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Everything you need to know about game licensing

Understanding Game Licensing Should Be Free

A non-profit resource dedicated to helping indie developers, students, and small studios navigate the complex world of game licensing — without the jargon, without the fees.

Home > License Types

📄 License Types

Game licenses come in many forms, each with different obligations and restrictions.

Proprietary License

Full control over distribution and use. Requires explicit agreement from licensor for commercial use.

Common in: AAA studios, exclusive engines

GPL/Open Source

Free to use, modify, and distribute, but modifications must be shared under same license.

Common in: Indie engines (e.g., Godot)

Commercial Engine License

Pay upfront or royalty-based. Usage rights depend on revenue thresholds and terms.

Common in: Unity, Unreal Engine

MIT/Permissive License

Use freely with minimal restrictions. Attribution typically required.

Common in: Utilities, libraries

Important: Always read the full license agreement before using any game engine or asset. Terms can change with major version updates.

Home > Process

✓ The Licensing Process

A step-by-step guide to understanding licensing requirements for your game.

1

Identify Your Engine/Tools

What development environment are you using? (Unity, Unreal, custom, etc.)

2

Check Revenue Threshold

Many engines have royalty-free tiers for smaller projects. Know your limit.

3

Review EULA Terms

Read the End User License Agreement carefully, focusing on restrictions and obligations.

4

License External Assets

Any third-party assets (art, music, plugins) need their own licenses reviewed.

5

Document Everything

Keep records of all licenses and agreements for your game distribution and support.

Home > Legal Framework

⚖️ Legal Framework

Game licensing varies by region and legal jurisdiction.

North America

Copyright and patent laws primarily govern game licensing. Strong IP protections.

US Copyright Office, WIPO

European Union

GDPR, copyright directives, and regional variation. Data protection critical.

EUIPO, National Offices

Asia-Pacific

Diverse legal systems. Some regions have specific game classification and rating systems.

IAMAI, Regional Bodies

Emerging Markets

Licensing requirements may differ significantly. Local consultation recommended.

Varies by country

Home > FAQ

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to make a game?

Not inherently. However, you may need licenses for the engine, tools, and third-party assets you use.

Can I use open-source engines commercially?

Yes, most open-source engines like Godot and Unreal Engine allow commercial use. Always check the specific license terms.

What's the difference between GPL and MIT licenses?

MIT is more permissive—you can use it in proprietary projects. GPL requires derivative works to remain open-source.

How much revenue triggers royalties?

It varies by engine. Unity charges royalties above $1M revenue. Unreal Engine above $1M lifetime gross revenue. Check current terms.

Do I need legal advice?

For complex cases, yes. This resource provides general knowledge, but legal matters benefit from professional counsel.

Glossary

EULA
End User License Agreement. The legal contract between licensor and user.
Royalty
A percentage of revenue paid to the licensor for use of their product.
IP (Intellectual Property)
Tradeable rights to creative works, including copyrights and patents.
Open Source
Software with publicly accessible source code, often available under permissive licenses.
GPL (General Public License)
A copyleft license requiring derivative works to remain open-source.

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