Game Developer Business and Legal Guide. Run an Indie Studio

Name: Game Developer Business and Legal Guide. Run an Indie Studio
Brand: Knowledge Base
Price: 26.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued

15.5 Hours

Deal Price$26.00

Suggested Price$299.00

You save 91%

Game Developer Business & Legal Guide: Run an Indie Studio

176 Lessons (15.5h)

Getting to Know Your Instructor
Who am I? What's my background?1:40
Written Disclaimer: PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING
Problems All Creative Professionals Encounter
Do I need a written contract with my client?9:14
What should I do if someone refuses to pay me?19:27
What if a client refuses to sign a contract?3:39
TEST: Problems All Creative Professionals Encounter
Test Answers: Problems All Creative Professionals Encounter
Written Transcript: Problems All Creative Professionals Encounter
Episode One: Non-disclosure Agreements
Nondisclosure Agreements - Part 15:23
Nondisclosure Agreements - Part 23:54
Nondisclosure Agreements - Part 34:04
TEMPLATES: Nondisclosure Agreements
IMPORTANT: Please read this before viewing templates
Confidentiality Agreement (One-sided)
Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement
Interview: Chris Avellone - Chief Creative Officer of Obsidian
What does the Chief Creative Officer of Obsidian do3:48
What is the Obsidian design test for potential employees like1:50
Warning signs of a struggling game development studio (Black Isle Studio)6:08
On the process for starting game development studio like Obsidian3:56
Drawbacks to making new IP for game development studios2:23
How publishers choose to work with outside developers1:29
Working with publishers as an independent game developer4:46
Disadvantages of working at a mid-sized game studio2:28
What are the difficulties of running a mid-sized game development studio3:40
Advantages of crowdfunding (Kickstarter) over traditional game publishers3:28
Why has the games industry moved away from PC only products?2:23
DOs and DON'Ts for indie game development startup companies3:14
Outtakes from the LAGD interview with Chris Avellone1:30
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES: Production-Related Game Development Agreements
Kitara Media 5.18.11
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES: Other Non-Production Related Game Agreements
Ascend Acquisition Corp - Business Development deal w/United Talent Agency (UTA)
Aptus Games 6.8.08 - licensed game based on Survivor TV show
IndiePub Ent 5.10.10 - studio hiring a business development consultant
Internet Holdings 12.10.13 - Partnership between 2 studios in different markets
Kitara Media 3.6.12 - Exclusive advertising arrangement with Tapjoy
Kitara Media 6.18.12 - Partnering with biz dev consultant to bring branded games
Red Mile Ent 5.23.07 - Creating licensed games based on the Sin City movie
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES: Agreements w/Major Traditional Publishers
IndiePub Ent 12.18.08 - Nintendo DS license agreement with Nintendo
Mad Catz 3.5.15 - Hardware / Software partnership for Rock Band 4 controllers
Red Mile Ent - American distribution rights for Ubisoft (France) games
Preventing Legal Issues Before They Happen
The value of kindness, empathy, and good business practices6:09
The value of communication11:37
Understanding that no-one really "wins" in a lawsuit6:44
TEST: Preventing Legal Issues Before They Happen
Test Answers: Preventing Legal Issues before they happen
Written Transcript: Preventing Legal Issues Before They Happen
Episode Two: Independent Contractors
Hiring Help and Independent Contractor Agreements - Part 17:14
Hiring Help and Independent Contractor Agreements - Part 24:00
Interview: Gabe Newell - Co-founder of Valve
Why Valve decided to remake Half-Life after a year of development5:12
Game developers should collaborate with customers and give up control3:25
How Half-Life Episodes and other distribution models create value for consumers7:30
You may have a legal "right" to do something but it doesn't mean you should6:01
Is the way Valve organizes its employees a model that other indies can follow1:36
On the importance of treating employees well and avoiding crunch time5:22
The cons of Valve's loose organizational structure3:46
The importance of working with people you like and trust0:47
Valve's original vision for Steam as a new game distribution model3:34
Why open platforms tend to overtake vertical platforms and proprietary systems6:31
Why all the hats in Team Fortress (Adding value with user-generated content)2:06
Why Valve's employees organized without managers and titles1:27
Pinkie Pie is the best pony - LAGD interview blooper0:09
Episode Three: Trademarks
Trademarks and Naming Your Game - Part 17:18
Trademarks and Naming Your Game - Part 26:15
Trademarks and Naming Your Game - Part 34:47
Game Developers: Knowing The Law Can Save You Time and Money
Avoid lawsuits by knowing the laws you need to comply with3:01
Use contracts to minimize the time you spend on revisions2:01
Know the law to add value to your client's work1:56
Save time by creating "standard business terms" in your contracts1:51
Knowing the law will build stronger client relationships2:57
Test: Knowing the law can save you time and money
Test Answers: Knowing the law can save you time and money
Written Transcript: Knowing The Law Will Make You Money & Save You Time
Interview: Edmund McMillen - Game designer & co-CEO of Team Meat
Should beginning game developers learn Flash3:22
The slow process of becomming successful as a game developer2:30
How Flash game sponsorships work and how to get them4:00
The problem with relying on cloned concepts for indie game developers3:38
Originality and the need for self-promotion7:46
Tips on when to formally organize your game development business2:03
Tips for when indie game developers should consider making merchandise6:06
General tips for new game developers2:32
Working With Lawyers as a Game Developer
General1:29
"General practice firms" versus "small, boutique firms"1:33
What "practice areas" should your lawyer be knowledgeable of?12:05
Avoid being upsold on services that you don't need3:15
Understanding research costs2:38
