I’ve been looking everywhere for a definitive answer to the question : " Can I make and sell games without having a company or a legal entity whatsoever?".
I know that having a company would be better, but out of curiosity, I would like to know if it is really necessary to have a business set up to sell games on my website or on Steam \ GOG \ ecc…
I want to know this too. All I know is that a company makes some things easier and you can have limited liability if you get sued, but I wonder if anyone here has ever tried selling games on Steam as an individual. How do you get taxed?
I think its gonna be okay…
selling games its like your selling you clothes or shoes to your friend or online shops. but for online shops like steam or other I think your personal or entity tax information is needed/required
and as long your game and content inside it is legal and allowed by law I think its not problem,
but must keep in mind for create accurate and clear accounting book report for your personal purpose, tax or for EPIC royalty report if you use UE4
but forming an legal form is easy, If your country can’t register you as 1 person, just ask you family for additional member
I don’t know what english is, but for taxed stuff I think just register in your “tax offices” in your country, you will get some information about number or etc, I believe that needed in online shops like steam or other shops…
please correct me i if wrong
Setting up and doing business under a legal entity is generally for your own protection (Liability, etc.), and is not required to sell products(Games) (Unless your country happens to have laws stating otherwise). In the United States, a corporation is legally recognized as a person, so you can imagine how that plays out with things like Steam, and taxes.
You can sell your games on Steam as a “sole proprietor”. Having a company is helpful if you wish to protect yourself against possible lawsuits, but you should be fine as long as you don’t infringe other people’s copyrights etc. or do sth outright criminal.
If you’re in the US, before publishing you will want to create a company to sell the title under. One of the better reasons is due to taxes… as an individual selling stuff, your taxes at the end of the year will be a mess - additional income taxes, expenses, etc… Creating a company provides tax benefits, especially if you’re a start-up. Not too mention you can be eligible for additional grants and loans.
As far as sole proprietorships go, I would stay away from those, as they do nothing to protect you. Instead, incorporate as an LLC (limited liability company).
Also, don’t pay any attention to internet lawyers; go see a business lawyer to get your “ducks in a row”.