A few years ago, contracts with artificial intelligence clauses felt novel. They appeared here and there in experimental projects, in creative projects where guarantees of “No AI” were desired, or in deals involving AI tools. Now, AI-related clauses are showing up routinely, even in agreements where AI is not the focus of the work at …
As 2025 closes, the games industry enters another year shaped by shifting economics, rapid advances in technology, and a volatile political climate. Last Year: We Got Some Stuff Wrong, Some Right Last year’s predictions focused on structural pressure points rather than specific outcomes. Many of those pressures materialized, though often faster and more unevenly than …
Legal Challenges and Industry Predictions for Games in 2026 Read More »
The funding landscape for video games has shifted significantly in recent years. After a period of accelerated growth during the pandemic, the market moved toward more conservative investor behavior: tighter capital, deeper diligence. Studios now face a funding environment where legal readiness and clear organizational structure matter more than ever. To support teams approaching these …
Back in the wild west days of video games in the 80s, 90s and even early 2000s, games rarely, if ever, collected personal information. As games evolved into the connected experiences we enjoy today, studios now increasingly rely on information flows to support gameplay, analytics, personalization, live operations and more. At the same time, global …
In a previous VTuber IP 101: Protecting Avatars, Content, and Branding blog post, we explored the most common intellectual property issues that VTubers should be aware of including intellectual property rights in VTuber Avatars, DMCA Takedowns, trademarks for VTuber names and brands, and intellectual property provisions and models in agreements with VTuber agencies. However, one …
In the creator economy, brand collaborations often flow through intermediary agencies that position themselves as a gateway to major advertisers and high value brand opportunities. What many creators do not realize is that these deals frequently rely on a legal structure that leaves them with considerable exposure and limited recourse. At the center of the …
As the free agency page in the esports world begins to turn, rosters begin to lock in, and players begin turning their attention to practice, boot camps, and building chemistry with their new teammates, it’s a critical moment for competitors to pause, reflect, and evaluate the contract they are just about to sign (or have …
5 Key Considerations in Esports Player Contracts Read More »
From tools and engines to libraries and assets, open source software plays a powerful role in game development. But not all open source licenses are created equal, and failing to understand the rules can lead to unintended obligations or risk to proprietary work. Below is a breakdown of the most common open source license types, …
Open Source Licenses in Game Development: What Studios Need to Know Read More »
Game development often starts with passion before profit. Many early projects rely on informal funding from friends or family. That support can make a dream possible, but it is also subject to some legal and regulatory requirements. And, it can create tension if the project takes off or fails. A handshake deal that seemed fine …
When Friends and Family Fund a Game: Keeping It Legal and Clean Read More »
Safety is a top concern for Creators. With cases of violence and malicious behavior on the rise, such as during the most recent TwitchCon in San Diego where popular creator Emiru was assaulted by an individual at her Meet and Greet event, stalking, swatting, and doxxing cases are becoming an unfortunate reality for many Creators. …
Creator Safety: Reducing Risk for Streamers and Content Creators Read More »