Social Media Mini-Games: Legal Advice for Developers

Mini-games are small games that usually have a simple structure and are often used as a complement to larger projects, or exist independently.

Unlike other games, mini-games differ:

simplicity of gameplay (they usually have intuitive rules and mechanics, which allows players to quickly understand the controls);
short-term gaming sessions (which is especially convenient for mobile platforms, where users can play in queues or during breaks);
a variety of genres (from arcade and logic to sports and cards),
the ability to integrate into other projects (for example, as additional tasks that contribute to the progress of the main game).

One prime example of classic mini-games is Purble Place, a desktop game set that was first introduced as part of Windows Vista and quickly gained popularity with users.

“Purble Place” includes several mini-games, each offering unique gameplay and mechanics. Simplicity of controls, bright graphics and accessibility made “Purble Place” a symbol of the era of early computer games.

Mini-games are generally easy to manage and accessible to a wide audience, making them ideal for learning, relaxing, and socializing. However, the world of mini-games is full of legal nuances, ranging from copyright issues for graphics and music to the protection of users’ personal data, especially when it comes to children’s games.

If you are a developer, pay attention to the necessary copyright regulation for mini-games, namely:

Protection of intellectual property

As with any other form of art and media, the copyright of mini-games protects original elements, including graphics, sound, software, and stories. Developers have the right to protect their works from copying and unauthorized use, thereby maintaining control over their works, preventing their illegal distribution, and thus ensuring fair remuneration for their work.

The copyright of mini-games protects them from the moment they are created in most countries. For example, in the United States and Canada, the copyright in works, including graphics, code, and music, automatically belongs to the creator from the moment they are created. In the countries of the European Union, similar rules are applied thanks to the Berne Convention, which protects copyright in works immediately after their creation. In addition to the Berne Convention, each country in the European Union also has its own national laws that govern copyright and may provide additional protections and rights to authors. Japan and South Korea also have laws that automatically protect the copyright of created works. In this way, you become the owner of the rights to your mini-game immediately after the development is completed, regardless of the country.

When developing and releasing mini-games, it is important to pay special attention to the End User License Agreement (EULA). This document plays a key role in protecting the developer’s rights and establishing the rules for using the game.

When drafting an EULA, it is important to consider the following aspects:

Rights and obligations of the parties. Clearly define what rights the user receives and what obligations he must comply with.
Restrictions on Use. What actions with the game are prohibited (for example, modification or commercial use without permission).
Protection of intellectual property. It is better to note that all rights to the game and its content belong to the developer.
Limitation of Liability. Limits of the developer’s liability for possible losses or problems arising from the use of the game.

You can read more about the content and preparation of the draft EULA in our material.

In addition, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary licenses when creating and releasing the game. Licenses are required, for example, to use third-party materials such as music, graphics, or characters. It’s not uncommon for developers to use free or shareware resources with open licenses that allow you to use content without the need for separate permissions.

As you can see, protecting the interests of mini-game developers requires a comprehensive approach.

Examples of social networks with mini-games and how they are regulated

LinkedIn

In recent years, various platforms have sought to integrate game mechanics to make the use of their resources more attractive and interesting. This strategy has also been adopted by the LinkedIn network, where a new feature has appeared – mini-games directly on the platform.

Curiously, games on LinkedIn are a feature managed “from start to finish” by the platform itself, that is, users cannot offer or download their games.

Telegram

Telegram also provides users with a wide range of mini-games, most of which contain a “competitive” element.

Unlike Linkedin on Telegram, all mini-games are managed by service providers, not the platform itself. Consequently, it is the service providers who are responsible for the further operation and maintenance of their products on Telegram, including transactions.

In addition to the fact that Telegram has its own terms and conditions for using mini-games, service providers may require additional terms and conditions as part of their products.

Authors: Gordey Daria, Gordey Svetlana

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