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How Old Do You Have to Be to Publish a Video Game?

The seemingly simple question of how old you need to be to publish a video game actually has a nuanced answer. The short version? You generally need to be 18 years old to legally sign contracts with major platforms like Steam or Epic Games Store. However, there are ways for younger aspiring game developers to get their creations out into the world. Let’s delve into the details.

The Age of Majority and Legal Agreements

Most game distribution platforms require publishers to enter into legally binding agreements. These agreements outline the terms of service, revenue sharing, and various other legal obligations. In the United States, and many other countries, the age of majority (the age at which a person is legally considered an adult) is 18. This means that individuals under 18 typically cannot legally enter into these contracts themselves.

Why is this important? If a minor signs a contract, it may be voidable, meaning it can be canceled by the minor or their legal guardian. Game platforms want to avoid this uncertainty, which is why they typically require publishers to be 18 or older. This is explicitly mentioned in the policies of several platforms, as indicated in the source article.

Navigating Age Restrictions: Alternatives for Young Developers

So, what options are available for talented young game developers who haven’t reached their 18th birthday? Here are a few possibilities:

Parent or Guardian Involvement: The most common solution is to have a parent or legal guardian act as the publisher. The contract is signed by the adult, who is then legally responsible for upholding the terms of the agreement. This requires open communication and trust between the young developer and their guardian.
Self-Publishing on Smaller Platforms: While major platforms often have age restrictions, some smaller platforms or indie game websites may be more lenient. These platforms might not require formal contracts or have different terms of service. Researching these alternative avenues can provide valuable experience and exposure.
Focusing on Game Development, Not Publishing: Young developers can focus on honing their skills and building a portfolio without immediately worrying about publishing. Participate in game jams, contribute to open-source projects, and create games for fun and learning. This builds a solid foundation for future publishing endeavors.
Collaborate with an Adult Partner: Teaming up with an adult game developer or entrepreneur can be another viable option. The adult can handle the legal and business aspects of publishing, while the younger developer focuses on game creation.

Steam and the $100 Fee

Steam is a popular platform for game distribution. While they do require compliance with their Terms of Service, they have a relatively straightforward publishing process. There is a one-time fee of $100 to publish a game on Steam, which acts as a barrier to entry for low-quality or fraudulent submissions. Importantly, this fee is refundable if your game generates at least $1,000 in gross revenue. The extract clearly mentions this, highlighting the accessibility of the Steam platform, if your game is commercially viable. However, Steam’s legal requirements still apply, meaning you’ll likely need to be 18 or have an adult represent you.

The Educational Value of Game Development

Regardless of age, learning to create video games is an incredibly valuable experience. It teaches programming, design, problem-solving, and project management skills – all highly sought-after in today’s job market. Websites like the Games Learning Society provide resources and support for educators and learners interested in game-based learning. If you’re interested in how games can foster education visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Legality of Playing Age-Restricted Games

It’s important to distinguish between publishing a game and playing a game. While there are legal restrictions on selling or providing age-restricted games to minors, there are often no laws prohibiting a minor from playing such games, particularly if their parents or guardians allow it. The legality of selling a game to a minor is different than whether or not they are allowed to play it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the age requirements for publishing and playing video games:

Can a 15-year-old publish a game on their own? Generally, no. Most major platforms require publishers to be 18 or have the legal right to enter into agreements, which usually means parental or guardian consent.
What happens if a minor publishes a game without parental consent? The contract with the platform may be voidable, meaning the platform could terminate the agreement. Revenue generated might be at risk.
Is it illegal for a 16-year-old to buy an 18+ rated game? In some regions, it is illegal for retailers to sell age-restricted games to minors. However, laws regarding online downloads can vary.
Can a 13-year-old be a professional gamer (eSports)? Minimum age requirements in formal eSports leagues vary. Some leagues require players to be 17 or 18, while others may allow players as young as 13.
Can a 10-year-old use game development software like Unity? Yes. Many game development tools, like Unity, are accessible to children. There’s no age too early to start learning coding and game design.
Is it free to publish a game? No, not necessarily. Steam, for example, charges a one-time fee of $100 per game. However, this fee is refundable if the game generates sufficient revenue.
Do I need Robux to make a game on Roblox? No, creating games on Roblox is completely free.
Can I self-publish a game? Yes, self-publishing is a common and viable option, especially on platforms like Steam.
Do games always need publishers? Not always. Indie developers often self-publish their games. However, publishers can provide funding, marketing support, and distribution channels.
Where is a good place to upload my first game? Newgrounds is a great place to start. It’s a website that hosts free games, animations, and other forms of media created by users, providing a friendly and creative community.
What percentage do game publishers typically take? The royalty size is typically between 10 and 20% after the publisher has recaptured their costs.
Is it illegal for someone under 18 to play an 18+ rated game? Generally, no. It’s usually illegal to sell or supply the game to a minor, but playing it is often not illegal, especially if a parent or guardian approves.
Can a 14-year-old publish a book? Yes! You can self-publish a book at any age.
Can a 17-year-old buy a PEGI 18 game? In the UK and Europe, PEGI ratings are recommendations. While it’s legally required for games to have a PEGI rating, it is illegal to sell an 18+ game to a minor.
Can a kid make a game and sell it? Technically, yes, if they have an adult representing them legally. The adult would handle the business and contractual aspects of selling the game.

Conclusion

While the age of 18 is often the magic number for legally publishing a video game, aspiring young developers have several avenues to explore. By involving parents or guardians, focusing on skill development, collaborating with adult partners, or utilizing smaller platforms, they can gain valuable experience and share their creations with the world. The most important thing is to foster a passion for game development and to continuously learn and improve. The games industry needs fresh, creative talent, and age shouldn’t be a barrier to entry.

How old do you have to be to publish a video game?