RPGnet - User contributions [en]

Open Game Systems

2023-11-28T21:12:40Z

El Drago: /* Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike */ Dear admins, the copyright status of Uncharted Worlds can be checked through the previews available on DriveThruRPG. Hope this helps.

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 Trademark License, designed for use with D&D 3e SRD, has been revoked, but D&D 3e SRD was not. Although it can still be used, many companies and the community at large has given preference to Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with most of previous d20 material, and still receives updates and support from the publisher. While the D&D 3e SRD is no longer supported or updated, because Wizards of the Coast has focused efforts on the D&D 5e SRD.

Since "perpetual" (no specified end) does not mean "irrevocable" (can not be cut short), the [http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html OGL] can be revoked at any time. This creates a debate over whether or not an "OGL" game is truly open.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140817225008/http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)
* [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/364050/Ebon-Fantasy-Essence/ Ebon Fantasy Essence] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [http://freeformuniversal.com Freeform Universal 1e] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* Various games from [https://nickwedig.libraryofhighmoon.com/ Teapot Dome Games] by Nick Wedig, including:
** [https://nickwedig.libraryofhighmoon.com/2010/12/longshot/ Longshot], a Space Western
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://td10.org/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://bladesinthedark.com/node/33 Forged in the Dark] (Attribution 3.0 Unported)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013075848/http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/364050/Ebon-Fantasy-Essence/ Ebon Fantasy Essence] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [https://uncharted-worlds.com/ Uncharted Worlds], though the books aren't published for free online. (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20070111023938/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded archive]) (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [https://www.dungeonslayers.net Dungeonslayers] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [https://www.dungeonslayers.net Dungeonslayers] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [https://www.f-space.de/ds4/downloads.html Dungeonslayers-Downloads (EN/DE/ES/FR] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [https://bindrpg.itch.io/ BIND] (GNU General Public License v3). Precompiled documents for:
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/core/-/blob/master/README.md The Core Rulebook]
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/aif/-/blob/master/README.md Adventures in Fenestra] (the main campaign setting)
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/oneshot/-/blob/master/README.md Escape from the Horde] (a one-shot RPG in the above campaign setting)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120105140423/http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf archive])
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [https://basicroleplaying.org/forum/23-fire-and-sword/ Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.
* [https://brp.chaosium.com/] (BRP Open-Gaming License)
* [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13Zc5M0N_B6fVhT9nHwwChg_FEF-SY-Xp] (Modiphius 2d20)
* [https://bladesinthedark.com/licensing] (Forged in the Dark)

=== FUDGE License ===
The FUDGE license is a short copyleft non-commercial (except for when bundled with a larger periodical) license used by FUDGE before April 6, 2005, when it was changed to use the Open Game License.

* [https://www.faterpg.com/resources/#:~:text=has%20much%20more.-,Fate%201.0%20Downloads,-(Oldest%20Edition) FATE 1e]
* [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/FATE2fe.pdf FATE 2e] - also the [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/twists.pdf twists] and [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/pyramidreloaded.pdf Pyramid Reloded] expansions are dual-licensed under the FATE license and the OGL (there's also a FATE 2e SRD licensed under OGL, see its section).

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html Darkshire].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=Main_Page RPG Library Wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2023-11-25T17:56:19Z

El Drago: /* Creative Commons Attribution */

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 Trademark License, designed for use with D&D 3e SRD, has been revoked, but D&D 3e SRD was not. Although it can still be used, many companies and the community at large has given preference to Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with most of previous d20 material, and still receives updates and support from the publisher. While the D&D 3e SRD is no longer supported or updated, because Wizards of the Coast has focused efforts on the D&D 5e SRD.

