Former Dungeons and Dragons publishing company Kobold Press has shared its first development update for Project Black Flag, its new TTRPG system. Players can expect details for this system soon, as Kobold Press will shift its attention towards the project once its last products compatible with Dungeons and Dragons are released.Kobold Press, former Dungeons and Dragons publisher responsible for creating both third-party source books and official adventure paths, announced it was working on a new tabletop roleplaying system. Titled Project Black Flag, Kobold Press’ new core fantasy RPG system promises an open gaming experience with both print and digital options.RELATED: Dungeons and Dragons Opens Dialogue on Controversial OGL SituationThe press release gives some more concrete details on Project Black Flag. Kobold Press is teaming up with Paizo to create the Open RPG Creative License. Project Black Flag will be protected by this license, ensuring any and all creators can openly make content for the system. Though announced recently, Project Black Flag has been in production since mid-2022, so it is further along in production than many realized. Players can expect the first phase of playtest material for Project Black Flag to begin in February.

Kobold Press was one of several Dungeons and Dragons publishers who announced new projects in response to Wizards of the Coast’s recent decisions. Leaked drafts from the new Open Game License for One D&D revealed draconian restrictions on creators. While it recently released statements that walked these decisions back, many players still have concerns over the future of Dungeons and Dragons.

Many fans are excited to see what Kobold Press’ new system looks like. According to the press release, Deep Magic, Kobold Press’ 5th Edition magic sourcebook, will also be compatible with Project Black Flag, meaning the system will probably be similar to Dungeons and Dragons. Players are wondering if Project Black Flag will end up becoming for 5th Edition what the first edition of Pathfinder became for 3rd Edition Dungeons and Dragons.

Though the changes to the OGL were being made to prevent Dungeons and Dragons competitors from popping up, Wizards of the Coast's recent actions helped spawn projects like Project Black Flag. The evolving situation is far from over, and Dungeons and Dragons will have to be careful in the coming months. Players are already calling for a boycott of the Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie. If it does not work hard to earn the faith of its community back, Dungeons and Dragons may further ruin its reputation while propping up competitors like Kobold Press and Paizo.

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