Legal Considerations For Video Game Development

John Di Giacomo and Eric Misterovich of Revision Legal discuss the legal considerations that game developers should keep in mind. They start by emphasizing the importance of entity formation and corporate governance, highlighting the need to formalize ownership and establish a proper operating agreement to avoid future complications. They share a cautionary tale of an indie developer who faced issues with copyright rights due to the absence of clear ownership documentation.Moving on, they delve into the significance of publishing, licensing, and distribution deals for game developers. They stress the need for developers to understand the extent of control they may be giving up and thoroughly review contracts to ensure their rights are protected. They emphasize the value of involving an attorney in negotiations to avoid unfavorable terms or misunderstandings, recounting instances where developers suffered financially due to inadequate legal representation.Legal compliance and regulation also come into play as the hosts discuss the evolving landscape of regulations surrounding the games industry. They mention the potential for lawsuits and class action suits if developers fail to comply with relevant laws and regulations, urging developers to proactively ensure compliance to avoid legal challenges.The podcast concludes with a discussion on the importance of employment practices and policies within game development studios. They emphasize the need for proper agreements, clear rights assignments, and comprehensive employment policies to prevent controversies such as harassment allegations, overwork, or disrespectful management. They stress the legal consequences of such issues and advocate for seeking legal advice to mitigate risks.Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into the legal considerations that game developers should address, highlighting the potential pitfalls and the importance of legal support throughout the development process.May It Please The Internet is a podcast brought by RevisionLegal.com