If your agreements are all in order, it can give you a major competitive advantage in connection with collaborations, negotiations and buy-outs. A company that keeps a close watch on its agreements will be well-placed in negotiations and impress prospective investors. 

Keeping a close watch on your agreements will entail a financial value which will often become apparent if the company is bought out. 

Of particular importance for companies in the computer games industry are agreements with employees, consultants, publishers and collaboration partners, as well as agreements between joint owners in a company, agreements setting out conditions with users and agreements with investors. 

Everyone stands to gain if agreements are clear

All involved will benefit from drawing up agreements for the various roles. This will ensure right from the start that it is clear who owns what as regards copyright and shares. With clear agreements, your company and your co-workers will have a solid foundation for innovation and creativity within your business.

For games developers, it is particularly important to introduce nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in important relations and contacts, as you will often need to pitch your games idea in different contexts in order for it to become reality. 

Prepare your own agreements and contracts

• Write your own agreements in English, as that is the industry’s contractual language.
• Keep all your agreements in order: list, version management, administration.
• It can be a good idea to use quality-assured standard agreements, but do not make any changes to them on your own initiative.
• Do not agree more than what your business is able to deliver. Conduct a final review with an independent legal expert.

Signing the agreement and contract

• Make sure you really understand the agreements you sign.
• Do not agree more than what your business is able to deliver.
• Consider the consequences in both the short and the long term: Is the agreement limited to certain countries and markets? Are the requirements reasonable with regard to your future development and that of your company? Are the time frames appropriate for you?
• Discuss the agreement with an independent legal expert before signing.

A good advice

Make sure you understand everything in the agreement and imagine what is the worst that could happen if you are unable to keep to the agreement; if money is involved, contact a lawyer if you are unsure.