DMs Guild: can stories be set in the past of the Realms?

Question

The DMs Guild FAQ says:

Can I create and sell content for older D&D editions on DMs Guild?

Sorry, no — 5th Edition content only, please.

Does this refer to both rules and content?

Must all Forgotten Realms stories be set in the period opened up by Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, the official 5th Edition update of the setting?

Answer 1

Yes, according to DM's Guild

Since Mearls always disavows speaking with authority, here's someone who is speaking with authority, writing today (7 June 2016):

Hello [redacted],

Thank you for contacting us regarding the DMs Guild.

You can write for any timeframe of Forgotten Realms. All material produced must be 5th edition, but the history of the Faerun at large can be used.

If you have further questions, let me know!

All the best,

--

Carolyn Neumann

Community Content Manager

If it ever comes up, the question I posted could be referred to as "Incident #55636"

---

For context, here's the text of the request I sent yesterday, 6 June 2016:

Hello all-

I understand from the FAQs and CCL that I should be writing material for 5e and no older editions. Does that mean that material must be written and set in the Realms in the current timeline? That is, ca. 1480-90? Or may I set my adventures in a past time in the Realms, as long as the mechanics I"m using are 5e?

Many thanks,

-[redacted]

Answer 2

Content set in the past is fine, content in the future is... maybe ok?

Someone asked Mike Mearls a similar question on Twitter, to which he responded "Historical stuff is good for the Guild, as are regions like Maztica, etc." https://www.twitter.com/mikemearls/status/688178009203855362