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
Trademarks, Parody and launching Super PACS! with Brandon Patton of Merlin Pool Games
February 17, 2016 05:00 - 48 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this episode, I discuss a number of game-related legal issues with game developer and nerdcore bassist, Brandon Patton. We talk about his new game Super PACS! (now on Kickstarter), marketing the game and some of the issues related to putting parody artwork in a game. As always, miss this episode at your peril!
Designing great games with John Coveyou of Genius Games
February 03, 2016 05:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode, I discuss what makes a great game with Genius Games' John Coveyou. We also touch on the lack of good educational games on the market and other topics related to starting an indie board game company.
Taxes and accounting for indie game developers - with Rachel Presser of Sonic Toad Media
January 27, 2016 05:00 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode of Legal Moves, I discuss more important tax issues with expert and former tax professional Rachel Presser. We talk about bookkeeping, separating your business and personal expenses, and other vital tax problems that indie developers run into. We also discuss Rachel's awesome new book, The Definitive Guide to Taxes for Indie Game Developers.
Launching a multi-million dollar Kickstarter campaign for Scythe - with Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games
January 20, 2016 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode, I talk with Stonemaier Games head Jamey Stegmaier about his hugely successful crowdfunding campaign for Scythe. We discuss dealing with the size of the project, growing a game studio and working well with passionate backers. Don't miss it!
Using Kickstarter to launch "Nothing Sacred Games" with Teale Fristoe
January 14, 2016 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.5 MBJoin me and my guest, Teale Fristoe of Nothing Sacred Games, as we discuss using Kickstarter to jumpstart an indie board game company, working with artists and going mobile. Lots of great info and insight in this episode!
Creating your first indie PC game with Sorob Raissi of Spread Shot Studios
January 06, 2016 05:00 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBIn this episode, I talk with Sorob Raissi of Spread Shot Studios about getting started in indie games, working in a game dev accelerator and other topics.
Dealing with Cease and Desist Letters - The Dice Tower Episode #435 Segment
December 19, 2015 05:00 - 4 minutes - 1.97 MBIn this short segment for The Dice Tower podcast, I discuss what happens when a game developer receives a dreaded cease and desist letter claiming trademark infringement.
Finding success in the mobile games industry - with Aksel Junkkila of BugByte Ltd.
December 16, 2015 05:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBI sit down with Aksel Junkkila of BugByte, Ltd., creators of the Battlestation franchise on Android, iOS and PC, to discuss finding success in the mobile games industry. We talk about choosing your genre, monetization and dealing with the community. We also discuss finding government and other funding for your game studio.
Business issues for startup game developers - with Nicholas Laborde of Raconteur Games
December 09, 2015 05:00 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MBIn this episode, I chat with returning guest Nicholas Laborde about startup issues that game developers may face. We also discuss how he's taken his company from business formation to publishing their first game on Steam.
Starting and running your game company - with Brian Henk of Overworld Games
December 03, 2015 05:00 - 49 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this can't-miss episode, I talk about a number of issues that developers face when forming their game company, from how to split equity to what type of business entity to form! My guest, Brian Henk, brings his experience and insights from forming his own company to this great discussion.
Working with Microsoft's indie game evangelists - with guests Katherine Harris and Tobiah Zarlez
November 20, 2015 05:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBThis episode features a discussion with two "evangelists" from Microsoft who work with indie game and software developers, Katherine Harris and Tobiah Zarlez. We talk about Microsoft's offerings for indie devs, how evangelists help out and even discuss more tips for marketing and promoting your indie game.
Shipping Kickstarter rewards and board games from China - with Brian Henk
November 16, 2015 05:00 - 45 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, I discuss shipping manufactured goods from China, whether it's board games or other physical Kickstarter rewards. I talk with Brian Henk of Overworld Games, who has shipped his last two games and shares his experience and tips on getting those rewards fulfilled. We also delve into some legal and business issues involved with working with overseas partners. Sorry about the lateness of this episode!
Working with artists and graphic designers - Episode 20 featuring Scott Nicely of Jovial Graphics
November 04, 2015 05:00 - 47 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode, I talk with Scott Nicely, a graphic designer and owner of Jovial Graphics. We discuss working with artists and graphic designers when developing games, along with tips for game devs to make the process go smoothly.
Developing an indie game with a full-time job - with Karlo Licudine
October 28, 2015 04:00 - 46 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, I speak with indie developer Karlo Licudine about starting his own studio, Accidental Rebel, in his free time while holding down a full-time job. We discuss some tips for making it work and how he found success as an indie developer.
