Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, will not be moving ahead with proposed changes to a game license that would have limited derivative NFT projects. The firm had drawn backlash when it had tried to modify a legal framework allowing anyone to produce D&D-compatible content for over two decades.
But now, Wizards of the Coast has reversed some changes to its Open Game License, including the requirement that content creators pay royalties. It stands that D&D content, such as game mechanics could not be used in conjunction with third-party NFTs. Moreover, Wizards of the Coast identified Web3 developers as a significant factor in its desire to modify its longstanding deal with fans and creators.
The publisher in a blog post said it wanted to address those attempting to use D&D in Web3, blockchain games, and NFTs. It will publish D&D content, included in its System Reference Document under an open and irrevocable Creative Commons license.
Furthermore, it should be noted that fans had voted against the upcoming license update by a large majority – around 86% were not happy with the draft policy as derivative NFTs from third-party creators were not allowed. As such, the Wizards of the Coast wanted to limit the OGL and tap into the fans’ choices to define the future of play.
