Virtual Legality #23 - Does Steam hold the "Keys" to Epic's Game Store Kingdom? (Hoeg Law)
50Though Epic has come out blazing with attacks on Steam's 70/30 revenue split, Steam's policy of allowing publishers and developers to sell their own Steam "keys" on other stores (serviced by Steam for free), makes the math a bit more complicated.
What is Steam's "key" policy and how does it differ from what is presently offered by the Epic Games Store?
What does it mean to enforce "guidelines" over specific rules or contract terms?
And why does the use of "guidelines" mean that some publishers and developers might still consider themselves to be better off going with Epic?
#Steam #Epic #VirtualLegality
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Discussed in this episode:
Twitter Conversation between Lewie Procter and HoegLaw
Twitter, January 30, 2019
(https://twitter.com/LewieP/status/1090772768847745024)
ResetEra Post analyzing % of reviews from Steam purchasers on Steam
ResetEra, January 27, 2019
(https://www.resetera.com/threads/6-of-devs-think-valve-justifies-its-30-steam-cut-according-to-gdc-poll.96047/page-4#post-17301542)
Is There any Deal Website HomePage
(https://isthereanydeal.com/#/)
Gamebillet "About Us"
(https://www.gamebillet.com/about-us)
Steamworks Documentation - "Steam Keys"
(https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/features/keys)
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"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
Rick has practiced for more than a decade at some of the country's largest law firms, representing IT, software, video game, and other technology companies, as well as the individuals and institutions which fund them.
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!
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(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)
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