Flat fees versus hourly rates and asking for discounts8:04
Know when you may need a professional's help2:50
Test: Working with Lawyers as Game Developers
Test Answers: Working with lawyers as a Game Developer
Written Transcript: Working With Lawyers as a Game Developer
Interview: Jordan Weisman - CEO at Harebrained Schemes LLC
Designing game worlds that can work across mediums and platforms3:07
Designing game worlds with lasting influence2:53
On starting new game companies when people don't believe in your vision4:37
The process of licensing game IP from another company3:38
Tips for game developers when licensing their IP to other companies6:01
Differences in working at small, mid-sized, and large game companies4:43
General tips for startup game development companies2:04
So You Want To Be A Game Dev Student? - Robin-Yann Storm
So You Want To Be A Game Dev Student? - part 18:00
So You Want To Be A Game Dev Student? - part 28:00
So You Want To Be A Game Dev Student? - part 38:02
So You Want To Be A Game Dev Student? - part 44:26
Conclusion. Course wrap up, bonus lectures, and opportunities.
Bonus lecture: Get discounts on other Udemy courses I am teaching
Bonus lecture: Discounts because of my partnership with Knowledge Base
Ways you can get more help
Disclaimer - No attorney / client relationship between us3:16
OPTIONAL BONUS: Five Legal Tips For Game Developers
Work out the business details: make sure everyone agrees3:48
Describing the most important "business details" that you need to work out8:10
Business Details: Determine the division of power2:07
Details: Anytime something changes, get everyone to reconfirm their agreement3:24
Business Details: Don’t make enemies by cutting corners1:22
Avoid confusion with your game name and existing names3:27
Is your game "company" a real company (or a "general partnership")6:04
Transfer ownership of intellectual property in writing4:14
IP: Joint ownership (What happens if you don’t work out IP ownership?)2:47
Why you’re in a much better AND much worse position than you think you’re in4:52
BONUS: The Linux Game Industry - Ryan C. Gordon
The Linux Game Industry - part 110:02
The Linux Game Industry - part 210:02
The Linux Game Industry - part 310:02
The Linux Game Industry - part 410:02
The Linux Game Industry - part 510:02
The Linux Game Industry - part 61:32
Advice to Running a Game Kickstarter of Your Own - Chris Avellone
Advice to Running a Kickstarter of Your Own - part 110:00
Advice to Running a Kickstarter of Your Own - part 210:00
Advice to Running a Kickstarter of Your Own - part 310:00
Advice to Running a Kickstarter of Your Own - part 410:00
Advice to Running a Kickstarter of Your Own - part 510:00
Advice to Running a Kickstarter of Your Own - part 64:15
BONUS INTERVIEW: Peer Schneider - Co-founder of IGN / Games Journalist
What does the Senior Vice President of Content at IGN do3:56
How IGN spots new indie games and decides which ones to review4:54
New business models- DLC, in-app purchases, and free-to-play3:03
Responding to game reviews being tainted by publisher advertising money6:41
Effect game reviews have on sales & developer relationships with publishers5:06
BONUS INTERVIEW: Adrian Hon - Creator of Zombies, Run!
Benefits and drawbacks of original concepts and IP when crowdfunding a game7:55
Business considerations with alternate reality game (ARG) design4:56
How crowdfunding compares to the traditional pitching process2:01
How he became a game developer working on alternate reality games (ARGs)5:55
Designing/selling an alternate reality game at a venture capital funded company6:48
Where does the extra money in a game Kickstarter go1:11
Ten Tips to Start your Indie Company Today - JP van Seventer
Ten Tips to Start your Indie Company Today - part 16:00
Ten Tips to Start your Indie Company Today - part 26:00
Ten Tips to Start your Indie Company Today - part 36:00
Ten Tips to Start your Indie Company Today - part 44:42
BONUS INTERVIEW: Naomi Alderman - Video game writer & Co-creator of Zombies, Run
Introduction and pressures investors put on the game developers4:24
How an email signature led to a career in games writing4:07
How does video game writing differ from novel writing3:44
What is it like as a game writer working on an ARG (Alternate Reality Game)5:18
When do game writers typically enter the development process2:24
How should game writers deal with uncertainties that they have no control over3:25
Putting together a game writing team you want to work with2:15
Outtakes from the LAGD interview with Naomi Alderman (game writer and novelist)1:19
BONUS INTERVIEW: Chris Plante - Gaming journalist and Editor at Polygon
How does a gaming website Editor establish credibility2:52
How important is media attention to a game's success3:08
The new focus on feminism and diversity in gaming journalism2:28
Tips for indie game developers for getting reviews and media attention4:40
Why AAA titles tend to get high scores and advertising skewing reviews2:46
The 24 hour news cycle in gaming blowing issues out of proportion1:28
APPENDIX: Free Game Music: HalcyonicFalconX
HalcyonicFalconX License
Sample - Heroes March (Extended)(LQ)
Audio Sample - Raindrops of a Dream
Audio Sample - The Frozen Journey
APPENDIX: Free Game Music: NutcaseNightmare
NutcaseNightmare Public Domain License
Audio Sample - And Now For That Massive Coronary
Audio Sample - Countdown to Myocardial Infarction
Audio Sample - No Rocking in the Jazzhands Zone
APPENDIX: Free Game Music: Stratkat
Stratkat Public Domain Dedication
Audio Sample - Chaotic Filth (loop)
Daydream Anatomy - 8-Bit Heroes - 01 Combat
8-Bit Heroes - 06 Dragon Slayer
Daydream Anatomy - 06 31337
Audio Sample - Dramatic Metal Entrance (loop)
APPENDIX: Free Game Art: Pixel Tower Defense
Pixel Tower Defense Art Public Domain Dedication
APPENDIX: Free Game Art: Turn Based Game
Turned Based Game Art Public Domain Dedication
APPENDIX: Free Game Art: Platformer Pack
Platformer Pack Public Domain Dedication
APPENDIX: Free Game Art: Flash Assets for 3 Games
Flash Assets for Three Games Public Domain Dedication
APPENDIX: Common Game Engine License Agreements
Unity Pro and Personal 5.19.15
Torque 2D_3D 5.27.15
Unreal Engine EULA 5.19.15
RPG Maker 5.27.15

