Re: [Wargamer] Pathfinder rolls back controversial license changes

On Sat, 24 Aug 2024 23:13:58 +0200, Kyonshi <gmkeros@gmail.com> wrote:

Source: https://www.wargamer.com/pathfinder/license-changes-OGL-controversy
>
DnD’s top rival Pathfinder rolls back controversial license changes
>
Paizo, publisher of Dungeons and Dragons’ alter ego RPG Pathfinder, has
retconned planned changes to its game licenses after fan feedback.

The first thought that went through my head was that the WOTC lawyers,
having lost their job after the OGL fiasco, got hired at Paizo. I
mean, that's not what happened, but it was my first impression.

I mean, how else could Paizo make such a bone-headed move after
watching WOTC crash onto those same rocks?

Still, I get it. Paizo made it big largely as a result of D&D 4E's
unpopularity. Their fortunes have been dwindling since 5E was
overwhelmingly welcomed by the fans. I've no idea how their finances
are, but from everything I can tell, they're nowhere near as popular
as in their heyday. And with decreasing sales and the threat of D&D 6E
on the horizon, I can imagine the C-levels are trying to stem the
bleeding.

So it doesn't surprise me if they look at their decreased book sales,
then look at the popularity of third-party Pathfinder book sales, and
a thought of 'hey, how about we tap into that market somehow' creeps
into their head. Which leads to ideas on how to force people onto the
Paizo marketplace, which leads to other ideas on how to restrict
developers from NOT using that marketplace, etc. etc.

What Paizo really needs to do is work to compete with WOTC and put out
a product people want to play more than 5E/6E. But too often games
publishers start seeing their own customers and supporters either as
competitors or sources of additional revenue. It never works out well
in the long run for either group.

But at least Paizo backed down before things got too bad. Give them
that much, at least.