Master Services Agreement for Game Development Studios: What to Include (Customizable Template)

Introduction

A well-drafted Master Services Agreement (MSA) is a game changer for Game Development Studios. It lays down the ground rules for multi-phase work, approvals, and smooth handoffs between you and your clients. A clear MSA ensures that every party knows their responsibilities and protects your interests. If you're ready to get started, you can Customize your Master Services Agreement now.

Legal Terms: What Matters Most for Game Development Studios

IP Ownership

• Retaining Rights: It's important to specify that you retain IP ownership until fees are fully paid. This protects you from losing your creative rights too soon.
• AI Usage: Make sure the agreement prohibits clients from using your work product in AI training models. This helps preserve the uniqueness of your work.
• Attribution: Define how you wish to be credited for your work. Sometimes, it's invaluable to have your name attached to your projects.

Revision Limits, Acceptance, and Payment Milestones

• Revision Caps: Include a set number of revisions to avoid endless tweaking. This keeps the project on track and within budget.
• Acceptance Criteria: Establish clear criteria for how and when work is accepted. This creates a transparent process for both sides.
• Payment Schedule: Incorporate a milestone payment schedule that aligns with project phases. It ensures you get paid as you make progress.

Scope Creep and Change Orders

• Triggers for Change Orders: Clearly define what constitutes a change order to avoid disagreements later. This prevents scope creep that can derail timelines.
• Pricing Guidance: Set expectations around pricing adjustments for extra work. This helps manage client budgets while ensuring fair compensation for you.
• Schedule Adjustments: Include language that describes how changes impact the project schedule. This keeps everyone on the same page.

Other Helpful Clauses

• Limitation of Liability: Consider including this clause to protect yourself from excessive claims arising from unforeseen issues.
• Confidentiality: Ensure that both parties agree to keep sensitive information private. This builds trust in your working relationship.

How Counsel Club Helps

Counsel Club re-imagines legal for startups, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Our platform allows you to search for lawyer-drafted forms for startups, freelancers, content creators, and other creative entrepreneurs. Our platform guides you through modifications, both to the contract and the scope of work. Counsel Club has the most sophisticated drafting tool on the market, and it was designed and developed by lawyers. If you want more help, reach out to a Counsel Club lawyer through our Concierge program. Our legal agent, Amicus, was trained on proprietary legal data to be your best legal assistant. Finally, legal for today, that is fast, protective, and cost effective.

Questions to Ask Amicus

• What rights do I have over my work once it's delivered?
• How many revisions are standard, and what happens if I exceed that?
• How does scope creep affect our agreement and payment?

Closing CTA

Now that you know what to include in your Master Services Agreement, it’s time to create a well-structured document that pairs with your SOWs. Don't hesitate to Customize your Master Services Agreement now to ensure you're protected and on the right track.