DLA Piper publishes global guide to video games law
DLA Piper has published a global guide to video games law, with chapters on 31 countries including Ireland and the UK.
Aimed at games industry professionals, the 171-page guide covers issues including intellectual property rights, employment laws, content regulation, consumer rights, tax credits and incentives, and laws concerning lootboxes and other video game reward mechanics.
The firm said: “Video games, once considered a niche hobby, have evolved into a global industry that influences culture, economy, and technology. As this medium has grown, so too have the complexities of its regulation.
“From content restrictions to intellectual property rights, and from data privacy concerns to e-sports regulations, the legal landscape governing video games is as diverse as the cultures that play them.
“Understanding the global market is of critical importance in the video games world. While, in some industries, entering another country requires extensive forethought and planning, with the rise of digital sales titles can be sold on numerous platforms globally at the press of a button.
“This rapid access to a global market also opens up the potential for a lot of regulation and scrutiny. Compliance with local regulations can mean the difference between a successful international release and a costly legal battle.”