In response to backlash from the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) community, Wizards of the Coast has decided to scrap some planned license changes that would impact fan-made content and projects associated with the popular tabletop role-playing game. The changes were first announced last year to update the Open Game License (OGL), with a particular focus on prohibiting D&D-inspired NFT collectibles and projects. The company stated that the purpose of the update was to protect the community’s ability to create and grow the game without allowing exploitation of their intellectual property.
Last week, purported leaked details of the broader OGL shift surfaced, indicating potential changes such as royalty fees for derivative works and a ban on paywalls for gated content. This news sparked outrage among content creators who rely on fan-supported businesses and projects, such as the popular webseries “Critical Role” and podcast “The Adventure Zone.” Many expressed concerns that the reported changes would hinder their ability to continue creating content within the D&D universe.
Despite rumors that the OGL update was set to launch, Wizards of the Coast announced that they would be cutting controversial elements from the early drafts of the license change. The decision came after receiving significant backlash from the community, prompting the company to take more time to address player concerns and solicit feedback before finalizing the new license. While the updated license will not include a royalty structure, it is still expected to maintain restrictions on derivative works that violate the guidelines set by the company.
One of the key elements in reshaping the OGL is setting clear limits around Web3 technology, specifically targeting projects related to NFTs and blockchain games that attempt to trade on the Dungeons & Dragons IP. Wizards of the Coast emphasized that the OGL content is limited to tabletop role-playing materials, such as campaigns, modules, and supplements. The decision to address Web3 technology comes in response to the rise of unofficial D&D projects in the space, including Gripnr, a Web3 company building tabletop RPGs on the Ethereum sidechain network Polygon.
Interestingly, while Wizards of the Coast is cracking down on NFT projects associated with Dungeons & Dragons, the parent company Hasbro has made significant moves in the NFT space with other properties like Power Rangers and My Little Pony. Former Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner previously highlighted the potential for NFTs in another popular Wizards of the Coast property, Magic: The Gathering. Despite these efforts, the company remains committed to enforcing restrictions on NFTs and Web3 projects that attempt to misuse the Dungeons & Dragons brand, ensuring that the community can continue creating content within the established guidelines.
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