Great feedback was received following the public announcement of Branching Paths rolling out during the next couple of weeks. Some experienced game designer pointed out that our plans to make the set publicly available -free of charge- for print and digital play following it’s release event, was, beyond « non-profit », perfectly in line with the Public Domain ethos. Not only that, it would formally dismiss any beef, legally speaking, that WotC could have towards the fan-made project. Thanks, pal! That is why we’re glad to announce that Branching Paths will be a Public Domain project! Thus, the Copyright symbol on all Branching Paths cards is in process of being updated to the Public Domain symbol:
In short, the Public Domain means that « If a book, song, movie, or artwork is in the public domain, then it is not protected by intellectual property laws (copyright, trademark, or patent laws)—which means it’s free for you to use without permission. » (Stim, 2019. Stanford University)
According to Wikipedia, « The public domain (PD) consists of all the creative work to which no exclusive intellectual property rights apply. Those rights may have expired, been forfeited, expressly waived, or may be inapplicable. Because no one holds the exclusive rights, anyone can legally use or reference those works without permission. »
So this is it, folks! If you enjoy this Public Domain, fan-made content; we say knock yourself out. While at it, let’s mention that we are formally launching the preorders for boxes of Branching paths—a one time thing for the release event. At cost, obviously. Specifics are available here: https://forms.gle/LY8kKob1ArQ46k6M8
After the release event on March 26th, the set’s digital files & cockatrice database will be fully accessible and free. However as far as printing them out go, you’ll be on your own! With the scale of this one time print run, we expect to save by sheer scale of the order. Also: convenience, and the option to get your box as soon as possible. Except, of course, if you join the party at Tundra Wolves Challenge 6 and the official release event in Montreal (respectively March 25th & 26th).
So, enough with the serious stuff and let’s get on with the fun and show you guys (and gals) what you probably came here for! That is, NEW SPOILERS DROP. Click on any one of these new art pieces to access the full, OFFICIAL SPOILERS GALLERY.
References / Further reading on the topic of Public Domain: