I wrote a little card game while on vacation (yes, I do that sort of thing). I thought I'd list on download.com and tucows and both places ask for a company name. Do I really need a company? Is it not recommended to list and distribute it under my name? I figure if it sells to a worthwhile degree then I can make up some company name and make a sequal but really...a card game,.. maybe in a year I can buy case of beer. This is just for fun afterall. Do I need a company?

You want to list it
They want a company name
Seems you have already answered your own question.

Have you tried leaving that field blank or entering your name as the company name?

I should have been more clear. This isn't really an issue of filling in blanks. I could enter anything into the blank and it wouldn't matter ("Groovey Space Nuget Game Emporium" sounds appealing)

It is more of a business issue in general. Should a small basement developer work to establish a business identity (a name), or could they simple function as an individual creating a game? Is there any large detriment to just using your personal name for all your distributing?

Quote: Original post by RaptorRex
I should have been more clear.

Indeed ;)

Quote: Is there any large detriment to just using your personal name for all your distributing?

No. At some point your business may grow to the size where there are tax benefits to being a company but to start with you own name is fine.

Do you have to get your name regiersterd with the goverment?

Quote: Original post by laserdude45
Do you have to get your name regiersterd with the goverment?

For posting on an internet site? No

If you want to set up a corporation in your name for the aforementioned tax benefits? Yes.

-me

Quote: Original post by Palidine

If you want to set up a corporation in your name for the aforementioned tax benefits? Yes.

Setting up a real corporation would be quite an expense for a small "basement" developer.
I suggest using your real name. People can contact you with your real name, instead of contacting the "company". Even for sequels, your name would suffice.

Quote: Original post by laserdude45
Do you have to get your name regiersterd with the goverment?

You don't need to "register your name" as such but dependending on local laws you may need to register the fact that you are trading. (For example, in the UK you need to register as self employed for tax/national insurance purposes.) You should really talk to an accountant to get proper info.