Level up your legals with Eaton Smith

Award-winning legal services for the video games industry

Eaton Smith has had a long association with the video games industry and has for many years acted for Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video games publishers and developers. We are also proud to be members of both Ukie and TIGA, trade associations representing the UK's games industry. Closer to home, we are members of Game Republic, the games business network for Yorkshire and Northern England. We were very pleased to win the national TIGA Award for the Best Legal Services Supplier in both 2020 and 2022, having also been shortlisted in 2021, 2023 and 2024 (and we’re shortlisted for the November 2025 Awards too!). We were also a finalist in the MCV Develop Awards 2025 for the Service Partner of the Year category.

Our work has been very wide-ranging and includes carrying out the legal work for Ballistic Moon in its development of the rebuilt and enhanced Until Dawn.

We act for publishers, developers, artists, musicians and influencers and are involved across not only a wide range of game development and publishing activities, but we also assist across the full range of our clients’ business requirements.

We can prepare game-related contracts or review and advise upon documentation that you may have received, these being examples:

Confidentiality Agreements
Intellectual Property licences and transfers
Development/Publishing Agreements
Music Agreements
Investment Agreements and associated deal documentation
End User Licence Agreements
Rules connected with prize promotions to market and promote upcoming releases

So whether you are a publisher, developer, artist, musician or influencer – or indeed connected with games in some other way – and you need new documentation preparing or you have been presented with contracts to sign, we can help you with your contractual needs.

Some examples of our work include:

Reviewing, advising on and negotiating publishing agreements
Setting up studios and publishers and advising on initial paperwork useful to operations
Preparation of EULAs covering UGC, in game goods, virtual currencies, IP rights and code of conduct
Creation of employment contracts/handbooks and providing ongoing employment advice
Advising on investments from investors and preparation and negotiation of paperwork
Preparation of development contracts
Preparing CAP Code compliant terms of entry for prize promotions, including open air events, internet-based competitions and in-store promotions (including smart phone QR/NFC functionality) and, on occasion, covering many countries
Advising on marketing campaigns, including prize promotions and preparing social media influencer agreements
Documenting responsibilities on esports tournament, as between IP holder and operator
Preparation of website Privacy Policies and Terms of Use

Our wider Business Services Team can assist our creative services clients. We cover Employment Law and HR issues, Dispute Resolution services (aka litigation) and mediation. We can also provide Corporate assistance for your business and can deal with, for example, equity investments, EMI Schemes, a business/company acquisition or sale, shareholder changes or other proposed constitutional activities. Our Commercial Property team can advise on any premises move that you may be planning.

For a discussion as to your needs, please contact Chris Taylor at christaylor@eatonsmith.co.uk. You can also follow Chris on Twitter/X at @HolmfirthLawyer

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When the Law Comes into Play – A Guide for Video Game Developers Written By Gamers

To download our guide for game developers on legal issues arising in video game development (“When the Law Comes into Play”), please enter your details into the form below. Your details are stored and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We have put together a wide-ranging guide for game developers on the various legal challenges they may face when setting up and running their business and when developing their games. The guide also sets out how we can assist with some of the common legal challenges faced by those involved in the video game industry. If you wish to discuss any of the points contained within the guide, do get in touch with us to discuss matters further. Thank you for your interest.

As a bonus, here are some of our personal favourite video games:

Chris	Sam
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33	Homeworld 2
Thronefall	Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2
Stardew Valley	Sid Meier's Civilisation 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 3	Freelancer
Elite Dangerous	Battlefield (most of them)
Baldur's Gate III	SimCity
Gran Turismo 7	Rimworld
Wipeout Omega Collection	Factorio
The Entropy Centre	Satisfactory
Until Dawn	Digital Combat Simulator
Assassin's Creed - Black Flag & Mirage	Apache
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown	MechWarrior
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin	Uboat
Tom Clancy's: Ghost Recon Wildlands	Wargame
Tom Clancy's: The Division	Frostpunk
Cassette Beasts	Squad
Shadowgate (NES)	Avorion
Gargoyle's Quest (Game Boy)	Company of Heroes
Tetris (of course!)	Empyrion Galactic Survival
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Rome Total War
Death's Door	Portal
Hades	Elder Scrolls
Child of Light	Risk of Rain 2
Wreckfest	Kerbal Space Program
Ghost of Tsushima	Elite Dangerous
Watch Dogs 2	DayZ
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) (could have died playing this)	Ark Survival Evolved
	Counter Strike 1.6
	Supreme Commander (and FAF)
	Stronghold Crusader II
	Fallout

Team for Business – Video Games Industry

T: 01484 821411

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Chris Taylor

Partner

T: 01484 821405

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Philip Clarke

Partner

T: 01484 821390

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Sam Crich

Partner

Testimonials

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Yet another example of why Chris Taylor at Eaton Smith is a great set of eyeballs on our company activity. The intentions of Chris are always impeccable and appreciated. He has provided unsolicited advice and continues to look after our interests and has expressed an availability to act should we need to instruct further. I rarely get the opportunity to commend someone for their input to our daily business but thought that this should be mentioned. I am extremely pleased to be dealing with Chris on such matters.

Ubisoft

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You make complicated topics easy to understand and take the fear out of the unknown.

Marcia Deakin - Co-Founder, NextGen Skills Academy

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Thank you so much for sending this through and getting it done so quickly. I am absolutely blown away with the speed and quality of your work. The EULA has exceeded my expectations. You have covered everything we spoke of as well as things I hadn't even considered, so thank you for your attention to detail, it is very much appreciated.

A Client

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The moment we realised that we’d need someone to prepare a legal document for us, there was no real argument as to who. We’ve both seen how proactive you are in our industry and how willing you are to help at times of need, so you were literally our first logical choice.

A Client

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I’ve had the pleasure of working with Eaton Smith twice now, and both experiences have been fantastic. Chris assisted me with the EULA for my indie game, and his kindness, thoroughness, and incredibly fast email responses made the entire process seamless.

A Client

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Thank you also for your excellent comments in the email. I appreciate your taking the time to educate me along the way and not just provide a final document. You're a joy to work with, thanks!

A Client

“

”

Let’s face it, deciding on a solicitor is a bit of a gamble, but fortunately, we found Chris.

Understanding the legal landscape is daunting, and I would not have secured our deal without him. He is a fountain of legal knowledge that goes well beyond the black and white mentality you often find. I discovered very early on that Chris is first and foremost a genuine person, who also happens to be an incredible solicitor. Chris has a unique way of getting results, by delivering practical information, combined with strategic moves and overall empathy. His style is subtle, focused and precise, which genuinely helped us carve out a deal with little to no resistance.

I can’t emphasise how important this is, as Chris never lost sight of our needs, and he always had a sense of momentum with a constant view of completion in mind. Chris is top of his game and is a rare breed of AAA solicitor who also goes that extra mile for you. It’s honestly been a pleasure, and I will continue to collaborate with Chris for all our company affairs.

A Client

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Sam was able to take on ALJO on as a client with very short notice which I appreciated, he was very knowledgeable in parsing through games publisher contracts in a high pressure environment and helped me navigate negotiations in a manner of great benefit to the company. Would thoroughly recommend his service and that of Eaton Smith.

ALJO

Contact

Team for business – Video Games Industry

Chris Taylor

Partner

T: 01484 821411

  

Chris is a Partner in the Company Commercial Team at Eaton Smith.

Chris spends much of his time advising on and preparing agreements across a broad range of commercial areas including terms and conditions of sale and purchase, confidentiality, data protection, intellectual property, prize promotions, joint ventures and he also deals with tenders. His work has led to agreements involving businesses in, amongst other countries, America, Turkey, South Africa, Japan and Australia.

For further information on our Commercial Law services, please click here

In addition to commercial work, Chris conducts sales and purchases of both assets and shares and also provides assistance to others in the Team during substantial corporate transactions.

Just some of the work that Chris has been involved in includes:

the successful 2008 tender (and the 2013 and 2020 re-tenders) and subsequent contract negotiations concerning the recovery of broken down and accident-damaged vehicles from England's motorway network and the preparation of the associated ancillary contracts and paperwork needed at every level of the operation
preparation of software licensing agreements for licensing software on a continental basis and subsequent negotiations
on behalf of Verbatim Investments Limited, the transfer/acquisition of the sponsorship of an OEIC
preparation of contractual terms concerning (as separate matters): software subscriptions, equipment servicing, sports equipment hire, agency/distribution arrangements and contractual joint ventures
setting up of corporate joint ventures in England, Scotland and Turkey
the incorporation of a specific purpose PLC with subsidiaries
the creation of a licence agreement allowing sports clubs to use licensed teaching materials

In relation to issues specific to the video games sector, Chris is also able to prepare or advise on issues concerning, amongst other things:

Confidentiality and Confidentiality Agreements
Intellectual Property licences
Development Agreements
Distribution Agreements (online or physical products)
Demo Licences
End User Licence Agreements
Rules connected with prize promotions to market and promote upcoming releases and is able to review and advise on agreements that you may have been presented with by another party.