Since "perpetual" (no specified end) does not mean "irrevocable" (can not be cut short), the [http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html OGL] can be revoked at any time. This creates a debate over whether or not an "OGL" game is truly open.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140817225008/http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)
* [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/364050/Ebon-Fantasy-Essence/ Ebon Fantasy Essence] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [http://freeformuniversal.com Freeform Universal 1e] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* Various games from [https://nickwedig.libraryofhighmoon.com/ Teapot Dome Games] by Nick Wedig, including:
** [https://nickwedig.libraryofhighmoon.com/2010/12/longshot/ Longshot], a Space Western
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://td10.org/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://bladesinthedark.com/node/33 Forged in the Dark] (Attribution 3.0 Unported)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013075848/http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20070111023938/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded archive]) (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/364050/Ebon-Fantasy-Essence/ Ebon Fantasy Essence] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [https://www.dungeonslayers.net Dungeonslayers] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [https://www.dungeonslayers.net Dungeonslayers] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [https://www.f-space.de/ds4/downloads.html Dungeonslayers-Downloads (EN/DE/ES/FR] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [https://bindrpg.itch.io/ BIND] (GNU General Public License v3). Precompiled documents for:
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/core/-/blob/master/README.md The Core Rulebook]
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/aif/-/blob/master/README.md Adventures in Fenestra] (the main campaign setting)
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/oneshot/-/blob/master/README.md Escape from the Horde] (a one-shot RPG in the above campaign setting)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120105140423/http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf archive])
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [https://basicroleplaying.org/forum/23-fire-and-sword/ Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.
* [https://brp.chaosium.com/] (BRP Open-Gaming License)
* [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13Zc5M0N_B6fVhT9nHwwChg_FEF-SY-Xp] (Modiphius 2d20)
* [https://bladesinthedark.com/licensing] (Forged in the Dark)

=== FUDGE License ===
The FUDGE license is a short copyleft non-commercial (except for when bundled with a larger periodical) license used by FUDGE before April 6, 2005, when it was changed to use the Open Game License.

* [https://www.faterpg.com/resources/#:~:text=has%20much%20more.-,Fate%201.0%20Downloads,-(Oldest%20Edition) FATE 1e]
* [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/FATE2fe.pdf FATE 2e] - also the [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/twists.pdf twists] and [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/pyramidreloaded.pdf Pyramid Reloded] expansions are dual-licensed under the FATE license and the OGL (there's also a FATE 2e SRD licensed under OGL, see its section).

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html Darkshire].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=Main_Page RPG Library Wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2022-06-03T18:03:32Z

El Drago: /* Other licenses */ FATE 1e and 2e

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 Trademark License, designed for use with D&D 3e SRD, has been revoked, but D&D 3e SRD was not, because it's irrevocable ([http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html OGL], item 4, "perpetual"). Although it can still be used, many companies and the community at large has given preference to Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with most of previous d20 material, and still receives updates and support from the publisher. While the D&D 3e SRD is no longer supported or updated, because Wizards of the Coast has focused efforts on the D&D 5e SRD.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140817225008/http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013075848/http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20070111023938/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded archive]) (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)
* [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg BIND Is Not D&D] (GNU General Public License v3). Precompiled documents for:
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/core/-/releases The Core Rulebook]
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/aif/-/releases Adventures in Fenestra] (the main campaign setting)
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/oneshot/-/releases Escape from the Horde] (a one-shot RPG in the above campaign setting)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120105140423/http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf archive])
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [https://basicroleplaying.org/forum/23-fire-and-sword/ Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

=== FUDGE License ===
The FUDGE license is a short copyleft non-commercial (except for when bundled with a larger periodical) license used by FUDGE before April 6, 2005, when it was changed to use the Open Game License.

* [https://www.faterpg.com/resources/#:~:text=has%20much%20more.-,Fate%201.0%20Downloads,-(Oldest%20Edition) FATE 1e]
* [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/FATE2fe.pdf FATE 2e] - also the [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/twists.pdf twists] and [https://www.faterpg.com/dl/pyramidreloaded.pdf Pyramid Reloded] expansions are dual-licensed under the FATE license and the OGL (there's also a FATE 2e SRD licensed under OGL, see its section).

