Developing computer games and off-the-shelf software

Games and software businesses must navigate complex regulations protecting consumers, creators and platforms. Essential compliance areas cover:

• intellectual property rights and licensing
• consumer protection - including rules around refund, cooling-off periods
• age ratings and classification - including PEGI (Europe), ESBR (US), CERO (Japan)
• advertising laws
• data protection and privacy - with UK GDPR and the Children’s Code requiring privacy policies, consent banners, parental verification for under-13s, and more
• gambling legislation and age verification for loot box systems
• responsibilities concerning staff and employment practices

Non-compliance can put businesses in jeopardy, risking takedowns, fines or legal action.

For detailed advice on regulations, you should seek expert advice. Search for solicitors in Northern Ireland.

There are also various trade associations, which protect the interests of businesses in the industry:

• the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) is the UK's leading video games trade body
• the Independent Game Developers' Association (Tiga) is the trade association which represents the interests of independent games developers
• the Business Software Alliance (BSA) is the trade organisation representing the global commercial software industry
• the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) represents both software publishers and users, and aim to combat software piracy
• techUK, the UK trade body for the digital technology industry aims to improve growth in the industry and to provide its members with knowledge and advice