Data from Sell Game Source Code, sourced and dated
4 datasets from named sources, re-read regularly; the newest read is 2026-10-28.
| Dataset | Headline figure | Sources | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| The law on copyright in a game's code | 10 rules | 10 of read | 2026-10-28 |
| What a game's source tree lets a seller pass on | 7 of 19 licences | 19 of read | 2026-10-28 |
| Game middleware software data terms | 0 of 19 vendors | 19 of read | 2026-10-28 |
| Who takes a game's source code | 3 of 14 organisations | 14 of read | 2026-10-28 |
Where the figures come from
A dataset is planned around one question and a named set of source pages. When a page is read, the exact sentence that carries the number is saved, along with where and when we found it.
A person reviews each sentence before it counts and records the reason when one is turned away. The summary figures use one number per source, and one per breakdown where a source prices several. A source with no figure stays blank, and repeat reads show how the numbers change over time.
The law on copyright in a game's code
10 US and UK rules on copyright in a game's source code, read 28 October 2026.
Where the rule applies, by rule: United Kingdom 5 of 10, US federal 5 of 10 (10 rules, read 28 October 2026).
What a game's source tree lets a seller pass on
7 of 19 engine, middleware and asset store licences we read let their code or content leave a studio only compiled into the shipped game, read 28 October 2026.
Passing its code or content on with the source, by licence: only compiled into the shipped game 7 of 19, allowed, with its open licence attached 6 of 19, not allowed without the vendor's permission 4 of 19, only to someone holding the vendor's own licence 2 of 19 (19 licences, read 28 October 2026).
Game middleware software data terms
0 of 19 game middleware software vendors whose terms we read reserve the right to use their customers' data in aggregated or anonymised form, read 28 October 2026.
Who owns the business's data, by vendor: not stated 15 of 19, the business 4 of 19 (game middleware software terms, read 28 October 2026).
Who takes a game's source code
3 of 14 organisations and marketplaces whose pages we read take a game's code without taking ownership of it, read 28 October 2026.
How it takes the code, by organisation: a licence to the code or game data for AI 5 of 14, an asset store that sells it on as a licence 5 of 14, a marketplace where the seller lists it 4 of 14 (14 organisations, read 28 October 2026).