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html Darkshire].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=Main_Page RPG Library Wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2022-05-27T16:22:44Z

El Drago: /* GNU licenses */

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 Trademark License, designed for use with D&D 3e SRD, has been revoked, but D&D 3e SRD was not, because it's irrevocable ([http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html OGL], item 4, "perpetual"). Although it can still be used, many companies and the community at large has given preference to Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with most of previous d20 material, and still receives updates and support from the publisher. While the D&D 3e SRD is no longer supported or updated, because Wizards of the Coast has focused efforts on the D&D 5e SRD.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140817225008/http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013075848/http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20070111023938/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded archive]) (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)
* [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg BIND Is Not D&D] (GNU General Public License v3). Precompiled documents for:
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/core/-/releases The Core Rulebook]
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/aif/-/releases Adventures in Fenestra] (the main campaign setting)
** [https://gitlab.com/bindrpg/oneshot/-/releases Escape from the Horde] (a one-shot RPG in the above campaign setting)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120105140423/http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf archive])
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [https://basicroleplaying.org/forum/23-fire-and-sword/ Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html Darkshire].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=Main_Page RPG Library Wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2022-05-23T12:42:08Z

El Drago: Some of the websites are not dead yet, so no need to push people to Internet Archive

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 Trademark License, designed for use with D&D 3e SRD, has been revoked, but D&D 3e SRD was not, because it's irrevocable ([http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html OGL], item 4, "perpetual"). Although it can still be used, many companies and the community at large has given preference to Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with most of previous d20 material, and still receives updates and support from the publisher. While the D&D 3e SRD is no longer supported or updated, because Wizards of the Coast has focused efforts on the D&D 5e SRD.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140817225008/http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013075848/http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20070111023938/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded archive]) (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120105140423/http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf archive])
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [https://basicroleplaying.org/forum/23-fire-and-sword/ Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html Darkshire].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=Main_Page RPG Library Wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2022-05-22T09:26:38Z

El Drago: /* External links */ Various other lists

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 Trademark License, designed for use with D&D 3e SRD, has been revoked, but D&D 3e SRD was not, because it's irrevocable ([http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html OGL], item 4, "perpetual"). Although it can still be used, many companies and the community at large has given preference to Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with most of previous d20 material, and still receives updates and support from the publisher. While the D&D 3e SRD is no longer supported or updated, because Wizards of the Coast has focused efforts on the D&D 5e SRD.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140817225008/http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071013075848/http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070111023938/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20120105140423/http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF]
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [https://basicroleplaying.org/forum/23-fire-and-sword/ Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html Darkshire].
* List of open tabletop games at [https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=Main_Page RPG Library Wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2021-02-20T13:09:03Z

El Drago: /* 'Copyright Free' */

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF]
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)
* H.G. Well's early 'roleplaying game like' [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3690 Floor Games] and [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691 Little Wars] (published in the UK where they are public domain)
* [https://archive.org/details/enchanted-realms Enchanted Realms] "free for anyone to take an use as they wish"
* [https://archive.org/details/super-hero-fun Super Hero Fun] "no rights reserved"

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2021-02-03T10:45:21Z

El Drago: /* 'Copyright Free' */ Completed list of games that Gurbintroll has placed in the public domain.

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF]
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* Several games by Gurbintroll Games:
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/dark-dungeons/ Dark Dungeons and Dark Dungeons X] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - retroclone of the 'Rules Cyclopedia' 1991 edition of 'basic' Dungeons and Dragons)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/codename-spandex/ Codename: Spandex] (all text is public domain - retroclone)
** [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/immortals-companion/ Immortals Companion] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL - update of the Immortals Set for D&D 5e)

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2021-01-29T10:39:10Z

El Drago: Added game from list on Wikidot. Licence can be found on page 328 of the free download on DriveThruRPG linked from the site.

