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Can Highschool Students Develop Games?

SpydogSpydog Posts: 1Member
in General Discussion

Hello there,

I'm a 16-year-old highschool student very interested in developing for OUYA. Are there specific age restrictions for game submission? Are there any legal issues with minors developing and submitting games? 

I've asked these questions several times but I've never recieved a clear answer. I don't want to spend a ton of time delving into Android development and the ODK if I can't actually do anything with the games I make. Can anybody help clear this up? Thanks!

Best Answers

  • mjoynermjoyner Posts: 168Member
    Answer ✓
    Worst case scenario, my opinion only, is to use an adult "proxy" to do the actual publication for you.
  • arcticdogarcticdog Posts: 235Member
    edited January 2013 Answer ✓
    If you live in the United States, and you're serious about game development (and it seems you are), here's something for you to consider:

    While many businesses will not deal directly with a minor because they have limited contractual power over you, they will deal with a business entity.

    I'd find an adult you trust (ideally a parent/legal guardian) and get them to set up a small business with you.  The business can be signed over to you legally once you turn 18 by simply filing paperwork and paying a fee.   This way you also retain intellectual property rights of the content you produce as the business will own it until then.  You may even be able to be named as a co-owner/manager of the business while you're still a minor (though I don't fully recall the legalities of that off the top of my head).  This may also vary state by state, perhaps county by county.  

    But as @Delpee has implied, that doesn't stop you from developing your software now.  

    If you look at a lot of indie titles out there, usually the difference between the real gems and those that are "yet another pixelated graphics game" is just a couple extra months of polish.  If that period of refinement also happens to be the difference between the time you finish your game and your 18th birthday, then that might work out for the best for you in the long run and make this question complete moot. :)
    Post edited by arcticdog on
  • KonajuGamesKonajuGames Posts: 560Member
    Answer ✓
    The legal position for getting paid by the OUYA Store will become clearer in the coming months.  However getting paid by the OUYA Store will most likely be the same as getting paid by Windows Phone Store or the App Store.  You will need to be 18 or older to enter into the legally binding contract between you (the dev) and the vendor (the Store).  Hence you would require someone 18 or over to act as a representative on your behalf.

Answers

  • DelpeeDelpee Posts: 120Member
    What @mjoyner said. If you make a great game, people will always be available to publish it for you under their responsibility. Heck, if you make a great game, I'LL upload it for you if you're having age restriction issues!
    You'll also be 18 in no-time, so just take some time to learn ODK and before you know it you won't have any more problems. 
    ~ Yuri van Geffen (Portfolio)
  • kiwicocokiwicoco Posts: 86Member
    Don't think twice, just start now. :)

    If you keep creating cool stuff, you'll find a way to make it all work!
  • theaceofthespadetheaceofthespade Posts: 21Member
    Only problem I could foresee would be hooking up a bank account/credit card to things, though most banks today will give you a credit/debit card at any age.
  • DelpeeDelpee Posts: 120Member
    theaceofthespade said:
    Only problem I could foresee would be hooking up a bank account/credit card to things, though most banks today will give you a credit/debit card at any age.
    Maybe in the USA they do, but I think that in most countries you can't get a credit card before you're 18. Debit card should be no problem, but then again, most American services don't work with debit's (at least that's my experience).
    ~ Yuri van Geffen (Portfolio)
  • theaceofthespadetheaceofthespade Posts: 21Member
    A lot of banks have started giving out mastercard debit cards - they are actually debit cards, but act like credit cards for all intents and purposes.
  • SpydogSpydog Posts: 1Member
    Alright, cool. So it looks like finding an adult proxy is the best way to go if I wanted to immediately develop something, but since I'm still brand new to Android development then I'll probably just be 18 by the time I have a decent product. Thanks everybody!
  • DelpeeDelpee Posts: 120Member
    No problem! Good luck and keep us up to date on your progress! Also, if you have any questions, please let it know by posting on these boards!
    ~ Yuri van Geffen (Portfolio)
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