For more information on our video games work, please click here

Eaton Smith is also able to provide advice in this area regarding employment, dispute resolution/mediation and debt recovery.

Chris came to the Team after spending six years as a Paralegal with DLA (now DLA Piper) in Leeds prior to qualifying in 2005.

Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 03/10/05

What others say about Chris:

Yet another example of why Chris Taylor at Eaton Smith is a great set of eyeballs on our company activity. The intentions of Chris are always impeccable and appreciated. He has provided unsolicited advice and continues to look after our interests and has expressed an availability to act should we need to instruct further. I rarely get the opportunity to commend someone for their input to our daily business but thought that this should be mentioned. I am extremely pleased to be dealing with Chris on such matters.

- Ubisoft

“Just wanted to say a huge thanks to you Chris for all the work done to get the contract to this point. Being solo and a newcomer to the industry, your help has been absolutely invaluable. And your expertise clearly shines through. I'll of course definitely be using Eaton Smith for any future legal endeavours, I'm really pleased with the work that has been done.”

- A Client

Let’s face it, deciding on a solicitor is a bit of a gamble, but fortunately, we found Chris.

Understanding the legal landscape is daunting, and I would not have secured our deal without him. He is a fountain of legal knowledge that goes well beyond the black and white mentality you often find. I discovered very early on that Chris is first and foremost a genuine person, who also happens to be an incredible solicitor. Chris has a unique way of getting results, by delivering practical information, combined with strategic moves and overall empathy. His style is subtle, focused and precise, which genuinely helped us carve out a deal with little to no resistance.

I can’t emphasise how important this is, as Chris never lost sight of our needs, and he always had a sense of momentum with a constant view of completion in mind. Chris is top of his game and is a rare breed of AAA solicitor who also goes that extra mile for you. It’s honestly been a pleasure, and I will continue to collaborate with Chris for all our company affairs.

- A Client

The moment we realised that we'd need someone to prepare a legal document for us, there was no real argument as to who. We've both seen how proactive you are in our industry and how willing you are to help at times of need, so you were literally our first logical choice.- IndieHound

- IndieHound

I have to say this is a work of art, reads exactly as I wanted. Thank you very much for your work on this, it's been a joy in a way I thought legal stuff could never be.

Thank you also for your excellent comments in the email. I appreciate your taking the time to educate me along the way and not just provide a final document. You're a joy to work with, thanks

Team for business – Video Games Industry

Philip Clarke

Partner

T: 01484 821405

 

Philip is Head of our Dispute Resolution team and is an experienced Dispute Resolution Solicitor who guides clients through contractual and other disputes. Having had significant Trial experience, he has both applied for and responded to applications for Injunctive relief and understands the necessity for swift decisive action at the early stages in Litigation. Philip is a strong believer in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is an experienced advocate at both mediations and all parties meetings.

Philip has particular interests in contractual disputes, litigation arising out of corporate transactions, employer/ employee disputes and partnership disputes.

Examples of Philip's work in these areas are set out below:-

Contractual Disputes

Advising a manufacturing client on the termination of a Partnering Contract with a sports governing body. This settled on confidential terms after negotiation;

Advising a client on the threatened termination of a catering contract for a music festival;

Advising a major food manufacturer on claims arising out of the termination of trademark licences. This settled on confidential terms following a mediation; and

Advising on the termination of a significant shared services contract. This settled on confidential terms following an all parties meeting.

Corporate Transactional Disputes

Advising a buyer on warranty and indemnity claims arising out of a share purchase agreement following a tax charge on matters occurring before completion. This settled following negotiation;

Attending an 11 day trial in the Chancery Division on a claim for breach of a relationship agreement following an admission onto AIM; and

Attending a 3 day Preliminary Issue Hearing for a seller dealing with whether a buyer had given adequate notification under a share purchase agreement.

Employer/ Employee Disputes

Advising an employer on action against two employees who had set up in competition in breach of their restrictive covenants and had placed fraudulent orders whilst still in employment. This settled on confidential terms following a without prejudice meeting;

Advising an employer on action against an employee on garden leave and his prospective employer for poaching clients, breach of confidence and breach of fiduciary duty including an application for injunctive relief against both defendants, delivery up of all confidential information and provision of information. This settled on confidential terms at a multi party mediation; and

Advising a former senior director on a claim for breach of confidence, conspiracy, breach of restrictive covenants and allegations of invoicing fraud including advising on a search order (on 1 hours notice), provision of information by affidavit and a potential freezing order application. This settled on confidential terms following negotiation.

