Legal Moves
The 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.
Episodes
85 episodes
Getting a publisher for your game - with Jay Powell of The Powell Group
In 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 ...
•
29:28
Someone wants to buy your game company! - with attorney Matthew Roazen
With 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...
•
36:44
Flamecraft and Gamecraft with Cardboard Alchemy's Brad Brooks and Peter Vaughan
In 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 you...
•
26:04
Building Dark Towers with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games
In 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 d...
•
31:33
Getting DMCA'd with podcast lawyer Gordon Firemark
In 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 N...
•
22:19
Designing and Publishing Solo Board Games with Greg Favro, designer of Spire's End
In 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!
•
24:11
Talking Game Jams with Game Jolt CEO Yaprak DeCarmine
In 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!
•
24:01
Board Game IP Issues Explained - with Prof. Christopher Seaman and Thuan Tran
In 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 ...
•
34:45
Analyze and Accelerate your Game with G.Round and Global Top Round - featuring Pontus Mahler and Lex Bhukkanasut
In 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 h...
•
35:26
PPP and EIDL for Game Devs - featuring Rachel Presser of Sonic Toad Media
In 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 challeng...
•
52:48
Episode 69 - Orange Nebula - Recovering from an unsuccessful Kickstarter
In 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 publi...
•
27:30
Road to Infamy Games - Canvas and COVID
In 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 stu...
•
24:24
COVID19 and the Tabletop Games Industry - with Justin Jacobson and Ben Harkins
In 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 ...
•
Episode 67
•
36:57
Talking game music law with entertainment attorney Tamera Bennett
In 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 t...
•
34:49
Post-Apocalyptic Farming and Game Dev with Danny Wynne
In 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!
•
30:29
Leveraging your Game's Brand in other Media with entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark
In 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 For...
•
38:52
Gen Con 2019 - Legal Q&A panel with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games
In 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!
•
51:15
Running a video game business - with Keith Warner of New World Interactive
I'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!
•
31:09
Bringing back great games - with Justin Jacobson of Restoration Games
In 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!
•
29:17
Launching a Universe on Kickstarter - with Alex Koshelkov of Crytivo
In 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.
•
25:01
Advertising for Game Developers - with Mark Swanson of Odd Bird Games
In 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 pu...
•
29:49
Publishing games and traveling the world - Discussing with Jordan Draper
We'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 topi...
•
29:35
Understanding taxes for game developers - with Ernest Jones of Ellsworth & Stout CPAs
Taxes, 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!
•
53:29
Kickstarter advertising and more - with Mike Gnade of Rock Manor Games
In 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!
•
44:36
Running an indie tabletop game company with Ben Harkins of Floodgate Games
In 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...
•
43:10