OGL Shenanigans Rock the Gaming Community: The Rise of ORC License

The gaming community was recently caught off guard by the events surrounding the Open Gaming License (OGL) issued by Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of the popular Dungeons & Dragons 5^th edition and upcoming “D&D One” edition next year. The leaked version of the license caused a huge outcry from both creators and players, as it allowed Wizards of the Coast to take control of any creator’s work without compensation.

The silence from Wizards of the Coast following the leak only added to the sense of dread felt throughout the community, leading to a discussion among the biggest third-party actors about dropping the OGL and creating a new, system-neutral license; the ORC (Open RPG Creative) License.

The ORC License: A New Era of Open Gaming

The ORC License aims to provide a legal framework for sharing game rule mechanics content between publishers and give game designers and publishers clarity on how to use game rule mechanics without having to pay for legal research or defense fees. The license also establishes a community of open game publishers to share best practices, advice, and resources.

The ORC License will be home to an appropriate, independent, nonprofit organization unaffiliated with any company involved in the tabletop publishing business. The end goal is to create a fair and open gaming environment that benefits all parties involved.

Wizards of the Coast Abandons OGL Plans

In the end, Wizards of the Coast decided to abandon the idea of invalidating the old OGL by replacing it with a new one, but the damage has already been done. The loss of confidence in WotC has led to a decrease in subscribers for D&D Beyond, and the rise of alternative gaming systems. Paizo’s stock of CORE Rulebooks for the Pathfinder 2^nd edition RPG, which was supposed to last them for the next 8 months, were sold out in two weeks!

Conclusion

The events surrounding the OGL have been a roller coaster ride for the gaming community, but the rise of the ORC License marks a new era of open and fair gaming. The ORC License provides a legal framework for sharing game rule mechanics and establishes a community of open game publishers, ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly and equitably.

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