The OGL: A Journey of Success or Potential Pitfalls? Exploring the Impact of Dungeons & Dragons’ Open Gaming License

Exploring the Impact of Wizards of the Coast’s Open Game License on Dungeons & Dragons

A Red Pill or Blue Pill Scenario

In the year 2000, Wizards of the Coast faced a critical decision regarding their flagship game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). They had two options – to tightly control their intellectual property or to open it up to third parties, including players, allowing them to create their own content and expand the D&D franchise. Wizards chose the latter, waiving their intellectual property rights and embracing the concept of an Open Game License (OGL). This decision laid the foundation for the growth and success of D&D over the past two decades.

The Original OGL

Wizards introduced OGL 1.0, granting third parties the freedom to use authorized parts of D&D’s gaming system and settings to create their own D&D-based content. This open-source approach allowed gaming developers and publishers to publish unofficial D&D materials, including adventures, settings, and player options. With minimal restrictions, third-party designers and developers flourished, creating their own D&D materials and contributing to the game’s popularity.

However, this approach inadvertently led to the rise of some of Wizards’ greatest competitors. Large publishers like Paizo, Kobold Press, and Green Ronin utilized the OGL to develop their own business models, effectively challenging Wizards’ position in the market.

The Rise of the New OGL

After years of witnessing competitors thrive under the original OGL, Wizards decided to impose more restrictions on third-party access to their intellectual property. They proposed a new version of the OGL, which sparked outrage within the gaming industry. The leaked document revealed that the new OGL would require licensees to report their materials to Wizards, who would have the right to use any reported content perpetually. Additionally, a royalty fee would be imposed on developers or publishers earning $750,000 or more from the sales of their content.

The new OGL also limited the creation of new materials to printed media and static electronic file formats, barring other forms of media like videos, computer games, and novels. Unauthorized creators would need to negotiate custom agreements with Wizards for such creations.

The Fall of the New OGL

The gaming community swiftly expressed its dissatisfaction with the new OGL. Loyal D&D players, content creators, and third-party publishers took to the internet to voice their concerns, criticizing Wizards’ attempt to restrict access to the intellectual property that had fueled the game’s success. Prominent game publishers even announced plans to cease content creation under the new license and focus on their own original gaming systems.

In response to the backlash, Wizards backtracked and announced that they would remove the most controversial elements of the proposed OGL. They acknowledged the importance of creating an inclusive environment for the community and addressed concerns about potential claims of stolen third-party material. Ultimately, the new OGL was completely scrapped, and the latest version of the original OGL remained intact.

Lessons for Business Owners

Wizards’ experience with the OGL provides valuable lessons for business owners, not only in the gaming industry but also across various sectors. The open-access approach to intellectual property can lead to significant success, as demonstrated by D&D’s growth under the original OGL.

However, business owners must carefully consider their own circumstances before adopting a similar strategy. Technology continues to evolve rapidly, presenting new challenges for intellectual property owners. As seen with the backlash against the new OGL, there can be risks and pitfalls associated with granting liberal access to intellectual property. Each company must evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks based on their unique circumstances.

In Conclusion

The story of Wizards’ Open Game License in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons is a complex narrative that intertwines philosophy, business strategy, and intellectual property considerations. The success of the open access approach under the original OGL showcases the power of community collaboration and creativity. At the same time, the backlash against the new OGL serves as a reminder that finding the right balance between protecting intellectual property and fostering innovation is a delicate task.

Ultimately, business owners must assess their individual situations and make decisions that align with their goals and values. The legacy of the OGL in the world of Dungeons & Dragons will continue to influence the gaming industry and serve as a touchstone for future discussions on intellectual property rights and community engagement.