Then you should use it as generically as possible so that the trademark becomes unenforceable. Brand dilution is a thing, it’s why Alphabet doesn’t want you using “google” as a verb, and why your mom was actually based for calling your Playstation “a nintendo”.
The Pathfinder video games are directly from the Pathfinder tabletop game, which is basically a different copyright of D&D. They would need a DM. I’m not sure what else you could be thinking.
I guess it’s all relative. I’ve played a handful of different TTRPGs, and d&d and pathfinder are much closer to each other than to things like VtM or BitD.
It is actually a good strategy to dilute the term Dungeon Master into a general phrase, because that means Hasbro can’t enforce their copyright. For instance, Aspirin is a brand name, but it’s such a generic term that anyone in the US can call their product Aspirin without risk.
Well, when the players enter a dungeon, it becomes the Dungeon Master.
Everywhere else, it can be a Game Master. Inside the game of course. If they go outside the game then… well, then that’s just another guy in the outside.
Why would a DM be involved in a Pathfinder game though?
Because most people are not so anal retentive as to give a damn about Hasbros trademarks.
Eh, it’s part anal retention, part joke, part not wanting to give WotC the brand recognition.
Then you should use it as generically as possible so that the trademark becomes unenforceable. Brand dilution is a thing, it’s why Alphabet doesn’t want you using “google” as a verb, and why your mom was actually based for calling your Playstation “a nintendo”.
See my other reply in this comment chain regarding this sentiment.
okay but know that the effect of that is that is to help protect Hasbro’s trademark. it’s what they want from you.
I just don’t agree with that reverse psychology logic my friend. It would be equally worthless if no one used it.
The Pathfinder video games are directly from the Pathfinder tabletop game, which is basically a different copyright of D&D. They would need a DM. I’m not sure what else you could be thinking.
Pathfinder is very different mechanically to dnd. It’s like saying settlers of catan is a different copyright of carcassonne.
Is it though?
Depends on which edition of DnD, frankly. Pathfinder 1e and 2e are quite mechanically different, as many DnD editions are to each other.
I need to read up on Pathfinder 2e.
I know the “joke” was that 1e was basically D&D 3.75… which was a bit too powergamey for my tastes, so I never even looked at 2e…
2e ended up a lot more aproachable, you can no longer accidentally create a completely useless character.
It’s still a d20 system but it is quite a bit different.
I’ve just not had the excuse to look yet, my life is currently a bit too chaotic for a regular game, let alone one in another new system…
I am working on an open game setting over at https://ttrpg.network/c/Canyonlands but don’t have anything like a plan for actually running a game.
Good luck, fellow worldbuilder!
I guess it’s all relative. I’ve played a handful of different TTRPGs, and d&d and pathfinder are much closer to each other than to things like VtM or BitD.
Yes, of course. I don’t disagree with that.
Pathfinder is closer to D&D than most other TTRPGs (not counting direct D&D derivatives)
True, but anyone who thinks it’s a drag and drop replacement is in for a headache
GM is also used in GURPS, but the 5 guys here who have used it already know that.
And if they want someone to join them, they can always DM me.
They’re called GMs in Pathfinder ;)
Dungeon Master is a DnD term, and trademarked by WotC.
Breaking Hasbro IP is chaotic good though
I’d rather not give them the recognition, and Pathfinder ditched alignment anyway.
It is actually a good strategy to dilute the term Dungeon Master into a general phrase, because that means Hasbro can’t enforce their copyright. For instance, Aspirin is a brand name, but it’s such a generic term that anyone in the US can call their product Aspirin without risk.
We’ll have to agree to disagree! I prefer using the game’s defined term, or Game Master for general usage.
Edited to add, you TTRPG players sure are a contentious people.
Well, when the players enter a dungeon, it becomes the Dungeon Master.
Everywhere else, it can be a Game Master. Inside the game of course. If they go outside the game then… well, then that’s just another guy in the
outside.Funnily, my games feature few actual dungeons.
Don’t you mean “us TTRPG people”? You’re also a part of this
It’s a Simpsons reference.
+1 Hate for intellectual property law
Oh I completely forgot about that distinction XD