Game System License
Encyclopedia
The 4th edition Game System License was released to the public on June 17, 2008. This license is similar to, but more restrictive than, the Open Game License (OGL) that was created for 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons
. The license allows third-party publishers to create products using the intellectual property
of Dungeons and Dragons.
This license differs from the previous OGL in several ways. People wishing to use this license are allowed and granted a logo that must be placed onto their products to state that they are compatible with Dungeon & Dragons 4th Edition. The license also can be updated by Wizards of the Coast and updates affect all licensees; in case of litigation the licensees must pay the legal costs of Wizards of the Coast.
Prior to Gen Con
2008, it was announced that the GSL is undergoing a revision. Shortly after the end of the convention a number of Wizards of the Coast's jobs were eliminated including the Licensing Manager position that was held by Linae Foster. The former D&D Brand Manager, Scott Rouse, was in charge of the revisions to the GSL; until his leaving WotC on Oct 12, 2009.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
. The license allows third-party publishers to create products using the intellectual property
Intellectual property
Intellectual property is a term referring to a number of distinct types of creations of the mind for which a set of exclusive rights are recognized—and the corresponding fields of law...
of Dungeons and Dragons.
This license differs from the previous OGL in several ways. People wishing to use this license are allowed and granted a logo that must be placed onto their products to state that they are compatible with Dungeon & Dragons 4th Edition. The license also can be updated by Wizards of the Coast and updates affect all licensees; in case of litigation the licensees must pay the legal costs of Wizards of the Coast.
Prior to Gen Con
Gen Con
Gen Con is one of the largest and most prominent annual gaming conventions in North America. It features traditional pen-and-paper, board, and card-style games, including role-playing games, miniatures wargames, board games, live action role-playing games, collectible card games, non-collectible...
2008, it was announced that the GSL is undergoing a revision. Shortly after the end of the convention a number of Wizards of the Coast's jobs were eliminated including the Licensing Manager position that was held by Linae Foster. The former D&D Brand Manager, Scott Rouse, was in charge of the revisions to the GSL; until his leaving WotC on Oct 12, 2009.