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So...what to do about D&D?
Jan. 6th, 2023 09:33 pmThe leaked content of WotC's OGL 1.1 as reported on by Linda Codega in Gizmodo (here, for a better description of what it actually says), isn't what anyone was hoping to see.
No one's surprised that they're trying to squeeze as much profit as they can, but it is more than a little galling just how brazen some of this shit is - particularly with regard to what seems to be their goal to revoke the old OGL, which is something that was explicitly denied BY the original OGL.
But importantly, they have money. They're Hasbro. Even if they shouldn't be able to do this, it won't shock me at all if they manage to get away with all of it. So what then?
Because it was leaked, it’s also possible they’ll make some minor concessions to try to placate just how many people are already fucking pissed off, but we all know their number one goal here IS to get more of third party creation under their thumb so they can monetize it either by claiming royalties or just straight up nabbing people’s hard work.
So seriously, folks, support third party creators who rely on D&D, especially if they pivot to new systems - and if you’re someone who’s so used to D&D specifically you have a hard time imagining breaking out of it to engage with something else.... I promise you. People have made so many systems that are simple and easy to pick up, that highlight new and exciting aspects of what TTRPGs are capable of, that it’s always been, but especially now, worth your stepping out of your comfort zone.
Even IF WotC backs down on this in a meaningful way, and you keep playing D&D, etc. - consider turning your eye to some indie TTRPGs regardless, because much like any brand that’s used to being the ubiquitous name, WotC is going to keep trying to milk more and more money from it’s massive fanbase, and you can do a lot of good for your own interests and for other creative passionate people by branching out, whether you also stick with D&D or cut it off entirely.
I play D&D, I enjoy it as a game, but I’ve learned so much about what else TTRPGs can offer, by stepping first into Paizo’s games and further into smaller independent creations.
I've long had the plan for this website to curate and review plenty of indie TTRPGs as well as hosting some of my own personal work, though I don't create or sell anything for others to use, I love my TTRPG characters and such. Now, that's even more settled.
I won't stop supporting people who create homebrew content for D&D. I highly encourage these people to branch into other systems regardless of what WotC does, but my issue is with the corporation, and not any individuals who've poured their creativity into content for the system.
