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What is Game Licensing?

Game licensing is the legal framework that defines how games can be used, distributed, modified, and monetized. From indie developers to AAA studios, understanding licensing is the difference between a successful launch and a legal nightmare.

License Types

Proprietary

Full ownership. No modifications. No redistribution. The classic commercial model.

CODE: PROP-001

Open Source

Free to modify and distribute. GPL, MIT, Apache -- each with different obligations.

CODE: OPEN-001

Freemium

Free base game, paid extras. The dominant mobile model. License defines what is free.

CODE: FREEM-001

Creative Commons

Share with conditions. Attribution, non-commercial, share-alike variants available.

CODE: CC-001

Subscription

Access-based licensing. You never own the game, you rent the right to play.

CODE: SUB-001

Engine License

Unity, Unreal, Godot. The engine license shapes what you can do with your game.

CODE: ENG-001

FAQ

Can I use open-source code in a commercial game?

Depends on the license. MIT and Apache allow it. GPL requires you to open-source your derivative work.

What happens if I violate a game license?

Legal action, takedowns, financial penalties. Game licenses are legally binding contracts.

Do I need a license for a free game?

Yes. Even free games need licensing terms -- they protect both you and your players.