RPG publisher, to protect against future attempts to modify or rescind it.<ref name=":02" /> Additional publishers, such as Kobold Press, [[Chaosium]], [[Green Ronin Publishing|Green Ronin]], Legendary Games, and Rogue Genius Games, stated they would join the ORC development process.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Paizo Announces Its Own Gaming License Amid D&D OGL Controversy |url=https://gizmodo.com/paizo-wizards-of-the-coast-dnd-open-rpg-ogl-1-1-1849982443 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113001955/https://gizmodo.com/paizo-wizards-of-the-coast-dnd-open-rpg-ogl-1-1-1849982443 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":110">{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Paizo Addresses Pathfinder's Future, Announces New System-Neutral Open RPG License |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/paizo-addresses-pathfinders-future-announces-new-system-neutral-open-rpg-license/ |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113012522/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/paizo-addresses-pathfinders-future-announces-new-system-neutral-open-rpg-license/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Another initiative is from Free League Publishing, which announced two licenses, for its Year Zero game system and another for its upcoming fantasy RPG ''Dragonbane''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free League Publishing Announces Plans to Make Year Zero Open Gaming License After Dungeons & Dragons OGL Controversy |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/free-league-publishing-ogl-year-zero-dragonbane-dungeons-dragons/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=GAMING |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119150148/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/free-league-publishing-ogl-year-zero-dragonbane-dungeons-dragons/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 13, 2023, Wizards issued a response via D&D Beyond; this response did not contain the updated OGL which will be released at a later date.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title=An Update on the Open Game License (OGL) |url=http://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1423-an-update-on-the-open-game-license-ogl |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=[[D&D Beyond]] |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] |language=en-us |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113162049/https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1423-an-update-on-the-open-game-license-ogl |url-status=live }}</ref> The statement walked back several changes to the OGL such as removing the royalty structure and the license back language and indicated that other forms of expression, such as VTTs and livestreams, would not be impacted by the updated OGL.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Dungeons & Dragons Releases Statement on New OGL, Retracts Royalties and License Back Language |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-statement-retracts-royalties-license-back-language-outrage/ |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113164003/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/dungeons-dragons-ogl-statement-retracts-royalties-license-back-language-outrage/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Wizards of the Coast Breaks Their Silence on the Dungeons & Dragons OGL |url=https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-ogl-license-wizards-of-the-coast-wotc-1849985196 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Gizmodo |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113162920/https://gizmodo.com/dungeons-dragons-ogl-license-wizards-of-the-coast-wotc-1849985196 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''ComicBook.com'' commented that this statement "did not address" the OGL deauthorization concerns.<ref name=":27" /> ''Io9'' believed that Wizards of the Coast could not back down completely, as the company has invested significant resources into their IP and "the suits in Hasbro will not allow" others freely use their brand and content.<ref name=":28" /> ''Io9'' described Wizards of the Coast as engaging in "incredible spin doctoring" to try to recover from the backlash.<ref name=":28" /> ''Polygon'' highlighted that "despite" the shift in direction by Wizards, Twitter reactions remain overwhelmingly negative; they also pointed out that much remains unknown including "how a near-final draft of the revised OGL got things so very, very wrong".<ref name=":29">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=January 13, 2023 |title=D&D maker backs off new licensing rules that led to fan revolt |url=https://www.polygon.com/23553669/dungeons-dragons-dnd-ogl-wizards-of-the-coast-licensing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113170706/https://www.polygon.com/23553669/dungeons-dragons-dnd-ogl-wizards-of-the-coast-licensing |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Proposed OGL1.2 draft ===
Edwin Evans-Thirlwell, for ''[[The Washington Post]],'' wrote that "pushback from fans, who criticized WotC’s response as far from an apology and a dismissal of their legitimate concerns, led WotC to backpedal further. A second bulletin Wednesday [on January 18] included more details about the path forward, along with a mea culpa from [Kyle] Brink, the executive producer, on behalf of his team".<ref name=":32" /> Evans-Thirlwell highlighted the release of the proposed OGL 1.2 which will have open comment available for two weeks, however, "some say the damage is already done. [...] Whether you view the original OGL as a mystic talisman or smoke-and-mirrors, WotC appears to have committed an irreversible act of self-sabotage in trying to replace it — squandering the prestige accumulated over 20 years in a matter of weeks".<ref name=":32" /> Lin Codega, for ''Io9'', wrote that "the commitment to create an irrevocable license under the Creative Commons foundation seems like a good step towards making that happen, and it would not have occurred if ''Dungeons & Dragons'' creators, influencers, fans, and third party publishers had universally come together to reject the proposed OGL 1.1".<ref name=":31" /> They also highlighted that Wizards continues to have "a firm stance on bigoted and hateful content—something that people praised in the leaked draft".<ref name=":31" /> The proposed OGL1.2 would ban "harmful, discriminatory, or illegal content" which Codega views as a good idea, however, Codega commented "in the wake of ''[[Spelljammer: Adventures in Space|Spelljammer]]''<nowiki/>'s inclusion and public treatment of the [[Spelljammer: Adventures in Space#Hadozee|Hadozee]], it remains to be seen if ''D&D'' is even capable of moderating this kind of content in a way that will be respectful, inclusive, and progressive".<ref name=":31" />

