Legal Moves
89 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratingsThe games business and legal podcast - legal news, views and information for board game and video game developers and players. Featuring industry guests, commentary and Q&A, along with a "deep dive" into a different topic each episode.
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Episodes
Getting a publisher for your game - with Jay Powell of The Powell Group
August 05, 2022 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode, I talk about how to get a publisher for your game with Jay Powell. Jay has a TON of experience and wisdom about this very subject, and gives a ton of great advice and resources on the episode. If you've thought about getting a publisher for your game, this is the one you need to listen to!
Someone wants to buy your game company! - with attorney Matthew Roazen
July 01, 2022 01:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBWith game company acquisitions becoming so common in the industry lately, I sat down to talk with Matthew Roazen, M&A lawyer and a part of my law firm. We discuss why you'd want to sell your game company, what to look for in a deal, and how to prepare yourself for the sale. If you have dreams of getting acquired and cashing out, don't miss this one!
Flamecraft and Gamecraft with Cardboard Alchemy's Brad Brooks and Peter Vaughan
May 02, 2022 16:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode, I talk about starting up a new board game company and running successful Kickstarter campaigns with Peter and Brad from Cardboard Alchemy. We discuss their amazing Flamecraft campaign, working with artists, and how to build your community. Don't miss it!
Building Dark Towers with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games
March 18, 2022 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode, I talk tabletop game production with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games. Specifically, we discuss all of the work involved in bringing the titular "Dark Tower" from Restoration Games' Return to Dark Tower game to life. From design considerations to engineering and manufacturing, we discuss it all. We also touch on the difficulties in creating miniatures for your board game project.
Getting DMCA'd with podcast lawyer Gordon Firemark
February 25, 2022 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBIn this episode, I explore the world of DMCA takedowns with podcast and entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark. We discuss how to protect yourself from copyright infringement if you run any kind of online service and the recent news about Nintendo taking down a ton of game music from YouTube. Don't miss it!
Designing and Publishing Solo Board Games with Greg Favro, designer of Spire's End
August 20, 2021 14:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode, we're talking one of my favorite things - solo board games! I discuss the design and publishing process with Greg Favro, who is coming off of a HUGE $300,000+ Kickstarter for Spire's End: Hildegard. Don't miss it!
Talking Game Jams with Game Jolt CEO Yaprak DeCarmine
August 04, 2021 14:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MBIn this episode, I speak with Game Jolt's CEO Yaprak DeCarmine about why game jams are so great, how the Game Jolt platform helps make them happen, and about Game Jolt's newest feature, Fireside. Don't miss it!
Board Game IP Issues Explained - with Prof. Christopher Seaman and Thuan Tran
May 21, 2021 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode, I discuss all types of intellectual property for board games with law professor Christopher Seaman and law grad Thuan Tran. We go through patents, trademarks, copyright and more in our explanation of what is protected and what isn't in board game law. Don't miss it!
Analyze and Accelerate your Game with G.Round and Global Top Round - featuring Pontus Mahler and Lex Bhukkanasut
April 16, 2021 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBIn this episode, I talk with Pontus and Lex from G.Round and Global Top Round, two companies that help indie developers get publishers and funding, analyze and test their games, and basically help to turn your games into successes! We discuss how their services work, how game devs can better tailor their games to the potential audience, publishing agreements, and more.
PPP and EIDL for Game Devs - featuring Rachel Presser of Sonic Toad Media
March 28, 2021 14:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBIn this episode, I have a candid conversation about getting US COVID-relief loans, such as PPP and EIDL loans, for game development. I'm joined by former tax pro and head of Sonic Toad Media, Rachel Presser, to talk through some of the challenges and nuances in the PPP and EIDL systems.
Episode 69 - Orange Nebula - Recovering from an unsuccessful Kickstarter
February 26, 2021 23:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this episode, I talk about bouncing back from an initially-unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign with Marc and Tom from Orange Nebula (creators of the Vindication series and Unsettled). We also touch on the reasons WHY you're designing and publishing games, and more!
Road to Infamy Games - Canvas and COVID
November 05, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, I chat with Jeffrey and Andrew from Road to Infamy Games, designers of Crypt, Canvas, and Cosmocracy. We talk designing, playtesting, and publishing games during the pandemic, tips for new designers, and lots of other great stuff!
