We’re all sad with WotC and its method to the present licensing state of affairs, and we’re all involved in regards to the destiny of the third-party D&D publishing trade which helps a whole lot, if not 1000’s, of creators and small publishers. I am frightened, and afraid for the destiny of my little firm and people who depend on me to pay their lease, payments, and mortgages.
But it surely’s necessary to remain factual.
Ray Winninger, who ran D&D till late 2022, stated “I left after the primary OneD&D suggestions was arriving. I do know for sure UA suggestions continues to be learn.”
He went on to say “That is merely false. Earlier than I left WotC, I personally learn UA suggestions. So did a number of others. Many, many adjustments had been made primarily based on UA suggestions, each quantitative and written. Your entire OneD&D design schedule was constructed round how and after we might acquire suggestions.”
Winninger beforehand spoke out in assist of the OGL motion, after WotC introduced their plans in December.
One other WotC worker tweeted, too — “I learn practically half 1,000,000 UA feedback my first 12 months engaged on D&D. I used to be not the one one studying them. I perceive the will to share info as you get it, however this simply appears like muckraking.”
It is necessary to remain on the suitable facet of this OGL concern — and make no mistake, any try to de-authorise the OGL is ethically and legally incorrect — however simply making stuff up would not assist anyone.
Benn Riggs, creator of Slaying the Dragon: A Secret Historical past of Dungeons & Dragons, chimed in along with his personal suspicions.
Right here is why I’m rising an increasing number of suspicious of @DnD_Shorts and their purported supply in WoTC. Let’s name that supply “The Rogue.”
1) Getting a supply on the file takes time. DnD Shorts is getting commentary extremely shortly. WoTC’s assertion got here out this morning, and by this afternoon, we all know “The Rogue’s” ideas. The assertion talks a couple of survey? “The Rogue” tells us nobody will learn what we write to the corporate.
Then there’s the logistics. Is “The Rogue” contacting DnD Shorts from WoTC HQ? Doing it from the lavatory? On their lunch break? All whereas understanding they’d be fired if discovered? They do not at the least wait to contact DnD Shorts from dwelling?
2) The information offered by “The Rogue” is just too good. They’ve talked about the place they work within the firm, and immediately quoted highly effective individuals throughout the firm. All that signifies that inside WoTC, monitoring down “The Rogue” and firing them ought to take about two hours. Frankly, if “The Rogue” exists, one of the best proof of will probably be when they’re fired.
I am upset in regards to the OGL too, and it is easy to solid doubt on nameless sources. Folks have completed it to me. So I’ll say upfront I could possibly be completely incorrect about this and if DnD Shorts reads this and curses me for a bastard as a result of they’re sincere & good & true and I’m besmirching them, effectively I am sorry.
However one thing right here simply feels incorrect, and I can’t maintain my peace.
And naturally, all this fracturing of the ‘resistance’ solely weakens the place of those that are working in opposition to the de-authorization of the OGL. The extra click-bait nonsense on the market, the much less significantly anyone takes the true points which have an effect on actual individuals.