http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/oglfaq/20040123i

Quote: Q: So I could make a game? A: Sure. Remember though, you cannot use any Product Identity with the OGL or claim compatibility with anything. So you can't say your game is a d20 System game or uses D&D rules or call it ñElminster's Undermountain Crawl.î Q: What is different if I use the d20 System License? A: In addition to following all the rules of the OGL for any Open Content you use, the d20 System Guide doesn't let you describe the process for creating a character, describe the process for applying experience to a character, and cannot be an interactive game. NOTE: Please pay attention to the section of the license that prohibits a Covered Product from being an interactive game. It is not enough to say your product isn't a game; the license gives a definition for what is considered to constitute an interactive game. "Interactive Game": means a piece of software that is designed to accept inputs from human players or their agents, and use rules to resolve the success or failure of those inputs, and return some indication of the results of those inputs to the users. This includes the obvious examples of attacking in combat, saving throws, and skill checks, but also includes dice rolling for character ability scores and hit points and rolling for damage. Why? Because in the d20 System a higher number is almost always better. Rolling an 18 for strength is obviously a preferable outcome to rolling a 3. In any circumstance where one outcome is quantifiably better than another is considered by Wizards to be an indication of success or failure; the software cannot perform these kinds of operations without breaching the license.

So...can or can't I make a game with the D&D rules? I just want to make a text rpg and need a quick rules set.

The short answer is "no".

The long answer is, it depends on what you plan on doing with it. If it's just a text/chat based D&D campaign with you and a few of your buddies, that use is entirely within the parameters of the license. If you actually plan on publishing your game (i.e., making it publicly available), then the answer is typically no. If you're actually planning on designing and programming a text based RPG, you're better off coming up with your own rule set. Borrowing someone else's is typically legally problematic.

I say no because there are some pretty strict restriction with interactive products. OGL seems like it's open source, but the site you linked pertains to the d20 system and not specifically D&D. I'm pretty sure the D&D rulebook is locked down as far as copyright restrictions on rule usage without a license, but I could be wrong. As far as those uses go for creating your game, it could be problematic. Pay attention to what, precisely, the OGL applies to, and where the restrictions to interactivity apply.

[Edited by - madelelaw on April 11, 2008 1:02:14 AM]

AHH, I believe I can as long as I don't use the System License as opposed to the OGL. Also, as long as a include OGL disclaimer.

ohhhh....ok. Thanks for the info.

I'd steer clear of this with a ten foot pole. Creating interactive software with the d20 ruleset is prohibited, let along the D&D rules. Companies have to pay big money to use the ruleset. There are plenty of open source gaming rulesets out there, so just use of those if you don't feel like coming up with your own.

I have to chime in, too.


As always, it is better to create your own stuff. Using other people's stuff requires legal agreements, licenses, assignment of rights, paper trails, lawyer time, and so on. Choosing to re-use content is okay, just be aware there are many legal issues involved, and make sure you have a lawyer work through those issues with you during the entire game making process.



Use of Open Game License content: Probably okay, but risky. Follow their rules VERY carefully. If you can't follow the license, you should completely avoid their content.

Use of the d20 system in your computer game: No. Bad. WotC will send an army of 10d6 attack lawyers (with +3d6 vs non-lawyers) to your house, plus some gelatenous cubes to clean up after the job. Don't do it.


If you have specific questions, search on their message boards. If they don't have an answer, try posting there.

Quote: Original post by frob

Use of the d20 system in your computer game: No. Bad. WotC will send an army of 10d6 attack lawyers (with +3d6 vs non-lawyers) to your house, plus some gelatenous cubes to clean up after the job. Don't do it.

Hm... Puts all new meaning to the term "Rules Lawyer".

I wonder if I can get my DM to let me employ this system.

Quote: Original post by madelelaw
Hm... Puts all new meaning to the term "Rules Lawyer".

I wonder if I can get my DM to let me employ this system.

I think you need to try playing Munchkin sometime.

Quote: Original post by zer0wolf

Quote: Original post by madelelaw
Hm... Puts all new meaning to the term "Rules Lawyer".

I wonder if I can get my DM to let me employ this system.

I think you need to try playing Munchkin sometime.

One of the characters in our weekly game is named Munchkin Maude.

Now I know why.