Episode 68 - Road to Infamy Games - Canvas and COVID
November 05, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, I chat with Jeffrey and Andrew from Road to Infamy Games, designers of Crypt, Canvas, and Cosmocracy. We talk designing, playtesting, and publishing games during the pandemic, tips for new designers, and lots of other great stuff!
COVID19 and the Tabletop Games Industry - with Justin Jacobson and Ben Harkins
May 29, 2020 00:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBIn this episode, I discuss the effects of the COVID19 pandemic on the tabletop games industry with Ben Harkins of Floodgate Games and Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games. We talk conventions, manufacturing, sales, and the effects on running a Kickstarter during coronavirus. Don't miss it!
Legal Moves 66 - Talking game music law with entertainment attorney Tamera Bennett
December 01, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode, we get an amazing lesson in all things music law with my friend and colleague, attorney Tamera Bennett! She breaks down all the rights you need to have music in your game and we hit on other game legal topics, too. Don't miss this!
Talking game music law with entertainment attorney Tamera Bennett
December 01, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode, we get an amazing lesson in all things music law with my friend and colleague, attorney Tamera Bennett! She breaks down all the rights you need to have music in your game and we hit on other game legal topics, too. Don't miss this!
Post-Apocalyptic Farming and Game Dev with Danny Wynne
November 22, 2019 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode, I discuss the development of Atomicrops, the roguelike farming simulator, with Danny Wynne of Bird Bath Games. We discuss getting a publisher, getting into indie game development, and more! Don't miss it!
Legal Moves 65 - Post-Apocalyptic Farming and Game Dev with Danny Wynne
November 22, 2019 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode, I discuss the development of Atomicrops, the roguelike farming simulator, with Danny Wynne of Bird Bath Games. We discuss getting a publisher, getting into indie game development, and more! Don't miss it!
Leveraging your Game's Brand in other Media with entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark
October 01, 2019 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this episode, I talk shop with fellow attorney Gordon Firemark! We discuss issues related to taking your game's brand into other media, like television, game shows, and elsewhere. We also hit on some of the latest game legal issues, like Fortnite dances and protecting Battle Royale mode.
Gen Con 2019 - Legal Q&A panel with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games
September 05, 2019 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBIn this episode, I join up with last episode's guest Justin Jacobson and take our show on the road to Gen Con 2019! We answer audience questions about tabletop game legal issues. Originally recorded August 2, 2019. Don't miss this!
Running a video game business - with Keith Warner of New World Interactive
August 01, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBI'm joined by Keith Warner of New World Interactive, creators of Insurgency: Sandstorm. We discuss growing your game company and the interaction between the business and creative sides of game development. Don't miss it!
Bringing back great games - with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games
July 12, 2019 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this episode, I talk resurrecting forgotten classics with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games. We discuss the legal side of using old games, transitioning from another career into game development, and other tabletop game business topics!
Launching a Universe on Kickstarter - with Alex Koshelkov of Crytivo
July 01, 2019 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBIn this episode, I discuss launching a game on Kickstarter, running a game store platform, and publishing games with Alex Koshelkov of Crytivo, creators of the Universim and the Crytivo Store.
Advertising for Game Developers - with Mark Swanson of Odd Bird Games
June 21, 2019 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode, I talk advertising with Mark Swanson, owner of Odd Bird Games, creator of Feudum, and advertising professional. We discuss ways to market your game and your Kickstarter campaign, as well as other tips for game developers and publishers.
Publishing games and traveling the world - Discussing with Jordan Draper
October 16, 2018 04:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBWe're back! In the latest episode of Legal Moves, I talk with Jordan Draper of Jordan Draper Games, creator of Tokyo Metro and other awesome games. We discuss starting a game company, living and gaming in Norway and Tokyo, and other fun topics. Enjoy!
Understanding taxes for game developers - with Ernest Jones of Ellsworth & Stout CPAs
September 26, 2017 04:00 - 53 minutes - 24.5 MBTaxes, taxes, taxes - it's something that almost all of my game developer clients fear. Fear not! Ernest Jones is here to answer some common questions and give great advice for handling your game dev tax situation! Don't miss this episode!
