End-User License Agreements (EULAs) are essential legal agreements that define the terms and conditions under which players can use your game.
However, when it comes to multiplayer games, there are unique considerations that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your EULA adequately addresses issues that can arise.
In this post, I will provide an overview of some key EULA considerations for multiplayer games that you should be aware of.
Ownership of User-Generated Content
In multiplayer games, players may often have the ability to create and distribute their own content, such as mods, skins, or levels.
If players are allowed to create and share content, it’s crucial to define who owns that content and what rights you have as the game publisher!
Some questions to consider and address in the EULA are:
- Does the game developer own all user-generated content? (most likely, no – this would be a huge turn-off for modders)
- If not, what rights do players have to their content?
- What rights do you as the developer have in their content?
- How can players share their content with others, and under what conditions?
Defining ownership of user-generated content and your rights to use it as the game developer in your EULA can help prevent disputes over intellectual property rights down the line.
It can also prevent your EULA from limiting your ability to make that content available to your other players, as well.
Data Privacy and Security
In a multiplayer game, players may share personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and payment information.
It’s essential to outline how this information is collected, stored, and used in your EULA – or at least to point to your public privacy policy where this is more fully described.
When preparing your EULA and privacy policy, it’s important to keep some things in mind:
- How is player data collected, and for what purposes?
- What measures are in place to protect player data from unauthorized access or disclosure?
- How can players request access to or deletion of their personal data? This is often required under video game user privacy laws.
By addressing data privacy and security in your EULA and privacy policy, you can demonstrate your commitment to protecting your players’ sensitive information.
For those few users who actually read these documents, it can do a lot to inspire confidence! (I’m only half-kidding…)
Code of Conduct and User Restrictions
In multiplayer games, players interact with each other in real-time, and there is the potential for conflict or inappropriate behavior.
To prevent negative experiences for your players and ensure you have the ability to police their behavior, it’s crucial to outline a clear code of conduct and user restrictions in your EULA.
Some things to consider when drafting your EULA include the following:
- What types of behavior are considered inappropriate and will not be tolerated?
- What consequences will players face for violating the code of conduct?
- What user restrictions are in place, such as age limits or geographic restrictions?
- Are there any restrictions on usernames?
By addressing these issues in your EULA and giving your users specific notice about what is allowed and what actions you will take, you can create a safe and enjoyable experience for all players.
Payment and Revenue Sharing
In multiplayer games, players may spend money on in-game items, such as virtual currency, cosmetics, or power-ups. Sometimes these are user-created, which creates another layer of potential issues that should be addressed related to your in-game marketplace.
It’s important that you outline how payments are processed and how revenue is shared in your EULA.
Consider adding answers to the following to your EULA:
- What payment methods are available, and how are they processed?
- What revenue sharing models are in place, and how are they calculated?
- How are refunds handled, and what are the conditions for refund requests?
By addressing payment and revenue sharing in your EULA, you can provide transparency to your players and avoid disputes over financial transactions.
Wrapping it up – What EULA considerations do you need to make?
EULAs are crucial legal agreements for any game, but for multiplayer games, there are unique considerations that need to be taken into account.
By addressing ownership of user-generated content, data privacy and security, code of conduct and user restrictions, and payment and revenue sharing in your EULA, you can create a safe and enjoyable gameplay experience for everyone.
Need help getting your game’s EULA together? Jump over to my contact page and set up a consultation!
