hand, individual console-makers or count and if, after the term, revenues platforms may offer big rewards for are not as expected, the publisher an exclusive release, restricting both can cut its losses and bring any the developer and the publisher ongoing obligations to an end, and from wider publication. the developer can take its product In terms of territories, publishers will elsewhere. want the broadest rights possible so On the other hand, as opposed they can maximise their revenues but to restricting use, developers may if they have global exclusivity and no insist on imposing an obligation on presence, contacts or localisation/ publishers to publish and make the compliance expertise in certain game available, and this obligation markets, this may significantly reduce could be narrow or extend to all the developer’s potential revenues. consoles, platforms, territories etc. If a publisher currently lacks the If not carefully drafted, this can ability to release in certain territories/ become a thorny issue for publishers, avenues, it may wish to obtain particularly if they consider the exclusive rights over them anyway, game is not ready for release. either to be able to arrange a sub- licence through a partner publisher Other revenue streams (and a share of resulting royalties) or As noted, the main asset is the game in the hope that in future they’ll have itself, but this isn’t the only potential the ability to carry out such releases IP worth exploiting. Successful games themselves (and thereby retain a may get sequels or spin-off games, greater revenue share). merchandise may be made and even In addition to the scope of the licence books, films and whole TV shows granted, publishers will want to may be created based on the world, ensure that the licence lasts for as storyline or characters contained in long as possible to maximise the time a game. Rights relating to streaming they receive royalties. Limiting the of gameplay have also become length of the licence can incentivise an important consideration. These both parties to make the relationship can all be an extremely lucrative 42