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Games & digital content

Overview · Practical guidance · Examples · Questions · Advice

Clear the rights in code, engines, artwork, music and performances throughout the game’s lifecycle.

German copyright law and relevant European rules. The appropriate solution depends on the facts, agreements and intended use.

Legal framework

Games combine multiple protected elements and third-party components. An engine licence does not automatically cover assets, fonts, samples or real-person likenesses. Maintain an asset register identifying origin, licence version, permitted platforms and modifications.

Practical guidance

Studio and publisher agreements should connect milestones, acceptance, funding and rights. Define revenue shares, deductions, recoupment and reporting. Address sequels, ports, expansions and merchandising, together with what happens if development stops. Rights in delivered development stages should be clear enough to support any agreed continuation of the project.

Community policies may permit streams, mods or fan content only within the rights the studio controls. Third-party music can create restrictions on recordings or monetisation. When community material becomes official content, verify each contributor’s permissions rather than relying solely on the person who uploaded it.

Practical examples

These fictional examples illustrate common issues; they are not accounts of particular client matters.

Example 1

Porting to a console

A PC title moves to another platform. Check engine, middleware, font and asset licences and the rights granted by the porting contractor in new contributions.

Example 2

Fan mod becomes an official update

A publisher wants to include a popular modification. The uploader’s consent is only sufficient for rights they control. Third-party textures, music and contributions need separate clearance.

Example 3

Voice recording reused in a sequel

Existing dialogue is incorporated into another game. Review the original project scope, editing permissions and later exploitation rights. Availability of the audio files alone does not resolve reuse.

Frequently asked questions

Can a studio authorise all streaming of its game?

Its policy must be compatible with the rights in embedded material. Third-party music may require separate limitations.

Is a supplier’s warranty enough?

It can support contractual recourse, but it does not remove third-party rights. Check provenance and licence terms, especially for core assets.

Preparing for advice

01 · Your objective

Explain the intended use or dispute, the parties, countries and any deadlines.

02 · Your documents

Gather agreements, licence terms, drafts, evidence of use and relevant correspondence.

03 · Next steps

We agree the scope and fees, then assess the permissions, contractual changes or proceedings required.

Advice from German specialist lawyers

Michael Horak and Julia Ziegeler are German-certified specialist lawyers in copyright and media law. Hanover is our headquarters. We advise at our offices and by video conference. Meet the team · Contact us in English.

Legal reference: German Copyright Act (official German text).