Hi!

When you install a game like Battle Field or other big titles, you always have to agree to a game license before you can play the game. I am no lawyer, and I don't understand the very complex text that these licenses contain. What is the purpose of these licenses? Are they to protect the game idea from being stolen? Are they there to prevent peoples from suing the game company, if the game makes players insane, or destroys their hardware? Should I create a game license for my game, even if it is just a small game, and I don’t care if my idea gets stolen? Can you download finished game licenses (something like creative commons), so I don't have to write my own (again I am no lawyer).

Ps. I live in Denmark, so US law does not (I sure hope so) apply to me. But I think US and Europe has the same law when it comes to copyright and “game law”?

The licence agree is the document that the installer have to agree at to install whatever product(If you are talking about PC software) this document must contain whatever you want to warn the use about example if your game contain content related to real life that may hurt others you must make sure that you include that you don't mean causing anything bad to anyone also you may want to tell people that your game is protected and got reserved rights(If you have one) and if you have any included materials like graphics or ideas in your game you have to include that you have a permission to use it(In case your game is commercial) and that it belongs to its owners in order you don't get sued for attributing this material to yourself.

P.S. Don't care alot about licence in hobbyists games as you are not making your game for commercial purposes and it would be nice if you include that owners of music or pictures you include in your game.

People, please! Do not ask for what amounts to legal advice on an internet forum. And, even more importantly, do not purport to GIVE legal advice if you are not a professional licensed by the bar in your state (or other similar position in other countries). Not only is it a terrible idea to take such advice, but you may actually be liable just for attempting to give it, depending on context. (Oh noes! The TORT!)

The law is complex, is not a yes/no subject, is often not clear on many of these points, and varies by territory. If you ask yourself "do I need a license," then you need to pay for an hour of consultation with a lawyer in your town to answer that question. Preferrably one already specializing in computer software law.

If you need help coming up with various license texts, there are license texts that are free for use that you can find on places such as opensource.org. If those licenses are what you need (say, "it's free to use and share, but don't sue me if your computer explodes") then perhaps those might help you decide what you want to do.