Can you sell a video game idea
Mia Horton
Published May 16, 2026
Originally Answered: How do I sell a video game idea? You don’t. The idea alone is worth nothing at all, so you cannot sell your idea. Turn it into a working prototype and you might have something that’s worth money.
Can you sell ideas to video game company?
Now, if you do want to get your idea made into a game, there are a few things you can do: Inquire with the company first. Ask them if they want to hear your idea and offer to sign an NDA (nondisclosure agreement). … Get a job at a game company.
How do I sell a game I created?
- Sell via platforms for gamers. Some of the most popular distribution platforms include Steam, Desura, and GOG. …
- Sell to business. As opposed to gamer’s distribution platforms, developers can also sell their games to wholesale and retail businesses. …
- Sell via your own website.
How much is a game idea worth?
An idea is completely worthless. Its cost/price is zero.What to do if you have an idea for a game?
Begin by writing a “design document”. Put everything you want into it, explain the game in detail. Then, post it online to see what others think. Note: don’t worry about people stealing your idea.
How do I protect my game idea?
Copyrights and Design Patent – Work with a patent attorney to register your game board designs under Design Patent and copyright law. this will cover the actual design of the board. A Design Patent will enable you to exclude others from making, selling, or using your patented board design for a period of 14 years.
How do I submit a video game idea to a company?
- Do your research. …
- Tailor your pitch. …
- Refine your logline. …
- Provide the basics. …
- Make it engaging. …
- Provide examples. …
- Pitch from the perspective of the player.
How do I know if my game idea is good?
This is called concept testing, and it can give you an idea if your idea is worth pursuing. You can test out a concept by writing an elevator pitch for your game, describing the game’s genre, mechanics, what makes your game fun to play, and what makes your game different from the competition.Can you patent a game idea?
If you’re wondering how to patent a game, the first thing you need to know is that you can’t patent a game idea, just like you cannot copyright an idea for a book. … To patent a game, you’ll need a detailed design and it must meet certain criteria to ensure your concept meets the patent test.
How can I create my own video game?- Pick a concept. Generate a few game concepts to see what kind of game you want to make. …
- Gather information. Game creation involves extensive research. …
- Start building. …
- Refine your concept. …
- Test your game. …
- Market the finished product.
Do you need a company to sell a game?
You don’t need an LLC or other business entity to sell video games, but it is generally recommended if you are going to be “engaged in the trade or business” of selling video games.
Can I sell games on Steam?
Currently, you can only sell a game on Steam if you’re the official owner or developer. You can’t sell a game you bought from Valve – Steam’s parent company – or from third parties. … At the point of purchase, you’re required to declare whether you’re buying the game for your own use or as a gift for some other user.
Where can I sell my game for free?
- ITCH.IO. Itch.io is hands down the best platform available for indie game publishing. …
- INDIEGAMESTAND. IndieGameStand is a robust platform to market your game, and is great for strong short term sales if you choose their pay-what-you-want deal. …
- DESURA. …
- KONGREGATE. …
- ROAST MY GAME.
Can you copyright a card game?
Copyright Registration. According to U.S. and international law, your card game is automatically protected by copyright the moment you create it in a tangible form, whether physically tangible or perceptible with the aid of a machine or device (such as a game played on a television, phone, or computer).
How do I contact a game developer?
- Open the Google Play Store app .
- Browse or search for the app.
- Tap the app to open the detail page.
- Tap Developer contact.
- Scroll down to review the contact information listed.
What is the biggest board game company?
- Asmodée Editions. It is a French game publisher that started in 1995 with a few games, including Jungle Speed, Wooly Bully, and The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow.
- Goliath B.V. …
- Grand Prix International. …
- Hasbro. …
- Ravensburger.
How do you pitch a video game?
- The past experience of your leadership team, even if that’s just you.
- A one-sentence description of your game that includes the “hook” or unique selling proposition (USP). …
- A brief synopsis of the game story.
- A clear description of the gameplay loop.
- A short list of key features.
How do you sell an idea to a company without them stealing it?
You can sell an idea to a company without a patent. You need a way to stop them from stealing the idea from you. One way to do that without a patent is with a nondisclosure agreement, aka NDA. The NDA would limit the company’s ability to use your idea without paying you for it.
How much does it cost to copyright a game?
The initial filing of a copyright application will cost between $50 and $65 depending on the type of form, unless you file online which will then only cost you $35. There are special fees for registering a copyright application claim in a group or obtaining additional certificates of registration as well.
How much does it cost to patent a game?
A relatively simple invention, such as a board game or umbrella, will cost between $7,000 and $8,500. A minimally complex invention, such as a power hand tool or camera, will cost between $8,500 and $10,000.
What is a poor man's patent?
The theory behind the “poor man’s patent” is that, by describing your invention in writing and mailing that documentation to yourself in a sealed envelope via certified mail (or other proof-of-delivery mail), the sealed envelope and its contents could be used against others to establish the date that the invention was …
How much money do video game creators make?
The average salary for a video game designer in the United States is around $90,270 per year.
How long does a video game copyright last?
The term of copyright for video games is no different than those of other media in the United States. Most popular video games are works of corporate authorship and have copyrights that will expire 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever expires first.
How can I make games better?
- Games need to be games first. This point may sound too obvious, but it can be very easy to miss. …
- Playtest, playtest, playtest. …
- Games don’t have to be for kids. …
- Action can be boring. …
- Fit the game into the player’s lifestyle. …
- Create meaningful experience. …
- Don’t cheat. …
- Skip the manual.
Is it hard to be a game designer?
Becoming a game designer is just as hard as getting into any other career, but with added competition and the need to be constantly fresh and relevant. However, by applying yourself and keeping your long-term goals in mind, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career as easy to progress through as anything.
What is the hardest part of making a video game?
The most difficult part of designing a video game has to be making it fun. Ideas are cheap but implementation is expensive. You’re only going to get so many tries with a concept before you have to move on or sink the ship. The best way to get around this is to accumulate an awful lot of experiences.
Do you need a game engine to make a game?
Therefore, technically you cannot create a game without an engine, but you can create a game from scratch. It’s possible. Same for the Game Engines, they just have special tools to make much easier & faster game programming (For example the scene and prefabs editor.)
Do I need a business to sell games on Steam?
You do not need to create a company.
Is Gameflip real?
Gameflip is a legit online marketplace that sells digital goods from game keys, NFTs, gift cards, and gigs to a growing audience base at steeply discounted prices. … Even so, Gameflip remains one of the most trusted platforms for both buyers and sellers.
How much does it cost to sell a game on Steam?
Steam charges a fee of $100 for each game you submit on Steam Direct. Although nonrefundable, this fee can be recouped once your product has generated at least $1,000 adjusted gross revenue from the Steam Store and in-app purchases. Developers may not like it, but the fee serves as a gatekeeper against weak games.
Can you sell games on Epic Games?
Here’s how to sell an Epic Games Account on PlayerAuctions: Decide on whether you want to delivery manually, or want to use PlayerAuctions’ automatic delivery function. Create and post your offer for free – remember to lay out the account’s games and attractive selling points clearly so that buyers can find your offer.