Pathfinder publisher Paizo to introduce new system-neutral open RPG license
Paizo, the publisher behind the Pathfinder and Starfinder tabletop RPG series, intends to roll out a new system-neutral open RPG license to facilitate open gaming.
The move comes after Dungeons & Dragons maker Wizards of the Coast irked fans over reports it planned on changing its Open Gaming License (OGL) to impose new restrictions on the creation and monetization of third-party D&D content (thanks, io9) .
In response to those rumblings, Paizo has pledged to "begin the next great chapter of open gaming" with its new license, and claims it already has support from other tabletop game publishers such as Kobold Press, Green Ronin, Legendary Games, Rogue Genius Games, and Chaosium.
Although Paizo is largely involved in the world of tabletop games, the company's Pathfinder series has successfully crossed the video game divide with the launch of RPGs such as Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and Pathfinder: Adventures.
Paizo claims the new Open RPG Creative License (ORC) will be "open, perpetual, and irrevocable," and will be built system agnostic for independent game developers under the legal guidance of Azora Law, an intellectual property law firm that represents Paizo and several other game publishers.
"We believe, as we always have, that open gaming makes games better, improves profitability for all involved, and enriches the community of gamers who participate in this amazing hobby. And so we invite gamers from around the world to join us as we begin the next great chapter of open gaming with the release of a new open, perpetual, and irrevocable Open RPG Creative License," wrote the company in its blog.
"The ORC will not be owned by Paizo, nor will it be owned by any company who makes money
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