More FAQs

Starfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility License

Last updated: January 26, 2017.

Does this license let me use the Starfinder RPG game mechanics?

No. The Starfinder RPG game mechanics will generally be declared as Open Game Content under the Open Game License. To use them, you'll need to use the OGL, which you can find in any OGL product. The OGL itself tells you how to use it. (Please note that the OGL is Wizards of the Coast's license, not Paizo's, and so we can't provide any advice about its suitability for your use. You may wish to consider speaking with an intellectual properties legal specialist.)

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Does this license let me use the Starfinder setting?

No. The Starfinder setting material will generally be declared as Product Identity under the OGL, which means that even the OGL doesn't allow you to use it. If you are a noncommercial user, you may be able to use some of our Product Identity by way of our Community Use Policy. If you are a commercial user, our PI is not available for your use without a specific license.

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So what does this license do?

It allows you to indicate that your product is compatible with the Starfinder Roleplaying Game.

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Can't I just use the Open Game License without this license?

Yes, but the OGL specifically restricts you from using "any ... trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product Identity by the owner of the Product Identity," or from "indicat[ing] compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark." So without the Starfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility License, you wouldn't be able to state that your OGL product is compatible with the Starfinder Roleplaying Game.

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I'm already using the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility License. Do I have to sign up for this separately, and create a new registry entry?

Yes. It's a different license, with its own registry. (Also, while you're thinking about it, now would be a great time to make sure that your Pathfinder Compatibility License registry entry is up to date!)

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I'm really happy with the the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility License. Are there big differences between it and the Starfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility License?

Other than replacing Pathfinder-specific information with Starfinder-specific information, the licenses are much the same.

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I'm in! When can I get access to the rules?

We will provide early access to a PDF of the finished rulebook to qualified licensees. In order to qualify, you'll need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must agree to the Starfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility License.
  • You must be an active publisher with products currently available through either Alliance Game Distributors or paizo.com.
  • You must agree to a Non-Disclosure Agreement that prevents you from sharing the information you gain from early access until the public release date.

Paizo reserves the right to additionally qualify or disqualify parties at our discretion. We will contact Starfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility Licensees with further information later in the year.

If you do not qualify for early access, print and PDF editions of the rulebook will be available for sale on August 17, and a Starfinder Reference Document website will be available for free.

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How do I make my products available through paizo.com?

Contact consignments@paizo.com.

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When can I tell people about the Starfinder RPG-compatible products I'm making?

Whenever you like. You just can't release them prior to the release of the Core Rulebook on August 17, 2017.

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