Hello I have a question about publishing contracts. When a publishing house writes a publishing contract what does it really mean? Is it just to help finding investors or does it have any deeper meaning? Is it written for a company only or can individual persons have a publishing contract? What the contract stands for and what is the usual content of a publishing contract? The more information I get the better . Thanks in advance!

Quote: Original post by wizzi
When a publishing house writes a publishing contract what does it really mean?

It means they want to publish the game in question.

Quote: Is it just to help finding investors or does it have any deeper meaning?

Neither.... see answer above.

Quote: Is it written for a company only or can individual persons have a publishing contract?

Most publishers prefer to work with a registered company, however you could have a publisher sign a publishing contract with an individual if they really want the game.

Quote: What the contract stands for and what is the usual content of a publishing contract?

That's a huge question best answered by reading the IGDA contract walkthrough white paper http://www.igda.org/biz/contract_walkthrough.php

I know, silly questions but not as bad as "how to start a game company" :)
Thanks, I will read the document with great interest.