GameSpy: Will the digital game table be able to adjudicate rules, similar to what's in Magic Online? Will it keep track of in-game information, like ongoing spell effects?
Collins: There's going to be some tools like that, that will help the DM track things, but there are a couple of reasons behind us not turning it into an automated system. The first is that we don't have a right to do so. Digital game rights to Dungeons & Dragons aren't owned by Wizards of the Coast. That property is licensed out, and has been for a number of years now. We can't compete with our licensors; it's not fair, and it's not really nice, either, nor is it legal.
So this is the reason for all the hush-hush and the "Interactive game" clause in the GSL and probably the OGL/STL as well?
One of them.
How could this happen and why didn't someone say it before now in regards to the GSL aside from DDI itself?
The electronic gaming rights for AD&D were sold to Interplay, then Hasbro Interactive, and then Atari, all well before the DDI was considered. The internet was a much different beastie, then, so I imagine that the current state of affairs was not on their radar.
Could this also affect the fansite license?
Yes, due to the vaguery of the term "Interactive Game".
http://www.gamespy.com/articles/885/885692p4.html
EGADS!
So this is the reason for all the hush-hush and the "Interactive game" clause in the GSL and probably the OGL/STL as well?
How could this happen and why didn't someone say it before now in regards to the GSL aside from DDI itself?
Could this also affect the fansite license?
I, personally, thought this (Wizards not owning the "video game" rights of D&D)was common knowledge. I know for a fact I've seen it noted here a number of times.
But I thought Hasbro Interactive got back and KEPT the video game rights for a song and dance prior to Atari being absorbed by the company that tore it a new one...
So I did know they had licensed the rights, but thought they had returned as well to HI...meaning Wotc could more than likely use them and make digital products.
It seems odd that WotC can even include a Character Builder in the form of character sheet creator then if they don't have the rights....
But that is an aside to the GSL and the effects WotC not being in control of the Digital Rights had on it.
But I thought Hasbro Interactive got back and KEPT the video game rights for a song and dance prior to Atari being absorbed by the company that tore it a new one...
Hasbro Interactive folded after too many acquisitions that didn't pan out. Atari was licensed video game rights to MOST of HI's properties. Atari, for its part, ran its affairs just like most gaming companies - right into the ground. It's still limping by, though, and retains rights until they finally close their doors, or until Hasbro (parent) decides to try something else.
It seems odd that WotC can even include a Character Builder in the form of character sheet creator then if they don't have the rights....
The character is not an 'interactive entertainment product', but a 'software tool' for use with the PNP game. It's a subtle disctintion for most of us, but , remember, we're pleasing lawyers here. The more important-sounding it is, the more they're happy.
The character is not an 'interactive entertainment product', but a 'software tool' for use with the PNP game. It's a subtle disctintion for most of us, but , remember, we're pleasing lawyers here. The more important-sounding it is, the more they're happy.
AHA! Then they CAN allow fans made character generators if they want to!!!!!!!!!!!
DO IT!Allow fansites to make fan-based char gens, or even standalone apps like the one in GD forum!!!!
D.O.I.T.W.o.t.C
please?
Someone decided that WotC should make a game that focuses on online play even though WotC cannot make the software to fully support that type of play.
"Inconceivable!"
AHA! Then they CAN allow fans made character generators if they want to!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually, I can easily see why WotC would NOT do this. That's their mainstay of DDI/Gleemax.
So . . .
Someone decided that WotC should make a game that focuses on online play even though WotC cannot make the software to fully support that type of play.
"Inconceivable!"
Jou keep using that word. I do not thenk...Oh wait. It does mean what you think it means...