Kickstarter advertising and more - with Mike Gnade of Rock Manor Games
July 05, 2017 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode, I discuss paid advertising for your game's Kickstarter project, crowdfunding trademark trouble, and more with Mike Gnade of Rock Manor Games. Don't miss this one!
Running an indie tabletop game company with Ben Harkins of Floodgate Games
May 21, 2017 04:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, I get to discuss a number of issues related to running an indie tabletop game company with Ben Harkins of Floodgate Games. Designing your own games and publishing other designers' games, going to cons, working a full time job, and all that fun stuff is covered!
Playing the role of Publisher with Keith Matejka of Thunderworks Games
April 28, 2017 04:00 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this episode, I chat with Keith Matejka of Thunderworks Games, publisher of Bullfrogs and Roll Player. We discuss starting out as a board game publisher, designing games, and tips for new publishers and designers.
Running a second edition Kickstarter with Teale Fristoe of Nothing Sacred Games
March 05, 2017 05:00 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBIn this episode, I discuss the new Kickstarter campaign for the upgraded "Gilded Edition" of Corporate America from Nothing Sacred Games with its owner, Teale Fristoe. We get into the nitty gritty of maintaining your audience and bringing them back for subsequent campaigns, as well as the need to reprint and update tabletop games. Check it out!
Taking your game global with David Lakritz of LAI Global Game Services
February 15, 2017 05:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode, I chat with David Lakritz, President of LAI Global Game Services. We discuss global game releases for indie developers, including localization, global regulations, and the best countries to release your game in. Apologies for my terrible audio quality. It'll be worked out in (hopefully) the next episode!
Game Jolt - Chatting with Yaprak and David about running an indie game marketplace and going nomadic
December 31, 2016 05:00 - 1 hour - 29 MBIn this final episode of 2016, I talk with David and Yaprak from Game Jolt. We discuss starting an indie game marketplace, working with a community, indie game pricing, and a number of other topics. We are also kindred nomadic spirits, so we discuss going "digital nomad" and how that can work for indie game developers. Join us for a great talk, and see you next year!
Leaders of Euphoria and Overworld Games - with Brian Henk and Clayton Skancke
October 27, 2016 04:00 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBIn this episode, I discuss the latest game from Overworld Games, "Legends of Euphoria" with its creators, Brian Henk and Clayton Skancke. We discuss licensing a game IP, working with Stonemaier Games, and some game development legal issues. Don't miss it!
Gen Con Panel - How to Run a Board Game Kickstarter
October 11, 2016 04:00 - 58 minutes - 26.6 MBIn this final Gen Con Panel recording, I discuss how to run your board game Kickstarter campaign with the same crew - JT Smith, Brian Henk, and Jeremy Commandeur! This discussion is filled with tips and tricks from people who have run successful campaigns. Don't miss it! Again, please forgive me for any audio issues.
Gen Con Panel - How to Start a Board Game Company
October 07, 2016 04:00 - 57 minutes - 26.2 MBIn this panel recorded at Gen Con 2016, join me, Brian Henk, JT Smith, and Jeremy Commadeur for a discussion on starting your own indie board game company! Lots of great info here, but I'm sorry about the constant tapping of the table (blame Brian Henk).
Gen Con Panel - How to Publish Your First Board Game
September 14, 2016 04:00 - 56 minutes - 25.8 MBIn this amazing panel from Gen Con 2016, I am joined by JT Smith, Brian Henk, Brett Sobol, and Ben Rosset for a super informative discussion about publishing your first board game. Moderated by the always-excellent Jeremy Commandeur. Do not miss this episode if you plan to publish a tabletop game!
Gen Con Legal Q&A - Part 2 - with Justin Jacobson of LAWCRAFT
September 07, 2016 04:00 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MBThis is the second of the Gen Con 2016 Legal Q&A's that I did with Justin Jacobson. Check out our answers to the audience's great questions about the legal side of tabletop games, RPGs and other related topics, ranging from intellectual property to contracts.