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF]
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games
* [https://gurbintrollgames.wordpress.com/blood-guts-glory/ Blood, Guts and Glory] (public domain except for some terms using the OGL)

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2020-08-12T19:28:47Z

El Drago: /* 'Copyright Free' */ Added link to a PDF for Redbox Hack

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
** [http://www.oldschoolhack.net/osh-docs/RBH2.pdf PDF]
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Talk:Open Game Systems

2020-08-12T18:59:01Z

El Drago: /* Dear Moderators */

I removed the following comment from the "Definition" paragraph and replaced it with a note about the fact that many licenses are not compatible:

"(''There are those who would quibble with the inclusion of Creative Commons here, largely due to issues of possible incompatibility with other free content licenses; this page is not concerned with those issues, but if you are combining content from many different open games, it is worth thinking about.'')"

I think that "quibbling" should better happen in the Discussion page then at the project page itself. ^_^
EDIT: Argh, not logged in, dammit.

--[[User:Lord Minx|Lord Minx]] 15:29, 19 October 2007 (PDT)

I suggest you guys look at [[http://www.homebrew.net/games/ this]] collection of freeware RPGs... they don't all have open lisenses but some do. Also, didn't I just read on the forums that d6 was being opened up? And what about Tri-Stat DX? --[[User:24.152.203.225|24.152.203.225]] 04:41, 17 December 2007 (PST)

[[http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/bykeyword/open-license.html here's]] another list of open systems.--[[User:24.152.203.225|24.152.203.225]] 05:51, 17 December 2007 (PST)

I've added a few that I know are still reasonably active. If 24.152.203.225 wants to check those liks still work and put more on this page, that would be great. [[User:78.52.194.113|78.52.194.113]] 11:31, 24 May 2008 (PDT)

Removed the broken link to Perfect20. [[User:78.52.194.113|78.52.194.113]] 11:36, 24 May 2008 (PDT)

== 4C System copyright ==

[[4C System]] has twice been removed because it is a 'copyright violation'. Please cite evidence that this is the case. The 4C System is readily supported by respected publishers and outside of this page I have never heard this allegation. --[[User:Sanglorian|Sanglorian]] 23:44, 17 September 2009 (PDT)
:Reed himself said it is a derivative of TSR's Marvel Superheroes Adventures Game system. Derivatives of a writen document under copyright is a violation of that copyright. Other retroclones had the WotC's OGL to alow them to make it. No such animal here. --[[User:75.151.7.189|75.151.7.189]] 13:12, 11 October 2009 (PDT)
::Sorry for the late reply; I thought I had this page bookmarked so I didn't check for new messages. Game mechanics are not covered by copyright. Derivative game mechanics, provided they do not infringe on trademarks, trade dress or copyright, are perfectly legal. Because Reed rewrote the rules without copying any material directly, he has violated no laws.--[[User:Sanglorian|Sanglorian]] 07:21, 25 January 2010 (UTC)

== Dear Moderators ==

Hi, I'm new to this wiki so I don't really understand how things work here. I have been making some basic edits largely to fix link rot. I have submitted three edits so far, the first two time I have received a message saying that it has been added to the moderation queue and both times I have been able to see it on the live page within a few hours. This latest time I submitted the edit two days ago and it has not yet gone live. Is there a problem with it and if so how do you suggest I fix it?

[[User:El Drago|El Drago]] ([[User talk:El Drago|talk]]) 06:16, 6 August 2020 (PDT)
::We were double checking some information to be sure the information you had edited in was correct. Most of the time that's pretty straight-forward, but verifying licenses can be tricky when it's just webpages that are only on the Internet Archive. Are you a user on the forums? I'm unable to find an account under your name. --[[User:Tanka|Tanka]] 09:41, 08 August 2020 (EST)
:: {{ping|Tanka}} only noticed the forums after I started editing this wiki page, so no I don't have an account. I appreciate that you need to check the licences. Thank-you, [[User:El Drago|El Drago]] ([[User talk:El Drago|talk]]) 11:59, 12 August 2020 (PDT)

Talk:Open Game Systems

2020-08-07T11:07:24Z

El Drago: /* Dear Moderators */ requested advice on editing page.

