So you have a great idea for a new video game. You've thought through the gameplay mechanics, drafted some concept art, and are ready to start developing.
But before you dive in, it's important to understand the legal considerations around creating something new in an already crowded gaming market.
Your Idea Isn't Necessarily Protected
A common misconception is that simply having an idea for a game protects you from someone else executing on the same concept. But copyright law only protects the unique expression of an idea, not the idea itself.
For example, if you envision a side-scrolling platformer game with a character that can double-jump, that core idea is not protected. Someone else could build the same style of game with the same mechanics without infringing on any copyrights.
Where copyright would apply is if you designed unique characters, levels, artwork, story, etc. That creative expression would be protected, but the gameplay mechanics and style would not.