Gen Con Legal Q&A - Part 1 - with Justin Jacobson of LAWCRAFT
August 31, 2016 04:00 - 55 minutes - 25.6 MBCheck out a recording of the first Legal Q&A that attorney Justin Jacobson and I did at Gen Con 2016. Lots of amazing questions and equally amazing answers from two game lawyers! Apologies for the sketchy quality of the recording!
Starting and growing a tabletop game company with Common Man Games' Karl Fenner
July 31, 2016 04:00 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBIn this episode, I discuss starting a tabletop game company, growing and maintaining an audience, and transitioning into digital games with Karl Fenner from Common Man Games. Karl has some great tips and excellent insight for new game developers! Don't miss it.
Creating storytelling games with Thorny Games' Kathryn Hymes and Hakan Seyalioglu
June 20, 2016 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this July episode, I talk with Kathryn Hymes and Hakan Seyalioglu from Thorny Games about the business of making story-based games. Whether it's a game about developing your own sign language or making first contact with extraterrestrials, Kathryn and Hakan have a lot of insight into this up-and-coming genre of games. Join us as we bridge the gap between tabletop and RPG games, and discover more about ourselves in the process.
Playtesting your board game (or video game) with Jeremy Commandeur
May 29, 2016 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this first monthly episode, Jeremy Commandeur joins me to discuss how to playtest tabletop games using blind playtests, protospiel/unpub events, and other methods. We discuss the ins and outs of when to start and how to gather your data. Don't miss it!
Creating Mini Metro with Robert Curry of Dinosaur Polo Club
April 28, 2016 04:00 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MBJoin me for a discussion with Dinosaur Polo Club's Robert Curry, about going indie in New Zealand and creating Mini Metro. We talk about going to cons, keeping your scope in check and finishing that first game!
Making Invisigun Heroes with Shadi Muklashy of Sombr Studios
April 23, 2016 04:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBBetter late than never - this episode features Shadi Muklashy of Sombr Studios, creator of the awesome indie game Invisigun Heroes. Learn about Shadi's transition from full time employed dev to full time indie dev, and learning from some Kickstarter mistakes.
Running a board game publishing company with Patrick Nickell of Crash of Games
April 13, 2016 04:00 - 47 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode I discuss starting and running a board game publishing company with Patrick Nickell. We talk about managing a community, choosing games to publish and dealing with submissions. If you ever wanted to submit your game to a publisher, don't miss this!
Designing games as a blue-bearded pirate - with Peter Hayward
April 07, 2016 04:00 - 39 minutes - 17.9 MBIn this episode, I talk with Peter Hayward, designer of pirate-themed card game Scuttle (now on Kickstarter!). We talk about networking as a new game designer, getting great art for your Kickstarter, and how to learn about the business.
Working in the video game industry - with Francisco Souki and Jan Stec
April 01, 2016 04:00 - 46 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, I speak with two game developers about education, hiring and working in the video game industry. Join us for a great talk about what game development newcomers should be doing to get their foot in the door. I apologize for any audio issues in this episode!
"Gamblification" and mobile casino games - with Aaron Vanderbeek
March 23, 2016 04:00 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode, I delve into the world of mobile casino games and other types of "gamblification" with mobile designer Aaron Vanderbeek. Learn all about contests, online gambling and other related topics!
Becoming a full-time indie dev - with Rick Felice of Tipping Goat
March 09, 2016 05:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, I talk with Super Slam Dunk Touchdown creator Rick Felice of Tipping Goat. We discuss going indie full time, creating your first game and dealing with the business side of things, including trademark and copyright issues. As always, don't miss an episode!
Indie game marketing tactics - with Raghav Mathur of Black Shell Media
March 03, 2016 05:00 - 45 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this episode, I discuss indie game marketing with Raghav Mathur, Chief Marketing Officer of Black Shell Games. Raghav has a TON of great advice for indies about free and paid ways that they can get their indie game greenlit and in front of potential buyers. If you develop games, do NOT miss this episode!
What makes a successful game? - with Osmos and Karmaka creator Dave Burke of Hemisphere Games
February 24, 2016 05:00 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, I discuss what goes into a successful game (among other things) with Dave Burke from Hemisphere Games. We talk about the success of mobile game Osmos and their recent Kickstarter campaign for Karmaka.