Living Card Game (LCG)

So are you saying that the licensing should be free (according to your level of choice) but that the resources should be available for a fee? That's something I did not consider... I misunderstood the terminology. But your response has clarified this.

It goes in an interesting direction to monetize the licensing. Myabe it could be like TGC 30/70 split and you could specify the rate of return (which could be flexible).

That would go a long way in promoting the XTG3 licensing, adds another incentive to the overall pot. And offers a way to lessen the burden for hardware and software.

I think the key here would be *flexibility*. Seeing as this was not something I had considered earlier, a more flexible web-based solution could be developed.

My only concern is that with all things, free everyone will want a piece of the action. And by extension certain restrictions would also encourage more development - however if a fee is applied, maybe there could be piracy and such. I don't think I would have sufficient power to stop it.

So it would have to be an "honest" system where the people who are involved trust each other and only people who have paid an upfront fee are reviewed... Something like that could put an end to any illegitimate games.

I will consider this although my initial design will only specify licensing and the proper level. Resources might be something I add at a later time.

But thanks for the encouraging words! I appreciate it.

The primary concern is to determine what licensing is supposed to do.

1. Channel the process such that anyone interested in expansion or developing there own, is given a streamlined process for this.
2. Have different forms of licensing with different purposes.
3. Maybe have a repository for template files - but it's not a top priority.

Having a directory of XTG3 products is the primary focus. If you like an existing XTG3 product, you can search for others. If you want an expansion and none is available, that's a new market opportunity for you.

Also to protect designers when making publishing deals such that the product brand is protected and priority is given to the original designer.

The KEY to XTG3 products is their "core" product. Everything else is superfluous. Your goal as a "core" designer is to grow the market for that "core". All concerns should be focused on that.

As I mentioned in an e-mail, all three (3) layers of licensing have a purpose. You may not want a product in "open" market - but then again, your product may benefit from an "open" market injection of new ideas... So never say never.

@Zodiak Team: I'm not sure fee-based resources is really interesting. I would prefer encouraging "community" projects or efforts. Full use of licensing can open up the market for "core" products... That means extra shelf-life, way after most games become obsolete! :)

I think many designer struggle with the issue of having proper licensing for their games.

I have seen many designers defining their own terminology - but that's where it ends. There are NO benefits to having your OWN terminology.

Having a COMMON terminology such as XTG3 bring together many designers under the same roof. It also protects "core" designs.

It's arguable that some people might say: "Why do I need a license?" And then I would say, read the posts in this thread or hold off until the http://www.XTG3.org is LIVE. From there you can get a better understanding of what licensing can do for you.

Since it will be meant to be a "community" effort and of course promote other "community" efforts... I personally feel like dropping a personalized terminology for a more legitimate one, that is more inclusive than LCG, is probably more interesting for most, if not all, designers.

But I get it, people will still complain: "I want to call mine the B.S. Card Game instead." My reply is: "Fine - but don't complain about XTG3 licensing - because clearly you don't fully understand the concept..."

Okay so it has been 11 months since I have been dealing with a Publisher for "Tradewars - Homeworld". It has been a difficult and challenging journey - since it is taking so long.

The XTG3 domain is owned by me and is part of the plans for the publishing of my own game. I have not yet had the chance to meet with a lawyer to discuss the ACTUAL license.

But the logos are done and are easy to understand. They also account for people who are colourblind (as was one members concerns).

There were a lot of designers wondering about the importance of the license. And I'd like to take a minute to discuss the various reasons a designer may want to use XTG3 licensing:

1. First of all it is a way (even with Open Licensing) to control what derivatives or expansions are designed using YOUR branding.

2. It's YOUR Branding. The Publisher has the right to Publish the game AS-IS. You OWN the intellectual property (IP) and a such are the person to be contacted FIRST if another designer wants to create an expansion for YOUR game.

3. There will be clauses in the license, since what you will be doing is GRANTING a license to CONSUMERS who can then create expansions for your game. This allows you to protect yourself from defamatory uses, incomplete or unplayable expansions, etc.

4. If your Publisher wants to DESIGN their OWN expansion, that gives you some right to a royalty even if you are not the designer. This is obvious a negotiation which is outside the scope of the license.

Basically I will design a 1 page for "Tradewars - Homeworld" where other designers will be able to READ the license set up and then the process can continue from there.

Sorry I have been away and have had limited Internet service - I hope this should be remedied in the next month and that I have restored my daily Internet access!

I will post further about this ... should any designers have more questions.