This is my first real posting on this forum, so I�ll introduce myself. My name is Alex Macris, I run an online game start-up. And I AM a lawyer, or will be just as soon as I get my bar exam results (fingers crossed!). I�m also a longtime gamer, since 1982 or so. I just got involved in the open gaming movement so if what I say below is misinformed or wrong, I hope that someone will correct me. This will be a fairly long post, my apologies in advance.
Anyway, I just finished closely scrutinizing the D20STL and must express a lot of disappointment. I�ll start with clause 3.1.3 of the D20STL, which restricts us from changing core terms of the D20 system if we want to call it the D20 system. This is fine. Its clear that D20 has to be relatively stable. For example, I should not be able to change the system to a percentile-based skill system without classes, and say its �D20� system.
WOTC needs the system to be stable so that it can sell products built around the system. This should be at the core of their revenue model: Give away the razor (D20) sell the blades (supplements/modules). Everyone with experience in the game industry knows that supplements drive revenues, and so an open source model makes sense for WOTC. If everyone plays D20, demand for supplements that use D20 goes up.
It also makes sense for us, game designers and gamers. We would benefit from a universal standard for rpgs, we benefit from interoperability. The benefits are all the greater if the system is commodified; universally available, widely understood. Ideally, it should be given out for free.
But now take a look at 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, both of which are clearly meant to prevent �D20� compatible products from getting in the way of sales of the core D&D rules.
But why on earth is WOTC to try to sell the system?! Why, in fact, is the first D20 product from WOTC the D&D3E rules? Why is WOTC trying to extract profits from the sale of the very system which it claims is to be an open source universal standard for gaming?
The fact that D&D3E is a product makes me think that the actual D20SRD, to be released under the OGL, is going to be a much smaller product than I previously imagined--one that does not include the spell lists, magic items, monstrous bestiaries, and other familiar data from D&D. But if that�s the case, what is WOTC offering? The right to use D20s, and attributes from 3 to 18 with modifiers for high scores? Classes and levels? Hell, Palladium Games stole those ideas years ago without feeling the need for any �license!�
No, the only true advantage to a game designer is if he can fully exploit the concepts of D&D in his own work. He needs to be able to use vorpal blades, green slimes, and Tenser�s Floating Disc.
What WOTC should have done--the �correct� open gaming approach--would have been to release all of 3rd edition D&D as open source. Don�t even try to make the core rules a product. Instead, immediately come out with �GREYHAWK 3E� or �RAVENLOFT 3E� (whatever) with great art, maps, storylines, modules, gods, etc. WOTC�s real strength lies in its branded product lines and enormous font of world source material, not in the concepts of �rolling 3d6 to generate attributes� or �earning xp to get levels.�
This strategy would have been better for us, and better for WOTC. But that didn�t happen. So where does that leave us, the Open Gaming community?
Well, I have more thoughts but I�ve ranted long enough so I�ll just shut up and see what everyone else thinks. Maybe I�m missing something important that will clear up this madness.
Best regards,
Alex Macris
Alexander P. Macris
WarCry Corp. -- Chief Executive Officer
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Tele: 617.354.7843
Cell: 617.515.6934
Fax: 253.423.6181
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