Both Codega and Christian Hoffer, for ''ComicBook.com'', highlighted that the proposed OGL1.2 would de-authorize OGL1.0a.<ref name=":31" /><ref name=":30" /> Hoffer commented that de-authorization is "one major sticking point" as it is "seen as a hard line for many creators and third party publishers".<ref name=":30" /> Hoffer wrote that Brink framed de-authorization as necessary to enforce the "'No Hateful or Harmful Content' clause in the new OGL".<ref name=":30" /> Kyle Orland, for ''[[Ars Technica]]'', stated that "aside from the OGL v1.0a deauthorization, the new draft language scales back many of the most controversial portions of the original leaked update [...]. The new draft language also explicitly notes that the new license is 'perpetual, non-exclusive, and irrevocable,' with only a few technical sections being eligible for modification in the future".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=January 20, 2023 |title=D&D maker still wants to revoke earlier versions of "open" gaming license |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/01/dd-maker-still-wants-to-revoke-earlier-versions-of-open-gaming-license/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121005202/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/01/dd-maker-still-wants-to-revoke-earlier-versions-of-open-gaming-license/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Creative Commons ===
On January 27, 2023, Wizards of the Coast outlined the feedback received from over 15,000 survey submissions during the open comment for OGL1.2:<ref name=":37">{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2023 |title=WotC Folds: OGL 1.0a Abides |url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/53178/wotc-folds-ogl-1-0a-abides |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=[[ICv2]] |language=en |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128042027/https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/53178/wotc-folds-ogl-1-0a-abides |url-status=live }}</ref> "88% do not want to publish TTRPG content under OGL 1.2", "89% are dissatisfied with deauthorizing OGL 1.0a", "86% are dissatisfied with the draft VTT policy" and "62% are satisfied with including Systems Reference Document (SRD) content in Creative Commons, and the majority of those who were dissatisfied asked for more SRD content in Creative Commons".<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |last=Brink |first=Kyle |date=January 27, 2023 |title=OGL 1.0a & Creative Commons |url=http://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1439-ogl-1-0a-creative-commons |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=[[D&D Beyond]] |language=en-us |type=[[Press release]] |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127201539/https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1439-ogl-1-0a-creative-commons |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, Wizards decided to release the SRD 5.1 under an irrevocable [[Creative Commons license]]; it would also no longer attempt to deauthorize the OGL 1.0a.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":34" /><ref name=":33" /> Milton Griepp, for ''ICv2'', reported that the events had led to an overwhelmingly negative response, constituting a PR disaster for Wizards of the Coast.<ref name=":37" /> Griepp commented that "it remains to be seen whether the steps WotC has taken will be sufficient to unwind the moves other companies have made to disassociate themselves from the OGL, most notably Paizo".<ref name=":37" />

Christian Hoffer, for ''ComicBook.com'', stated that "this is a major change of pace for Wizards of the Coast and seems to be a surprising end to a controversy that had raged for weeks, drawing attention from mainstream news sites. It's a huge victory for the wider D&D community".<ref name=":36" /> Charlie Hall, for ''Polygon'', also highlighted the major mainstream news coverage this controversy received and the possibility that it may have an impact on the success of upcoming film ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves]]'', scheduled for release in March 2023.<ref name=":33" /> Lin Codega, for ''Io9'' in January 2023, wrote that the deauthorization of the OGL 1.0a had been a hard line for many fans so "concessions Wizards and ''D&D'' make in this announcement are huge" and that "this is a huge victory for the fans".<ref name=":34" /> Codega highlighted Kyle Brink, Executive Producer for D&D, who stated "that putting the entire 400-page SRD into the Creative Commons means that fans don't need to 'take [''Dungeons & Dragons''’] word for it.' That Brink would explicitly acknowledge the lack of trust between fans and publishers and Wizards of the Coast is incredible".<ref name=":34" /> In May 2024, Lin Codega now of ''Rascal'' commented that it appeared the Open Game License would not return following Wizards of the Coast's announcement that the revised 5th Edition would have an SRD released under the Creative Commons – a move they considered both "fascinating" and "sad".<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Codega |first=Lin |date=May 9, 2024 |title=The OGL is dead. Long live the OGL. |url=https://www.rascal.news/the-ogl-is-dead-long-live-the-ogl-dnd-5e/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |website=Rascal News |language=en}}</ref> Codega opined: <blockquote>The Open Game License was genuinely a revolutionary contract—established two years before the Creative Commons license was developed—and tabletop games across the board, not just ''D&D,'' benefited from the free and unrestricted usage granted in the OGL. The OGL should have been the contract to stand the test of time as a testament to the power of open source licensing for intellectual property. But then, as with most good things that are given away in the spirit of joyous creativity and hope for community, capitalism happened. [...] The commitment to putting the updated ''D&D'' rules into the Creative Commons rather than trying to re-establish the OGL or even establish another GSL-alike is, in my opinion, a good decision.<ref name=":12" /></blockquote>

==See also==
*[[List of OGL publishers]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{RTFlink|{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302062643/http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf |date=2 March 2016}} Full text of Open Gaming License version 1.0a]}}
* [http://www.earth1066.com/D20FAQ.htm THE (UNAUTHORIZED UNOFFICIAL) OPEN GAMING LICENSE OGL D20 FAQ]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080920193311/http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/GSL_20080617.pdf Wizards of the Coast: The Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Game System License]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040307092336/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/oglfaq/20040123d Open Game Definitions: Frequently Asked Questions Version 2.0 -- January 26, 2004]
* [http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ Open Gaming Foundation]

{{d20}}

[[Category:Open-source tabletop games| ]]
[[Category:Public copyright licenses]]