No, the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 2024 core rulebooks will not be under the Open Game License (OGL). Instead, they are set to be released under a Creative Commons license.
Understanding D&D's Licensing Shift
The upcoming revised D&D core rulebooks, often referred to by fans as "D&D 5.2," will mark a significant change in how the game's foundational content is licensed. This includes the Player's Handbook (PHB), Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG), and Monster Manual (MM), which are expected to see revised releases later in 2024 and into 2025.
Historically, much of D&D's third-party content creation has been governed by the Open Game License (OGL), specifically OGL 1.0a. However, following discussions and community feedback, Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of D&D, has opted for a different approach for these new core publications.
What Does Creative Commons Mean for D&D 2024?
The move to Creative Commons (CC) for the 2024 D&D core rulebooks signifies a shift towards a more open and widely recognized licensing framework for creative works. Unlike the OGL, which is specific to tabletop role-playing games, Creative Commons licenses are global, standardized, and used across various forms of media, from art and music to educational materials and academic research.
For the 2024 core rulebooks, this means that the core rules and certain content will be made available under a Creative Commons license, making it easier for creators to understand and use D&D's foundational elements in their own works. This approach aims to foster a more accessible and inclusive ecosystem for third-party content creation.
Key aspects of Creative Commons licenses include:
- Standardized Terms: CC licenses provide clear, legally defined terms for how a work can be used, shared, and adapted.
- Global Recognition: They are internationally recognized, simplifying cross-border collaboration and distribution.
- Flexibility: Different CC licenses offer varying degrees of permission, from allowing any use with attribution to restricting commercial use or requiring share-alike provisions. The specific CC license chosen for D&D will define the exact permissions.
The transition to Creative Commons for the forthcoming core rulebooks addresses community desires for more clarity and openness regarding D&D's intellectual property.
Licensing Overview
To clarify the distinction for the upcoming releases:
| Rulebook Edition/Release | Primary Licensing Model | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 Revised Core Rulebooks (D&D 5.2) | Creative Commons (CC) | Core content will be released under a specific Creative Commons license, promoting broader accessibility and use. |
| Older D&D 5th Edition (pre-2024) | Open Game License (OGL) 1.0a | Much of the content from the original 5th Edition relied on OGL 1.0a for third-party development. |
This change underscores a commitment to fostering a vibrant third-party content landscape while moving away from the complexities associated with the OGL. For more details on Creative Commons licenses, you can visit the official Creative Commons website.