Open Game Systems

2020-08-05T11:51:30Z

El Drago: Added Gunwave and a link to Wushu. Did some link maintance on public domain games.

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
** Same content is available on [https://web.archive.org/web/20120218063632/http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/WushuOpenRules this] website.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)
* [http://brentnewhall.com/games/gunwave/Gunwave_PDFs_Complete.zip Gunwave] (Attribution 3.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [https://sites.google.com/a/amagi-games.net/amagi-games/games-archive The Amagi Games Archive] (Public Domain) - a number of games by Levi Kornelsen including
** The Far Towers
** Microcosm
* [https://archive.org/details/Hoard-RPG Hoard] (Public Domain) another of Kornelsen's games

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2020-08-04T14:06:04Z

El Drago: Categorised 'copyright free' works into their own category in preperation for link maintance.

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== 'Copyright Free' ==
''These works are generally free to be used commercially, without attribution, and without requiring derivative works be shared under the same licence (copyleft). Works are typically placed here because: 1. their copyright term has ended; 2. their author placed them into the public domain; or 3. their author gave them a licence that allows them to be used effectively as public domain.''
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [http://www.amagi-games.org/danger-rolls The Far Towers] (Public Domain)
* [http://www.amagi-games.org/token-wagering Hoard 1st Edition and Microcosm] (Public Domain)

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]

Open Game Systems

2020-07-29T19:18:46Z

El Drago: Reformatted and organised in preperation for link maintanance. Someone should consider arranging this page by broader licence categories as opposed to by licence authorship. Conducted link maintance on the CC-BY section.

This page collects games released under an open license. Generally speaking, if something is available under an open license it is free for use and re-use as long as the terms of its license are respected, without any explicit contact or negotiation between original author and licensee. Requirements vary from offering no restriction whatsoever to requiring that you credit the authors or that you also allow others to use your own derivative work freely.

The most common use of these licenses is for the original authors to inform other people interested in using their system that they are legally able to do so and even sell their own new work without having to pay anything to the original authors - however, even if those are intended as a gesture of good will and openness, failing to respect all of the terms from a license may leave you exposed to a lawsuit from the original creators.

Using an openly-licensed system for your own products (books, video games, card games...) means that you are able to rely on the work of others instead of having to design, write, playtest and balance your own. It also allows a product to become part of a larger community - which may draw those players (since they're already familiar with the rules) or allow them to combine your product with others that use the same system.

Here is a brief description of each major license found on the list below. Note, however, that details vary from license to license - so if you're planning on doing anything more than using the systems below for personal play, you should get acquainted with the full text of the license:

* '''[[Open Game License]] (OGL)''': the OGL allows for differentiation between ''Open Game Content'' (parts of the system that others can use freely) and ''Product Identity'' (parts that are not open for others to use). Some publishers also create a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Reference_Document System Reference Document (SRD)], which is a version of the system containing only the Open Game Content, without any Product Identity.
* '''Creative commons (CC)''': a family of permissive licenses that usually require only that you credit the original authors when using their work. Authors are free to choose from any of the CC licenses available - to read more about the differences between each, visit their [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ official website].
* '''GNU licenses (GPL and GFDL):''' designed for distribution of computer code and programs, this license allows you to use original work freely. However, if you are creating a modification of said work (for example, a set of alternative rules), you are required to make your own work available through the GPL license as well. If you are not modifying the original work, but only using it to create something entirely new (for example, a book with new characters and monsters to use) then you are not required to distribute it under the GPL. There are many versions of this license available, the most popular arguably being the GPLv2 - for more information about each version and related licenses see [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/licenses.en.html the official GNU website].

Some open games, despite being free to use and modify in derived work, require you to buy a printed book or PDF copy to learn the rules. The list below should only contain examples of systems that are also 100% free to acquire digitally - or at least allow you to look up most of the rules online.

