MAPPING THE COPYRIGHTABILITY OF VIDEO GAMES: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Over the past few decades, video games have become a significant aspect of our culture and history, especially amongst the youths. In the course of its evolution, these games have also stirred up a lot of technological developments and academic debates across the globe. However, the intersection of video games and law has become increasingly significant in recent times with the development of new and cutting-edge games. These games have had a deep influence on the stirring debates on effective protection of the rights of developers, especially under the copyright law regime. This article endeavors to examine the various creative components that make up a video game and how each of them may be protected under the copyright law. Further, the article delves into international copyright standards and doctrines like the doctrine of merger to dissect some of the commonly encountered issues pertaining to the copyrightability of a video game. Furthermore, the article also makes an argument for protecting video games under the Indian law as cinematographic films. Finally, the article strives to offer insights into how Indian copyright law can evolve in order to better protect the interests of developers alongside fostering growth of this sunrise sector.