Digital Entertainment Law

Home/Digital Entertainment Law

Digital Entertainment Law, Game Law, interactive entertainment law, video game law, or computer game law are emerging fields of Law. The field is growing constantly and now incorporates eSports. Most commonly, eSports takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions.

Digital Entertainment Lawyers need to have a blend of various skills. They need to know and love games, understand technology and have solid knowledge and experience of the law and how it impacts on games. One of our attorneys belongs to the Video Game Bar Association and is the current chairperson of Make Games – an Association of Game Makers.

We provide legal assistance to game developers around the world by advising on business structuring, registering companies, developing shareholders agreements, contracting employees and contractors, transferring IP offshore, managing  IP, developing licensing agreements and critically providing opinions on the legal aspects of their games.

Read our recent Insights relating to Digital Entertainment Law below.

Lootboxes in South African Law

Lootboxes are a popular mechanic in many video games. If you haven't been living under a rock for the past few years, you will hear that Lootboxes are quite problematic worldwide.  These items, often purchased with real world currency, face [...]

By |2025-01-20T16:08:58+02:00January 20th, 2025|Categories: Consumer Protection, Digital Entertainment Law|

How the Online Safety Act impacts game publishers

The Online Safety Act introduces significant obligations for game publishers, particularly those distributing games with online or interactive features. Understanding these requirements is essential to avoid penalties, safeguard players, and maintain compliance. What is the UK Online Safety Act The [...]

By |2025-01-27T17:15:58+02:00January 13th, 2025|Categories: Consumer Protection, Digital Entertainment Law|Tags: |

Video games and the Digital Services Act

The EU Digital Services Act requires a lot of changes from businesses with EU customers. If you’re in the video games industry, that very likely includes you. That’s fine, though – I’m sure you’re happy to comply. But what do [...]

Video games and the Digital Markets Act

The EU Digital Markets Act is a dramatic change to online business. It’s also a lot of text. So understanding exactly what it means for the video game industry is a tricky exercise without a walkthrough or a fan-hosted wiki. [...]

Gen AI copyright infringements in gaming

Generative AI is revolutionising the gaming industry, creating vast and unique worlds. But with this exciting tech comes a legal hurdle of AI copyright infringements in gaming. This post is for game developers and includes anyone involved in game creation, [...]

By |2024-03-11T18:06:55+02:00March 10th, 2024|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|Tags: , , |

Casino Enterprise (Pty) Limited (Swaziland) v Gauteng Gambling Board and Others | Online Gambling

In the Casino Enterprise v Gauteng Gambling Board case, the court ruled that Gauteng's gambling laws governed the activities of the Swaziland online casino. As a result, the company had to comply with these rules and obtain the necessary permissions. This [...]

Unpacking Steam’s AI disclosure requirements for listed games

Steam recently introduced a bunch of AI disclosure requirements for games listed on its store. We're going to unpack these in a little more detail and help you understand what's expected of you. Why do AI disclosures matters? We shouldn't [...]

By |2024-02-07T10:52:28+02:00January 22nd, 2024|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|

Generative AI in game development: How to use it law(fully)

We're seeing an increase in generative AI uses across industries. Eventually, the video game industry will do the same. Generative AI in game development will create massive shifts in the industry. When that time comes, game developers need to consider [...]

By |2023-08-29T08:39:50+02:00August 24th, 2023|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|

Creating Music with AI: What Do I Need to Know?

The blend of creativity and copyright concerns In the realm of music creation, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement and questions about legalities. As AI tools become more common in making music, it's important to understand [...]

By |2023-08-23T09:58:20+02:00August 23rd, 2023|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|Tags: , , |

Influencer contracts: Know the tips and tricks

Are you an influencer or content creator? Have you ever had a brand put a contract in front of you? Have you read the influencer contract? Do you understand what the contract actually says? If you've answered yes to the [...]

By |2023-08-15T10:10:29+02:00July 25th, 2023|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|

Game development contracts: Key considerations

As a video game development studio, having good contracts in place is crucial for your success. You need contracts that lay the foundation for working together, protect intellectual property (IP) and ensure a smooth project execution. As a development studio, [...]

By |2023-05-24T12:23:08+02:00May 24th, 2023|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|

Esports contracts: navigating the legal playing field

As an esports organisation, having a well-written contract that benefits both parties is the number one item you need in your inventory. Your players are everything to you and your organisation. You need to make sure that your esports [...]

By |2023-05-26T23:17:59+02:00May 23rd, 2023|Categories: Digital Entertainment Law|