3rd party D&D creators rejoice as the Systems Reference Document will be expanded with the 2024 rules update and be available under the Creative Commons License
Yesterday, WOTC announced that the new rulebooks releasing between Sep 2024 and Feb 2025 will become part of an expanded SRD (version 5.2) and become available under the Creative Commons License. This update should happen a few weeks after the Monster Manual is released in Feb 2025. You can read the full announcement here.
What does this mean?
Basically, it means that people can create supplementary content for the updated D&D rules releasing this year. 5th edition is already available under the Creative Commons License and means you don’t need to pay WOTC for the privilege to use the ruleset they’ve created.
This is a big boost for content creators who will be able to continue making D&D compatible content with the new ruleset. It’s also fairly momentous as WOTC did attempt to revoke these privileges with 5th edition, but pulled back on these plans due to community backlash. Many were concerned such free use of the 2024 rules wouldn’t happen, but it seems WOTC are trying to make attempts to reconcile with the community, perhaps recognising the importance of community and 3rd party created content for the hobby.
Anything else to be aware of?
Yes. SRD 5.2 won’t include lore references, this means that if you do want to create content that is lore specific (like campaigns based in certain settings for example) then DMs Guild is the place to do so. SRD 5.1 did include lore references so it is a subtle change, and one that could impact certain creators. It’s worth noting that SRD 5.1 will remain available so if creators do want to continue creating lore specific content currently allowed through SRD 5.1, this will remain available.
For non-English speakers, the SRD 5.2 will be released in all languages that the core rulebooks will be released in.
WOTC also pointed out that they intend to release Creative Commons for previous editions too, but this will have to wait until after the 2024 ruleset has received this treatment in early 2025.
Ultimately, this seems like a hugely positive step by WOTC that will hopefully benefit everyone by making more content available more easily.