Navigating FFXIV TTRPG licensing with brothersharp
Navigating FFXIV TTRPG licensing with brothersharp
At Aardvark, we’re huge fans of tabletop role-playing games and the communities that bring them to life. Recently, we had the exciting opportunity to work on the Final Fantasy XIV Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG), commissioned by Japanese YouTube streamer brothersharp. This project let us dive into Eorzea’s world in a new way, but it also led us into a complex maze of licensing questions. Here’s our story of balancing passion, collaboration, and caution.
A Commission to Celebrate Eorzea
When brothersharp approached us to collaborate on the FFXIV TTRPG, we were thrilled. The chance to bring Hydaelyn to the tabletop alongside a talented streamer was a dream project. We envisioned creating content, possibly streaming gameplay, or even exploring tools like Foundry Virtual Tabletop to enhance the experience. We discussed licensing with brothersharp and were reassured that the Square Enix’s licensing terms allowed this endeavour. But once we got to publishing the module we hit a hurdle.
The Foundry team informed us they couldn’t officially release a system or modules for the TTRPG due to their reading of Square Enix’s licenses. This prompted us to investigate how we could share this project with brothersharp’s audience while staying compliant.
Understanding Square Enix’s Rules
Square Enix tightly controls its intellectual property, and the FFXIV TTRPG website makes this clear with a copyright notice. It states that all content – images, text, and more – is owned by Square Enix and can’t be copied or distributed without prior authorization, except as allowed by law or specific terms. This led us to the Material Usage License (MUL) for Final Fantasy XIV, which permits non-commercial use of certain game assets (like art or lore) for fan projects, provided strict guidelines are followed.
We hoped the MUL might cover the TTRPG, allowing us to stream or create tools for brothersharp’s community. However, the TTRPG’s specific licensing terms aren’t explicitly defined under the MUL, and the website’s notice suggests each piece of content may have its own rules. FoundryVTT’s team’s reading of the license was that the MUL only applies to the video game, not the TTRPG. Brothersharp’s legal team’s position was that he had explicit permission to stream content related to the TTRPG and believed that the MUL should cover this endeavour too. However without explicit confirmation from Square Enix, FoundryVTT wasn’t willing to permit publishing.
The Influence of Doujin Culture
Our research took us into Japan’s doujin culture, where fan-made works like comics and games thrive in a legal gray area. In Japan, doujinshi often use existing IPs without formal permission, yet companies like Square Enix tolerate them because they boost fandom and engagement. This culture relies on unwritten rules: keep projects small, avoid profits, and don’t provoke the IP holder.
This context explained why contacting Square Enix for clarification is so tough. Their MUL offers a framework for FFXIV fan content, but specific permissions for projects like the TTRPG often require direct approval, which can be slow or unresponsive. For a streamer like brothersharp, navigating this as a fan is both exciting and daunting.
Our Approach: Respect and Enthusiasm
Working with brothersharp, we’ve chosen to proceed cautiously. We’re passionate about the FFXIV TTRPG and want to share it with fans, but we’re committed to respecting Square Enix’s rights. We’ve enjoyed private play sessions and explored ways to showcase the game in brothersharp’s content, always keeping it non-commercial and community-focused. We’ve also reached out to Square Enix for guidance, though responses can take time.
Other creators have streamed TTRPG playthroughs, which inspires us, but for now we’re in a holding pattern until we have clearer permission. Fans who would like access to the FoundryVTT system can contact us on our Discord channel. Our goal is to support brothersharp’s vision while staying on the right side of the law.
Notably brothersharp has agreed to accept all legal liability for this undertaking, for which we extend our thanks.
Conclusion
This collaboration with brothersharp has been a humbling dive into the FFXIV community’s creativity and the complexities of fan projects. The TTRPG is a love letter to Eorzea, and we’re excited to explore it alongside a passionate streamer. We’re sharing this experience to connect with fans, not to claim expertise, and to spark discussion about navigating fandom in a licensed world.
Have you played the FFXIV TTRPG? Run into similar licensing questions? Check out brothersharp’s channel for more gaming adventures, and let us know your thoughts in the comments or on our Discord. Let’s keep celebrating the games we love—together and responsibly.
Disclaimer: This post reflects our experiences as fans collaborating with brothersharp, not legal advice. For questions about Square Enix’s licensing, review their official Material Usage License or contact them directly.