Perdomo Law: Expert Attorney for Game Developer Contracts

A game developer's contract protects customers and developers in many ways. The agreements can cover anything from the usage of the material to payment and credit for the job. Certain contracts may allow the developer to retain ownership of certain concepts or characters for future projects. Other agreements allow the developer to retain ownership of everything while allowing someone else to utilize the content for a certain purpose or period. The papers may cover a single concept or allow the developer to collaborate with another company for a certain fee or until the project is completed.

Theft of intellectual property deprives producers of their earnings. Game Developer contracts are similar to all artist agreements. Contracts allow people to legally demonstrate ownership of a concept or a specific game to keep control over its usage and profits. Contracts also make it possible for developers to work as subcontractors for larger development businesses. The papers may also allow them to communicate with other developers while yet retaining the amount of ownership or control that they wish.

Types of Contracts for Game Developers

Independent Contractor Agreements: Developers that wish to keep their creative independence will usually work as independent contractors. That is not to say that the work they produce remains solely in their hands until it is made public. These contractor agreements can take many different forms because they are typically tailored to the individual project at hand.

Work-for-hire: Independent developers who believe the preceding agreements are overly complex and restrictive may opt to utilize a work-for-hire deal instead. In this case, the developer generally works alone on a project designed expressly for the customer. As a result, the developer may not have the flexibility to employ ideas and creativity as completely as he or she would want because the work frequently needs to resemble what the customer envisaged. Because many of these agreements offer the customer complete ownership of the work after completion, novice developers may wish to include the right to claim the work in their portfolio to demonstrate their talents to other possible clients.

Option Contracts: For developers with a substantial body of work, these financial contracts may be frequent. Options allow developers to earn money from third parties that utilize their work. Furthermore, options allow developers to sell the rights to utilize their work if there are no competing agreements in place.

Publishing Agreements: Game creators must also select what sort of rights will be granted to publishers. For example, the developer may want their invention to be shared worldwide, but the publisher may just want it on one console. Exclusive or non-exclusive rights might enable the developer's work to be utilized in the manner requested.

Exclusive Contracts: Exclusive contracts allow the publisher to select only where the game will be available. Non-exclusive rights maintain greater power in the developer's hands. Because neither technique assures better earnings, each circumstance needs expertise and research to be handled effectively.

A Game Developer Lawyer can assist a developer in understanding the contracts that have been given to them or work with their client to construct agreements that fit the demands of the developer. For a consulation, contact Perdomo Law.