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license problem..

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2010 10:50 pm
by alexander19
I just released my game,and a guy told me that because I accept donations ingame and I dont own a license for my game,I could be closed up?
I find this a little..weird and dont know what to make of it.
Anyone got any advice on this license thing?

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 12:18 am
by Jackolantern
Own a license...for your game? He likely meant a business license. It is extremely easy to get a simple business license, and usually just means a trip to your county court house/justice of the peace/who ever does it in your state. Just Google "how to get business license [state]".

If he meant licensing the software...you don't need a license to use software you programmed lol.

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 10:43 am
by alexander19
He probably meant a business one.
Thanks for the advice.

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 11:02 am
by OldRod
I'm not sure you need a business license to accept donations

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 11:18 am
by alexander19
Thats what I thought too,but..I'm gonna go out this week and see how much it will cost.If it will be too expensive for my pocket,then I'll drop the ideea of purchasing a license,at least for now.

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:57 pm
by Jackolantern
Technically, in many states you do. But for the small amounts that an online game would generate, I doubt you would ever get in trouble for it, particularly if you do it through paypal.

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 6:11 pm
by hallsofvallhalla
i personally would not worry about it. maybe educate yourself on your states wants, but unless you plan on getting donated a ton of money I would not worry about it

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 8:19 pm
by Jackolantern
Pretty much yes.

If you are the type who would rather stab yourself with a screwdriver than jay-walk, then get a license. But it really doesn't matter for the Micky-D's money you may get each month.

EDIT: Unless of course you are going to give players something when they donate. Then it doesn't matter if you call it donations, you are selling something, and it would be wise to get a simple license.

Re: license problem..

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2010 11:16 pm
by hallsofvallhalla
i have received 1 donation for this site and all my tutorials. I would not bank on donations too much.

Re: license problem..

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:26 am
by SpiritWebb
Jackolantern wrote:Pretty much yes.

If you are the type who would rather stab yourself with a screwdriver than jay-walk, then get a license. But it really doesn't matter for the Micky-D's money you may get each month.

EDIT: Unless of course you are going to give players something when they donate. Then it doesn't matter if you call it donations, you are selling something, and it would be wise to get a simple license.
He's giving away gold coins in exchange for a $5 donation, done through PayPal.