Game System License

The 4th edition Game System License was released to the public on June 17, 2008. This public copyright license is similar to, but more restrictive than, the Open Game License (OGL) that was created for 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons. The license allows third-party publishers to create products using the intellectual property of Dungeons and Dragons.

This license differs from the previous OGL in several ways. People wishing to use this license are allowed and granted a logo that must be placed onto their products to state that they are compatible with Dungeon & Dragons 4th Edition. The license also can be updated by Wizards of the Coast and updates affect all licensees; in case of litigation the licensees must pay the legal costs of Wizards of the Coast.

Prior to Gen Con 2008, it was announced that the GSL is undergoing a revision. Shortly after the end of the convention a number of Wizards of the Coast's jobs were eliminated including the Licensing Manager position that was held by Linae Foster. The former D&D Brand Manager, Scott Rouse, was in charge of the revisions to the GSL until his leaving WotC on Oct 12, 2009.