Okay... I''ll eventually finish my computer game... I''ll want to sell it. What licensing issues need to be handles? How do I know if there is a patent on something which i''m using in my game? Assuming I didnt knowingly use 3rd party sources and created material which was patented, what happens? Are there patents in the computer gaming industry? (Eg: if id Software had a patent on FPS games... would I have to pay them royalties to sell a FPS?) Besides the 3rd party API licensing deals, what else is there? (Assuming know trademark infringements, etc). ??? -Tim

What about packaging directx with your game. Is there an illegal way of doing that? Or GLSetup?

I''m pretty sure that packaging DX with your game is fine.

Martin

You might want to pick up a copy of ''The Ultimate Game Developer''s Sourcebook''. It covers everything from concept to patches. You should glance over the EULA for each library and tool that you used to create the game with. If you have questions after that, contact the products owner (company of creation). If you still have questions, see if you can find a copyright lawyer to consult with. Most game libraries are very specific as to what you can distribute and not distribute.

Part of the post packaging process involves sending the game to publishers after you get them to sign a time limited NDA (give them an exclusive month to look at the game before you send it to the next publisher). A month is suggested since that is more than enough time for them to make a decision, and also a time limit prevents them from putting the game on the shelf indefinitely - just to prevent you from releasing a game that competes with one of their released/soon to be released games. Also, pick a publisher known for selling successful games of the genre of game you have written.

boo.. the Ultimate Game Developers Sourcebook is out of print. cant get it from chapters.ca or even amazon.com

that sucks as it sounds like a good book

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i hurt myself today, to see if i still feel..

Edited by - vin on May 14, 2000 12:35:40 AM