Video Game and Immersive Enter (LAW-795-E200)
Ross Dannenberg
Meets: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM (MTuWTh)
Enrolled: 13 / Limit: 22
Notices
All summer 2020 classes will be taught online. Classes may have a combination of live sessions and asynchronous materials/assignments. The block of time listed here will be the maximum amount of live session meeting time expected of you and may be decreased to the extent of asynchronous material added.
Description
Video game developers face a unique combination of legal issues and hurdles from initial concept, through development, and continuing through the release of each new game. At the outset, intellectual property plays a key role in protecting video games, and freedom of speech is a recurring theme. As game development goes on, more complex issues rise to the surface, e.g., rights of publicity, licensing of material to be included in the game, and contracts with voice and motion capture actors when needed. Employment issues are also not uncommon because, after all, a video game developer is a company making a product to sell to the public—nondisclosure and independent contractor agreements (or the lack thereof) are a common pitfall in the industry. Marketing and advertising issues arise when it’s time to start publicizing a game to consumers. Lottery, contests, and gambling issues can arise both in the context of creative choices within each game (e.g., loot boxes), as well as game promotion (e.g., contests, esports). Publishing agreements also raise their own set of thorny issues, and self-publishing has its own set of legal issues. This course will discuss the myriad of issues that developers face. The course is relevant not only to those desiring to work with video game developers, but also for those looking to work with any new and nascent technology, e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, movie production, and the creative arts.
Textbooks and Other Materials
The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.
First Class Readings
Not available at this time.