Episode 18 - Pitching your game to publishers with Raw Fury's Jonas Antonsson
October 21, 2015 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this episode, I discuss the role of an indie game publisher and how indie developers can go about pitching to these publishers with Raw Fury's Jonas Antonsson. This advice applies to both tabletop and digital game developers, so be sure to check it out!
Episode 17 - Marketing your indie game with Raw Fury's David Martinez
October 15, 2015 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode, I talk to David Martinez, former Paradox marketing guru and current head of marketing for Raw Fury Games. We discuss the steps that new indie publishers and studios need to take to successfully market their games.
Episode 16 - Taxes and business basics for indie game developers with Rachel Presser
October 07, 2015 04:00 - 49 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode, I talk business with Rachel Presser of Himalaya Studios and Sonic Toad Consulting. We delve into tax issues for indie developers, including hobbies versus businesses and getting Kickstarter funds. Don't miss it! I apologize for the echo on my voice - I recorded in a new setting and haven't worked out the kinks yet.
Episode 15 - Game development co-working spaces with The Game Nest's Dylan Jones
October 01, 2015 04:00 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this (slightly late) episode, I speak with the founder of San Francisco's The Game Nest, Dylan Jones, about game development co-working spaces. We touch on how they work, how he got started in the business, and what advantages they have for indies. We also talk about the "indiepocalypse" and problems facing developers in today's market. Don't miss it!
Episode 14 - The business of indie games with Nicholas Laborde
September 23, 2015 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode, I'm joined by Nicholas Laborde, the founder of Raconteur Games, to discuss what it takes to master the business side of starting an indie games studio. This is an awesome discussion that I had a lot of fun with, so I hope you enjoy it!
Episode 13 - Starting an indie studio where there's no game industry
September 16, 2015 04:00 - 48 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode, I interview Freaky Creations' Jorge Blacio about starting his studio in Ecuador. We discuss finding funding from Sony and a University, working 7 days a week and other trials and tribulations in building an industry from the ground up.
Episode 12 - Marketing your Kickstarter project with Jeff King of All Us Geeks
September 09, 2015 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode I'm joined by Jeff King, blogger and podcaster at All Us Geeks. We discuss marketing your Kickstarter project, building an audience and using a Kickstarter consultant to help get the project funded.
Episode 11 - Stonemaier Games' "Between Two Cities" Post-Mortem (part 2)
September 02, 2015 04:00 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this second part of our "Between Two Cities" post-mortem, I am joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games and designers Matthew O'Malley and Ben Rosset. We touch on the Kickstarter campaign, game development contracts and designing expansions, as well as protecting intellectual property.
Episode 10 - Stonemaier Games' "Between Two Cities" Post-Mortem
August 26, 2015 04:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBThis episode features game designers Jamey Stegmaier, Matthew O'Malley and Ben Rosset, discussing the latest release from Stonemaier Games, Between Two Cities. We break down the entire development and publishing process, from the idea for the game to launching the Kickstarter, in this first of two parts.
Episode 10 - Stonemaier Games' "Between Two Cities" Post-Mortem
August 26, 2015 04:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBThis episode features game designers Jamey Stegmaier, Matthew O'Malley and Ben Rosset, discussing the latest release from Stonemaier Games, Between Two Cities. We break down the entire development and publishing process, from the idea for the game to launching the Kickstarter, in this first of two parts.
Episode 09 - Print on Demand Games (part 2)
August 19, 2015 04:00 - 45 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode, I continue my discussion with Andrew Tullsen, JT Smith and Daniel Solis on using Print on Demand games to get your board game published. We discuss many of the business and legal issues present in both publishing through PoD services, as well as being a PoD publishing company.
Episode 08 - Using Print-on-Demand to publish board games (part 1)
August 12, 2015 04:00 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBIn this, the first of two episodes, I discuss the Print-on-Demand business with two printers, Andrew Tullsen of Print & Play Games and JT Smith of The Game Crafter, as well as game designer Daniel Solis. Daniel uses Print-on-Demand services for printing and fulfillment of many of the games published by his company, Smart Play Games.
Episode 07 - Designing Reality-based Games (Part 2)
August 05, 2015 04:00 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MBThis episode features the second half of my conversation with reality-based game designers Kazu, Albert Kong and Shannon Bruzelius. In this one, we discuss the legal issues present in real-world games and how my guests run their businesses.
