Recent leaked changes to the D&D OGL have rocked the RPG world. Like many, I have no idea what to think about these changes to the Open Game License and what they will mean for Dungeons and Dragons, and WotC.
However, I do know that the potential to disrupt RPG creators and third-party book publishers is huge. The only book I’ve released under the OGL is Realms of Understreet.
I’ve gathered a list of articles and videos concerning the OGL controversy as a quick guide to what is happening. They range from informative to hilarious to angst-ridden rants. As new information arises I will try to update this page.
Official Update from Wizards of the Coast as of 1-13-2023: An Update on the Open Game License (OGL)
1-14-2023 – Cancelled D&D Beyond Subscriptions Forced Hasbro’s Hand
1-18-2023 – Official Apology – A Working Conversation About the Open Game License (OGL)
1-19-2023 – WotC Update – Starting the OGL ‘Playtest’
The OGL sage has made the Washington Post
1-27-2023 – WotC Saves vs. Community Backlash
Dungeons and Dragons SRD 5.1 released into the Creative Commons.
Legal Mumbo Jumbo, but Cool
A YouTuber lawyer breaks down the OGL in legal terms while being fascinatingly entertaining.
Key Articles on the D&D OGL Controversy
- D&D will change to defend itself against crypto and other forms of exploitation
- D&D’s Community is Up in Arms Over a Controversial Change
- Dungeons & Dragons Community Holds Breath as Wizards of the Coast Prepares New OGL
- What D&D’s New OGL Rules Mean For You
- Dungeons and Dragons: Leaked OGL Reveals Plans for Homebrew in One D&D
- Wizards of the Coast OGL Change Draws Ire From Creators and Fans, Kobold Press Developing New Ruleset
- Dungeons & Dragons’ New License Tightens Its Grip on Competition
- D&D’s licensing controversy, explained – here’s why you should care
- What’s Happening With The Dungeons & Dragons Open Gaming License?
- What is D&D OGL 1.1? WoTC Open Game License leak explained
- Beware the Gifts of Dragons: How D&D’s Open Gaming License May Have Become a Trap for Creators
Videos Explaining the OGL Commenting on Changes
- The OGL Explained
- WOTC’s Scheme to Destroy the D&D OGL
- Does OGL 1.1 Have Critical Role LEAVING D&D?! (AKA Everybody Hates Hasbro)
- Thank You. I Will Now Destroy My Own Channel (Ep 300)
- WOTC trying to REVOKE THE OGL for D&D (Lawyer-gamer shares leaked language and comments on it)
- Greed, Lies, and Massive D&D Drama
- Matt Mercer Must Pay! (Ep. 299)
- How the D&D OGL Affects Pathfinder 2e
- You don’t need the OGL to publish DnD books (and you never did)
- Expert Contract Lawyer Explains WotC’s New OGL 1.1 and What It Means | Roll For Combat
- OGL 1.1 is a disaster… But we aren’t helpless
- Delusional Company Wages War Against Its Fans
- Why D&D’s OGL Changes are Causing a Major Uproar Among Fans and Creators Alike – IGN Daily Fix
WotC Responses
- D&D maker backs off new licensing rules that led to fan revolt
- Wizards of the Coast Walks Back Leaked OGL 2.0 Draft
- ‘We rolled a 1’: D&D publisher addresses backlash over controversial license
- Wizards Of The Coast Admits Missteps In New OGL, Is Making Major Changes
- Wizards of the Coast Cancels OGL Announcement After Online Ire
Even More Articles – 1-18-2023
- Game makers stage mass exodus from Dungeons & Dragons’ “open” license
- Hasbro delays update to Dungeons and Dragons open game license as fan base revolts
- The D&D World Is On Fire Right Now, And Wizards Of The Coast Can Only Blame Itself
- Game Makers Flee Dungeons & Dragons Amid Growing Licensing Concerns, Wizards of the Coast Responds
Additional Resources
I have collected a huge selection of SRDs. These System Rules Documents play an important role in the OGL and other content licenses. Here’s a general overview of the OGL and another on how to use it.