Playtesting Agreement

Welcome and Introduction:
Welcome to the Starlit Lion Games Playtest! We’re excited to have you on board as we develop our game, and your feedback is invaluable to us. This agreement outlines some important terms to ensure everything runs smoothly. We’ve kept things as straightforward as possible, but if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

PLEASE READ THIS PLAYTESTING AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT, MADE AS OF THE DATE OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS BETWEEN YOU AND DAVID LINFIELD, IS LEGALLY BINDING ON YOU AND GOVERNS YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PLAYTEST ("PLAYTEST").

By joining our playtest, you’re confirming that:

  • You’ve read and understood this agreement.

  • You agree to follow the terms laid out here.

  • You’re 18 years or older and legally able to participate.

Playtest Overview:
This Agreement applies to your access and use of any game (“Game” or “Games”) by David Linfield that is in development, including beta or alpha phases, or early access, unless expressly stated otherwise. If approved for access, you can playtest the Games, subject to the terms here. We hope you enjoy the experience!

Acting as a Private Individual and Future Company Formation

Currently, all interactions, agreements, and intellectual property related to the games are managed by me, David Linfield, as a private individual. I am in the process of developing games and other related projects independently.

Future Company Formation and Assignment of Agreements and IP

Please note that I intend to form a company in the future, which will take over all rights, obligations, and responsibilities related to the games and any associated activities, including this agreement. Upon the formation of this company, all intellectual property created by me, including but not limited to the game, related content, and any associated assets, will be assigned to the company. This assignment will include all agreements currently in place, including this one, which will automatically transfer to the newly formed company without altering any terms or conditions.

You will be notified of the company formation, and from that point onward, the company will be the legal entity responsible for managing all aspects of this agreement and any other related activities.

Termination:
We hope we never have to do this, but we reserve the right to end your access to the Playtest at any time, without notice, and for any reason. Let’s work together to make sure that doesn’t happen!

Use of the Game:
We trust you to use the Game and any related materials as intended for the Playtest. If anything is unclear, just ask! If we find any misuse, we may have to revoke your rights to the Game, but we’d much rather work things out before it gets to that point.

Playtest Terms:
You’re responsible for providing accurate and honest feedback, and we ask that you respect the intellectual property of others. Please also follow any relevant terms of the platforms you’re using.

Term and Game Settings:
Your right to participate in the Playtest continues until it ends, or we decide to wrap things up on our side. Any progress or settings you create might be reset when the Playtest ends. We’ll try to avoid this, but it’s part of the development process.

Feedback and Collaboration:
We’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions! Your feedback helps shape the game, and by sharing it, you acknowledge that we might use it in development. We’re building this game together, and your input is a huge part of that.

License to Game:
We grant you a personal, nonexclusive, revocable license to play the Games during the Playtest and share your experiences (e.g., streaming, fan art). Just remember, this is for non-commercial purposes only, and we retain ownership of the Game and any related content.

Ownership and Feedback Assignment:

  • Work Created: In the UK, anything you create related to this Playtest is considered a work made in the course of employment (under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988) and is owned by David Linfield.

  • Feedback and Ideas: Any feedback or ideas you share are also owned by us. In case local laws make this tricky, you grant us an exclusive, worldwide license to use your feedback in any way we see fit, for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.

  • Supporting Us: If we need you to sign any documents to formalize this, we’d appreciate your cooperation. If you’re unavailable, we may sign on your behalf, but only for this specific purpose.

Arbitration as an Alternative:
If a dispute arises, we’d prefer to resolve it through friendly discussion. If that’s not possible, we agree to consider arbitration as an alternative to going to court. Arbitration is a more flexible and less formal way to resolve disagreements, and it can be quicker and less costly for everyone involved.

DISCLAIMER. LIABILITY. LIMITATIONS:
The Game and Playtest are provided "as is," and while we hope everything runs smoothly, we can’t guarantee it. We’re a small indie team, so we’re not liable for any damages beyond what’s absolutely necessary under the law. In the unlikely event that we’re held liable, our total liability will not exceed £10. This limitation is important to help protect our ability to continue developing the Game.

Payments

If you are eligible to receive payment for your participation in the playtest, the following terms apply:

  1. Eligibility: Payment is contingent upon your completion of certain tasks or participation in specified activities as outlined in the playtest instructions. The specific criteria for payment will be communicated to you in advance.

  2. Payment Details: Payments will be made via bank transfer to the bank account details you provide. It is your responsibility to ensure that the bank details provided are accurate. We will not retain your bank details after the payment has been processed.

  3. Payment Amount: The amount of payment, if any, will be communicated to you prior to the playtest. The payment amount is fixed and non-negotiable unless otherwise stated.

  4. Payment Timing: Payments will be processed within 30 days after the completion of the playtest or after you meet the required criteria for payment. Delays in payment may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, and we will communicate any such delays to you as soon as possible.

  5. Taxes: You are responsible for reporting and paying any taxes associated with the payment you receive. David Linfield is not responsible for withholding or paying any taxes on your behalf.

  6. No Employment Relationship: Participation in the playtest and receipt of payment does not create any employment, partnership, or agency relationship between you and David Linfield. You are participating in the playtest as an independent individual, and any payment is provided solely as compensation for your time and feedback.

  7. Non-Disclosure: As a condition of receiving payment, you agree to maintain confidentiality regarding the playtest and any information related to the Game, as specified in the confidentiality section of this agreement.

  8. Payment Disputes: If you have any concerns or disputes regarding your payment, please contact us at david@starlitliongames.com within 14 days of receiving the payment. We will review your concerns and respond accordingly.

International Playtesters:
We recognize that our playtesters come from all over the world, and we respect your local rights. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit any non-waivable rights you might have under local laws. We’ll do our best to resolve any issues in a fair and friendly manner, considering your local consumer rights.

Choice of Law and Jurisdiction:
This Agreement, the Playtest, the Game, and your interactions with David Linfield are governed by the laws of England and Wales. However, we recognize that local laws might give you additional rights. If a dispute does arise, we agree to try and resolve it through arbitration or in the courts of England and Wales. Let’s aim to avoid disputes altogether by working together!

Miscellaneous:

  • This Agreement is the entire understanding between us and replaces any previous agreements.

  • We might need to update this Agreement, and we’ll let you know if that happens.

  • If any part of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, we’ll adjust it to make it valid while keeping the rest intact.

  • We may assign this Agreement, but you cannot assign it to anyone else.

  • We don’t usually have jury trials in civil cases in the UK, but to cover all bases, you agree to waive any right to a jury trial.

Attorney Clarification:
When we mention “attorney” here, we’re referring to the legal authority to act on your behalf if necessary, not a legal professional.

Thank You for Your Participation!
We’re thrilled to have you as part of this journey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and we’re committed to creating a game that you’ll love.