GSL Confusion - Computer Product - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

GSL Confusion - Computer Product

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Jharii
Jul 27, 2008 8:48:26 There are so many thoughts, concepts, and interpretations of the GSL that I simply felt I needed to post the question rather than trying to decipher everything.

I have currently began development of a hybrid computer board game/role playing game with the intent of using 4E rules as its ruleset. You can find the preliminary concepts at http://www.codedependant.com/sunderedlands.htm.

With all this talk of "interactive product" and character generators, I have a feeling that I am walking a thin line.

As a potentially related FYI, the plan is to offer the "core" game free of charge then offering expansion packs at a minimal cost. For instance, map expansions, paragon and epic class packages, and/or minimal monthly charge for "persistent," ranked characters and tournaments.

Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated.
#2
guivre
Jul 27, 2008 12:40:14
There are so many thoughts, concepts, and interpretations of the GSL that I simply felt I needed to post the question rather than trying to decipher everything.

I have currently began development of a hybrid computer board game/role playing game with the intent of using 4E rules as its ruleset. You can find the preliminary concepts at http://www.codedependant.com/sunderedlands.htm.

With all this talk of "interactive product" and character generators, I have a feeling that I am walking a thin line.

As a potentially related FYI, the plan is to offer the "core" game free of charge then offering expansion packs at a minimal cost. For instance, map expansions, paragon and epic class packages, and/or minimal monthly charge for "persistent," ranked characters and tournaments.

Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated.

You're not going to be able to license your game with the GSL.

The good news is you can ignore the GSL completely.

The bad news is you're going to want to consult a lawyer to see what is legal for you to do.
#3
deadkoo
Jul 27, 2008 16:23:02 Well, yea consult a lawyer, But based on my understanding of the GSL, and the explanations I have read, you can "use" the 4e rules, you just can't say that the game is based on 4e DnD rules. IE no one can copyright a word or expression, so you saying "lvl 6 fighter with XXX ability" is NOT an infringment of any copyright or anything similar, sense that is just a set of words. If you say on the main page that the game is "utilizing 4e DnD ruleset that WoTC provides" then you are boned.
#4
steerpike7
Jul 27, 2008 17:01:56
Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated.

I think you are going to run into trouble under GSL, and once you agree to GSL you are liable to be sued for breach if you don't follow it.

As noted above, there is going to be a certain amount of room to operate outside of GSL. What you really need to do is consult with an Intellectual Property attorney on your project.
#5
rorlins
Jul 28, 2008 10:45:04
Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Why hang yourself with that noose?

Seriously the "daily/encounter/at will" powers are stock and trade of most CRPG's anyways. Most of them will have to be balanced around the game as a computer game with AI rather than as a table top RPG.

I'd use it as inspiration, and include what you can code in your own style rather than trying to implement every element of 4th ed. You'll probably have more fun in the longrun and can have people review it with "plays a lot like 4th ed dnd but better".

Rorlins

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Jharii Jul 27, 2008 8:48:26	There are so many thoughts, concepts, and interpretations of the GSL that I simply felt I needed to post the question rather than trying to decipher everything. I have currently began development of a hybrid computer board game/role playing game with the intent of using 4E rules as its ruleset. You can find the preliminary concepts at http://www.codedependant.com/sunderedlands.htm. With all this talk of "interactive product" and character generators, I have a feeling that I am walking a thin line. As a potentially related FYI, the plan is to offer the "core" game free of charge then offering expansion packs at a minimal cost. For instance, map expansions, paragon and epic class packages, and/or minimal monthly charge for "persistent," ranked characters and tournaments. Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated.
#2 guivre Jul 27, 2008 12:40:14	There are so many thoughts, concepts, and interpretations of the GSL that I simply felt I needed to post the question rather than trying to decipher everything. I have currently began development of a hybrid computer board game/role playing game with the intent of using 4E rules as its ruleset. You can find the preliminary concepts at http://www.codedependant.com/sunderedlands.htm. With all this talk of "interactive product" and character generators, I have a feeling that I am walking a thin line. As a potentially related FYI, the plan is to offer the "core" game free of charge then offering expansion packs at a minimal cost. For instance, map expansions, paragon and epic class packages, and/or minimal monthly charge for "persistent," ranked characters and tournaments. Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated. You're not going to be able to license your game with the GSL. The good news is you can ignore the GSL completely. The bad news is you're going to want to consult a lawyer to see what is legal for you to do.
#3 deadkoo Jul 27, 2008 16:23:02	Well, yea consult a lawyer, But based on my understanding of the GSL, and the explanations I have read, you can "use" the 4e rules, you just can't say that the game is based on 4e DnD rules. IE no one can copyright a word or expression, so you saying "lvl 6 fighter with XXX ability" is NOT an infringment of any copyright or anything similar, sense that is just a set of words. If you say on the main page that the game is "utilizing 4e DnD ruleset that WoTC provides" then you are boned.
#4 steerpike7 Jul 27, 2008 17:01:56	Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated. I think you are going to run into trouble under GSL, and once you agree to GSL you are liable to be sued for breach if you don't follow it. As noted above, there is going to be a certain amount of room to operate outside of GSL. What you really need to do is consult with an Intellectual Property attorney on your project.
#5 rorlins Jul 28, 2008 10:45:04	Should I drop the inclusion of 4E rules, simply drop the reference to 4E rules, or something else altogether. Your thoughts are appreciated. Why hang yourself with that noose? Seriously the "daily/encounter/at will" powers are stock and trade of most CRPG's anyways. Most of them will have to be balanced around the game as a computer game with AI rather than as a table top RPG. I'd use it as inspiration, and include what you can code in your own style rather than trying to implement every element of 4th ed. You'll probably have more fun in the longrun and can have people review it with "plays a lot like 4th ed dnd but better". Rorlins