3 ms·
Regarding the ability to copyright the "method of playing" or "rules" of a game: https://www.rpglibrary.org/articles/faqs/fl108.pdf https://www.rpglibrary.org/
by cbrozefsky 4y ago
Regarding the ability to copyright the "method of playing" or "rules" of a game:
https://www.rpglibrary.org/articles/faqs/fl108.pdf https://www.rpglibrary.org/articles/faqs/fl108.pdf
The US Copyright Office says it can apply to text or description, but not to the rules.
WoTC did have a patent issues for MtG, but I dont think that's going to work for D20 rules. Perhaps they will attempt to patent the OneD&D release?
Either way, it's quite clear that corporations will attempt to colonize and control our culture, and lie and scheme their way to expand their profit extraction.
- krainboltgreene 4y agoThe wealth of written content is exactly what's valuable about D&D. The rules aren't interesting nor innovative. There is a Wizard Spell that does 1d4 damage at spell slot 1. It is called Magic Missile. There is a block of text that describes the Magic Missile. If you want D&D you can't just clone the mechanic of spells, you also have to write a massive amount of copywritten content.
- cbrozefsky 4y agoI don't think "cloning D&D" is what any of these third parties are doing. It's producing add-ons, source books, or videos of them playing. That is, original content that is compatible with, and tuned for the rule system.
- krainboltgreene 4y agoFine any other synonym for "clone" if that's your issue. It's the idea that many many of these products are dressing on top of the SRD.
- sleepybrett 4y agoSome are to an extent. There are several modern adaptations of the old 'Moldvay' Basic/Expert Dungeon and Dragons rules (The old red and blue books/boxes). Basically getting them down in a better way on paper, smoothing some rough edges out.