== Open Game License ==
* [http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/OGLv1.0a.rtf Original OGL]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 3.5 [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 SRD]
* [http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm Hypertext D&D 3.5 SRD]
* [http://d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD]
* [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/msrd d20 Modern SRD]
* [[Dungeons and Dragons]] 5 [http://media.wizards.com/2016/downloads/DND/SRD-OGL_V5.1.pdf SRD]

Note that the official d20 SRD for D&D 3e has been revoked. It has been replaced by Paizo's Pathfinder SRD, which is compatible with previous d20 material and still being used for publication of new products by many companies and the community at large.

=== d20 System-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/animed20srd.pdf d20 Anime SRD] (direct link to file)
* [http://yeoldegamingcompanye.com/wayfarersmain.htm Wayfarers] (OGL and open-ended agreement)
* [http://www.prometheusgaming.com/ Prometheus SRD] (OGL and Prometheus License)
* [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/ Mutants & Masterminds] (OGL and [http://www.mutantsandmasterminds.com/superlink/000080.php M&M Superlink])
* [http://true20.com/ True20] (OGL and [http://true20.com/licensing/True20TrademarkLicense.htm True20 Adventure Roleplaying Trademark License])

=== d6 based ===
* [http://opend6project.org/ OpenD6] SRD-like page [http://opend6.wikia.com/OpenD6 Wikia collection page]
* [http://opend6.wikia.com/Cinema_6 Cinema 6]
=== Fudge-based ===
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/Fate-SRD-2005-03-31.rtf Fate 2.0] (direct link to the file)
* [http://www.faterpg.com/dl/sotc-srd.html Spirit of the Century]
* [http://www.vsca.ca/Diaspora/diaspora-srd.html Diaspora]

=== Other systems ===
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=29076 Iridium System]
* [http://www.darkshire.net/jhkim/rpg/srd/srd_runic/index.html Runic], Runequest RPG
* [http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/68843/Spellchrome-Core-Rulebook/ Spellchrome] (OGL and Non-Open Game Content)
* [http://www.crafty-games.com/ Fantasy Craft] (OGL)

=== [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_retro-clones Retro-Clones] ===
'''Retro-clones''' are new games that are compatible with older games now out-of-print, allowing for the use of previous material without having to acquire a possibly rare and/or expensive copy of the original game or resorting to piracy. These are part of a larger movement known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Revival Old-School Renaissance (OSR)].

* [[OSRIC]] for 1E AD&D ([http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric download]) (OGL and OSRIC Open License)
* [[Labyrinth Lord]] for B/X D&D ([http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html download] or [http://grandwiki.wikidot.com/ll view wiki]) (OGL and [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/ll_license1.zip Labyrinth Lord Trademark License])
* [http://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html BFRPG], Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, for B/X D&D
* [[Swords & Wizardry]] for 0E D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=4 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Swords & Wizardry Whitebox]] for Whitebox D&D ([http://www.swordsandwizardry.com/?page_id=6 download]) (OGL and the Swords & Wizardry Compatability Statement License)
* [[Warrior & Wizard]] for [[The Fantasy Trip]] (download [http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dcsfz7gv_9gzdh7hdz&hl=en CC] or [http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcsfz7gv_22xmrn2sgg OGL] version or [http://4csystem.wikidot.com/w-w-srd view wiki]) (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike and OGL; Direct link to file)

=== OGL with trademark license ===

These games release their material as Open Game Content but also provide another, more restricted license to allow publishers to refer to Product Identity.

* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/mutantfuture.htm Mutant Future] (OGL and Mutant Future Trademark License)
* [http://www.goblinoidgames.com/gore.htm GORE] (OGL and GORE License)
* [http://www.fudgerpg.com/fudge.html FUDGE] (OGL and FUDGE System Trademark License; also under its own license)
* [http://www.roninarts.com/store/default.php?cPath=5_14 vsM Engine]

== Creative Commons licenses ==

=== Creative Commons Attribution ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071026121622/http://tsoy.crngames.com/ The Shadow of Yesterday] (Attribution)
* [http://www.lulu.com/content/866835 Wushu Open] (Attribution)
** Parts are available [https://web.archive.org/web/20130507114737/http://danielbayn.com/wushu/WushuOpen.rtf here] (direct link) but the file is 10 pages while the book was 40 pages.
* [https://mozai.com/writing/not_mine/shadows.html Shadows] (Attribution)
* [https://allenkerensky.com/_media/adventurer_guide.pdf Myriad] (Attribution)
* [https://www.vajraenterprises.com/new/?p=132 Organic Rules Components (ORC)] (Attribution)
* [https://tinyd10.com/ Tiny d10] (Attribution 4.0)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike ===
* [http://6d6rpg.com/ 6d6 RPG] 6d6 Fireball (Attribution-Share Alike)
* [http://open.crngames.com/src/donjon.html Donjon] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://wiki.saberpunk.net/Wushu/OpenReloaded Wushu Open Reloaded] (Attribution/Share-Alike)
* [http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/tsgs.html The Simple Game System (TSGS)] (Attribution/Share-Alike)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial ===
* [http://www.allenvarney.com/noteworthy.html Noteworthy] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/16493874/Sufficiently-Advanced Sufficiently Advanced] (Attribution/Non-Commercial)

=== Creative Commons Attribution Non-Comercial Share Alike ===
* [http://www.eclipsephase.com/ Eclipse Phase] Posthuman Studios (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)
* [http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/games/index.php?game=drowning_and_falling Drowning and Falling] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.costik.com/weblog/2005_08_01_blogchive.html#112454587656432430 Violence] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://rpg.starwreck.com Star Wreck] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://gregstolze.com/ExecutiveDecision.zip Executive Decision] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://gregstolze.com/inSpaaace.zip ...in Spaaace!] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike; direct link to file)
* [http://www.treasurerpg.com/ Treasure] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.dangerpatrol.com/ Danger Patrol] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/ Lady Blackbird] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://www.emptygamebox.com/iliamna-unknown Iliamna Unknown] (Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike)
* [http://yggdrasildistro.wordpress.com/free-diy-roleplaying-material/ Saga, a rules-light narrative universal system] (Attribution/Non-Commercial/Share-Alike)
* [http://www.jumpersrpg.com/ Jumpers, a multi-dimensional, multi-genre sci-fi RPG] (Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License)

== GNU licenses ==

* [http://www.godsmonsters.com/ Gods and Monsters] (GNU Free Documentation License)
* [http://worldforge.org/dev/content/rules/circe/ Circe] (GNU Free Documentation Licence and GNU General Public License)
* [http://webdav.freeroleplay.org/fringe/trunk/ Fringe] (OpenOffice Writer format) (GNU General Public License)

== Other licenses ==

* [http://www.dominionrules.org/ Dominion Rules] (Dominion Rules Licence)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28830 Action! System] (Action! System Open License)
* [http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=2589 Active Exploits] (Active Exploits Distribution and Expansion License)
* [[Redbox Hack]] ([http://4csystem.wikidot.com/redbox-hack-2-srd view wiki]) (license unclear; readers told to "do what you'd like with the thing").
* [[Dungeons and Dragons Fourth Edition]] ([http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome Game System License])
* [http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=11 Fire and Sword] 4E (Free Art License)
* [[4C System]] for the Marvel RPG ([http://hazardstudio.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/4csystem.zip download]) (Public Domain; Direct link to file)
* [http://www.amagi-games.org/danger-rolls The Far Towers] (Public Domain)
* [http://www.amagi-games.org/token-wagering Hoard 1st Edition and Microcosm] (Public Domain)
* [http://www.theonosis.com Theonosis, an open fantasy setting] - The [http://www.osl.theonosis.com Open Setting License] allows the setting to be used with any game.

== External links ==

* List of open tabletop games at the [http://fossilbank.wikidot.com/category:tabletop-game-libre FOSsil Bank wiki].

[[Category:OpenLicense]]