Video game lawyer implores devs to understand ownership and swerve generative AI
At the London Games Festival, video game lawyer Nick Allan of law firm Mishcon de Reya cautioned game developers—particularly independent studios—about critical legal challenges. Allan emphasized that many indie developers fundamentally misunderstand intellectual property (IP) ownership, creating problems that are difficult and costly to resolve later. He warned that IP created by non-employee contributors typically won’t be owned by the studio, a common mistake that leaves developers vulnerable.
Allan also advised developers to avoid generative AI technology altogether, cautioning studios to “swerve” the emerging technology rather than risk navigating its complex legal and ethical implications. His warning reflects growing concern within the game development industry about AI’s impact on ownership rights, copyright liability, and developer protection.
Spoken to independent developers lacking the legal infrastructure of major publishers, Allan’s advice addresses a knowledge gap that can have serious consequences. His remarks underscore the importance of proper IP agreements with contractors, freelancers, and collaborators, while signaling that the legal uncertainty surrounding generative AI makes it a risky choice for studios concerned about protecting their creative work.