No Cheat Codes: Navigating Modern Video Game Deals, Distribution, and Disputes

This panel will provide a practical overview of the modern video game business, starting with how games are developed, financed, published, owned, and monetized, led by Keith Cooper of Cooper & Iravani, LLP, who also moderates. The discussion then moves from traditional developer/publisher deals to newer platform-based models involving Roblox, Fortnite/UEFN, digital storefronts, and app stores with Felix Hilgert, LL.M., Partner at Osborne Clarke.

Where esports fits in the ecosystem comes next, covered by Ryan Garfat, Advisor at Pangea Entertainment Productions and formerly senior editor of ESPN Esports. Jamison Gilmore of Weinberg Gonser LLP brings the litigator's perspective, drawing on his experience with entertainment and video game business disputes involving contracts, licensing, trade secrets, and copyrighted and trademarked materials. Closing out the program, Anastasiia (Stacey) Chuvaieva, CIPP/US/E, an associate at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, examines how these business changes are driving current litigation and regulatory disputes. Her segment covers platform control, digital distribution, minors and online safety, game design liability, AI, and ownership rights.