28 May
Playstation 3 Sixaxis Wireless Controller uploaded to Flickr by wlodi

New legal resources for game developers

The ongoing development of new and alternative gaming platforms in conjunction with traditional platforms means the interactive games and entertainment industry continues to expand. Arts Law, with the support of Screen Australia and the assistance of TressCox Lawyers recognises the need for the development of relevant and useful legal resources for creators in this industry and are currently creating a suite of legal resources specifically for game developers. These include: 

  • Game Design and Development Information Sheet – A free information sheet for game developers which covers every legal aspect from the conception of your idea, the development and production stage through to distribution. This is a must-read for all indie game developers and provides detailed information on business structures, intellectual property, working with employees and contractors, licensing music and crowdfunding. 
  • Game Loan Agreement – A template sample agreement which can be used when a game developer want to borrow money from a private individual to finance the development of their game or app. 
  • Music Licence for Games – This sample agreement can be used where a game developer wants to sychronise existing music and an existing master recording of the music to a soundtrack for a game. 
  • Music Commission Agreement for Games – This sample agreement should be used when a game developer wants a composer, musician or band to either create original music for use in a game or adapt existing music into a new composition or arrangement. 

Watch this space for more agreements which will be added over the coming months. 

Arts Law will be presenting a legal seminar for members of the IGDA in Sydney on 17 June 2014. For more information see the event page here