The Future Of The Iron Kingdoms RPG Depends On The OGL
With the 5E books for the Iron Kingdoms RPG arriving “freshly printed” to Privateer Press’ warehouse, OGL worries loom large.
The Iron Kingdoms, as we know them, exist entirely due to the Open Gaming License v 1.0a. Back in the frontier days of 3rd Edition, Privateer Press was created to tell a story set in a world of steampunk fantasy with gunpowder and magic mixing.
Collectively known as The Witchfire Trilogy, these adventures introduced the Iron Kingdoms to the world.
That’s right, Warcasters, Warjacks, Infernals, Hordes, even Privateer’s love for “Lock and Load” have their origins in D&D and the OGL. Lock and Load, in fact, was first a character primer for the Iron Kingdoms published in 2002.
But as the change to 3.5 edition hit, Privateer Press pivoted. They leveraged their success with d20 content and their IP of the Iron Kingdoms into Warmachine, which would go on to carve out a niche in the non-collectible miniatures market.
And because time is a flat circle, just as they brought the Iron Kingdom RPG back into 5th Edition compatibility, thanks again to the OGL, well, you know the rest.
Under this uncertain future, Privateer Press updated their players about the future of the Iron Kingdoms RPG.
The Future of the Iron Kingdoms RPG
In a news post on their website, Privateer Press celebrated the arrival of their completed 5E compatible books, and looked ahead as OGL woes gripped the tabletop community.
Privateer acknowledges their connection to the OGL, saying that it gave them an avenue for their creativity to connect with players:
Had the OGL taxed our efforts, restricted our creativity, put a ceiling on our ambitions, or presented a path that could be taken away in an instant, we never would have pursued this endeavor. There would be no Iron Kingdoms today. And so, as we evaluate the changing landscape ahead, it is the risk posed to the future of the Iron Kingdoms, and more important, those invested in them, that we must weigh.
In spite of the uncertainty, Privateer Press remains hopeful. Stating that they are committed to the people who support them, they promise to find a way forward “without restriction.”
We are hopeful that a path will avail itself that allows this wonderful ecosystem to continue to thrive. If denied that possibility, we will follow the community that has endowed us with the chance to live as creators, we will find a way to deliver to our supporters, and we will support a future where creators have no boundaries.
Still more systems have 5E works in progress. Will they change their path as well?