Partnership Disputes

Advising a General Practitioner in a Partnership dispute with his fellow Partners. This settled on confidential terms following a without prejudice meeting;

Advising a Recruitment Consultant in a Partnership dispute with his fellow Partners. This settled on confidential terms following a without prejudice meeting; and

Advising on a multi million pound farming partnership dispute that settled after a 5 day trial but before judgment was handed down.

Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 01/03/05

Team for business – Video Games Industry

Sam Crich

Partner

T: 01484 821390

 

Sam is a Partner in the Commercial and Video Games Law team at Eaton Smith.

Sam has a great deal of experience working with commercial contracts in a number of different sectors ranging from physical goods to digital services and the online commercial world. He has developed substantial expertise in matters relating to the law around technology, software and data generally and adds particular value to clients working in these sectors regardless of their location. Sam has advised USA and other foreign based clients on their UK operations often regarding the UK GDPR and the Information Commissioners’ Children’s Code as it relates to their activities. His commercial awareness and generally collaborative approach to negotiation means that he is often directly involved in supporting discussions between his clients and their customers.

Sam has developed a number of specialisms throughout his career to date to offer a one-stop-shop for advice for businesses working within the online world. His specialisms range from deep contract law knowledge to covering data protection matters, software and content licensing, and complex development arrangements.

In his work to date Sam has developed a particular knowledge of data protection laws which are especially relevant for clients in the data broking space, or those working with health information or children's data. Sam has advised a number of clients and assisted them in preparing detailed Data Protection Risk Assessments in heavily regulated industries.

For a lawyer, Sam has an exceptionally good baseline knowledge of computer theory and his years of experience working closely with software developers has given him unique insight into the workings of the world of software development all the way from website development up to much more complex development and support arrangements. Sam's commercial awareness of the technology sector adds real value to clients who praise him for his general commercial-mindedness and for his ability to translate complex legal concepts into real world examples that developers can relate to.

In addition to more traditional contracts work Sam is also a key contact at Eaton Smith for clients in the Video Games sector. As a keen gamer himself, Sam is able to bring his knowledge of video games to bear in a way that enables him to add significant value to his advice to clients in this sector. Working with publishers and developers as well as independent artists, Sam very much enjoys applying his specialisms to this sector.

The types of contracts that Sam works on include but are by no means limited to:

Confidentiality Agreements or "NDA"s
IP Licensing and assignments
Software Development and/or Support Agreements
Service Level Agreements or "SLA"s
Supply and Maintenance Agreements
Distribution Agreements (online or physical products) as well as Commission Referral arrangements
VAR or Value Added Reseller Agreements
E-commerce and Consumer Agreements including distance selling
Marketing Agency Agreements and Digital Services generally
Influencer laws and regulations
Direct Marketing and Data Brokering Agreements
Subject Access Request ("DSAR") and Data Processing Agreements ("DPA"s)
Sensitive Data Processing operations advice and compliance, including healthcare and children's data.
End User Licence Agreements or "EULA"s including middleware arrangements.
Rules connected with prize promotions to market and promote upcoming releases and is able to review and advise on agreements that you may have been presented with by another party.

In his spare time, when he isn't checking out the latest video games in early-access, Sam enjoys bouldering, sailing, swimming, playing hockey, reading ancient myths and science-fiction novels and occasionally trying his hand at oil painting among other mediums.

Solicitor Admitted as a solicitor 03/10/16 with over 10 years’ experience in Commercial Law.

Here's what clients had to say about Sam:

Sam was able to take on ALJO on as a client with very short notice which I appreciated, he was very knowledgeable in parsing through games publisher contracts in a high pressure environment and helped me navigate negotiations in a manner of great benefit to the company. Would thoroughly recommend his service and that of Eaton Smith. - Alex Johansson, ALJO Games

Sam was very well informed and thorough working with me on an IP transfer in the video game space. - A Client

Level up your legals with Eaton Smith

Downloads

When the Law Comes into Play – A Guide for Video Game Developers Written By Gamers

Team for Business – Video Games Industry

Testimonials

Contact

Team for business – Video Games Industry

Team for business – Video Games Industry

Team for business – Video Games Industry