DescriptionInstructorImportant DetailsRelated Products

Navigate Business & Legal Issues without Shelling Out for a Lawyer

Knowledge BaseShaun Spalding is an intellectual property attorney who represents Youtubers, game developers, and digital media companies. His clients include some of the top 40 most-viewed and most-subscribed Youtube channels in the world. He aims to share all his knowledge through his courses, has spoken at conferences like SXSW Interactive and New Media Expo, and has mentored over a dozen law students and legal clerks on topics ranging from contract drafting to copyright principles. For more details on the course and instructor, click here. This course is hosted by StackSkills, the premier eLearning destination for discovering top-shelf courses on everything from coding—to business—to fitness, and beyond!

Description

If you're serious about launching your own game development studio, you'll need to navigate legal and business issues the likes of copyright disputes, disagreements over contract wording, and more. Avoid squandering your savings on exorbitant lawyer fees by learning to address these issues yourself. And for those especially sticky situations that really require lawyer consultation, you'll learn tips and tricks for hiring the right person at a rate that won't leave your wallet hurting.

Navigate legal & business issues related to game development w/ 15.5 hours of content
Write & negotiate your own contracts for clients
Avoid losing clients due to intellectual property violations & more
Save money on services you would otherwise outsource to a lawyer
Understand when to consult w/ a lawyer, how to hire that person & how to negotiate for the lowest fee
Learn to prevent legal problems & avoid lawsuits

Specs

Details & Requirements

Length of time users can access this course: lifetime access
Access options: web streaming, mobile streaming
Certification of completion included
Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
Experience level required: all levels

Compatibility

Internet required

Terms

Unredeemed licenses can be returned for store credit within 30 days of purchase. Once your license is redeemed, all sales are final.

Your Cart

Your cart is empty. Continue Shopping!

Processing order...