Episode 06 - Designing Reality-based games
July 29, 2015 04:00 - 54 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode, we have the first part of my two-part discussion about the reality-based games genre, which includes escape rooms and "live" games. On the show I have Shannon Bruzelius, Albert Kong and Kazu, all game designers in this cutting edge game genre!
Episode 05 – Partner up or go solo? (part 3) with Jeremy Commandeur and Brian Henk
July 22, 2015 04:00 - 26 minutes - 12.4 MBIn this episode, we have the third part of my interview with game designers Brian Henk and Jeremy Commandeur. We discuss (finally) whether you should be partnering up or staying solo in your game development - both from a business and a legal perspective.
Episode 04 - The Dice Tower #414 segment - Licensing Deals
July 19, 2015 04:00 - 4 minutes - 2.05 MBIn this short episode of Legal Moves originally produced for The Dice Tower podcast, I discuss some of the terms that are involved in licensing deals and how they affect the games industry.
Episode 03 – Partner up or go solo? (part 2) with Jeremy Commandeur and Brian Henk
July 15, 2015 04:00 - 40 minutes - 18.6 MBIn this episode of Legal Moves, I continue my conversation with game designers Brian Henk and Jeremy Commandeur of the Forbidden Limb podcast and Overworld Games. We discuss the pitfalls of working from home as a solo game developer, some ways to avoid those issues, and what it means when something is in the Public Domain. We also touch on some issues related to using someone else's trademarks in your game, where I absolutely am not giving legal advice to Brian! Stay tuned for Part 3 of our c...
Episode 02 – Partner up or go solo? (part 1) with Jeremy Commandeur and Brian Henk
July 08, 2015 04:00 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MBIn Episode 2 of the Legal Moves podcast, I'm joined by Jeremy Commandeur and Brian Henk to discuss marketing your Kickstarter and the Star Citizen delay. This is part 1 of our conversation that will continue over the next two weeks.
Episode 01 - Raising money on Kickstarter with Jamey Stegmaier and Andrew Federspiel
June 30, 2015 04:00 - 1 hour - 29.5 MBIn the first episode of Legal Moves, I'm joined by Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games and Andrew Federspiel of Knapsack games to discuss raising money on Kickstarter. Along the way, we look at some recent game industry news stories, answer some listener questions and delve deep into the business of crowdfunding your game.
Legal Moves Throwback - Protecting game mechanics
June 24, 2015 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.56 MBThis podcast segment, originally aired on The Dice Tower podcast, discusses the legal framework for protecting game mechanics, including patents and copyrights. Intro/Outro music - "Spy Theme" by Brett McCoy under Creative Commons license - https://soundcloud.com/brett-mccoy/spy-theme
Legal Moves Throwback - Looking at the big picture
June 24, 2015 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.08 MBThis throwback segment takes a "big picture" look at some of the more important legal issues for game developers. Intro/Outro music - "Spy Theme" by Brett McCoy under Creative Commons license - https://soundcloud.com/brett-mccoy/spy-theme
Legal Moves Throwback - Who owns a translation of game rules?
June 24, 2015 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.02 MBIn this throwback segment from The Dice Tower podcast, I answer a listener question about who owns the copyright in translated game rules. The answer depends on who wanted the translation done. Intro/Outro music - "Spy Theme" by Brett McCoy under Creative Commons license - https://soundcloud.com/brett-mccoy/spy-theme
Legal Moves Throwback - What rights does a Kickstarter backer have?
June 24, 2015 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.25 MBIn this throwback segment, I discuss things from the side of the game player. We look at who is liable when a Kickstarter fails and what rights a backer has against the creator. Intro/Outro music - "Spy Theme" by Brett McCoy under Creative Commons license - https://soundcloud.com/brett-mccoy/spy-theme
Legal Moves Throwback - Recent court cases about game mechanics
June 24, 2015 04:00 - 3 minutes - 1.42 MBThis episode, originally aired on The Dice Tower podcast, discusses some recent court cases that are dealing with copyright protection and game mechanics. Very excited to see how they all turn out! Intro/Outro music - "Spy Theme" by Brett McCoy under Creative Commons license - https://soundcloud.com/brett-mccoy/spy-theme
Legal Moves Throwback - Naming your game or game company
June 24, 2015 04:00 - 2 minutes - 1.33 MBThis is a reposting of my first segment for The Dice Tower podcast, to make it easier for new listeners to catch up on old episodes. The format for new episodes will be totally different, but there's some great info in this one about naming your game while staying within the bounds of trademark law. Intro/Outro music - "Spy Theme" by Brett McCoy under Creative Commons license - https://soundcloud.com/brett-mccoy/spy-theme