CVGLS is Chicago’s premiere video game law related event. It is a day of academic panels devoted to the nuanced way video games require unique legal protections from a myriad of diverse legal disciplines. Game developers, industry representatives, legal experts, and many other professionals will explore, explain, and debate the latest issues in video game law.

9:00-9:15 – Introduction

9:15-10:15 – The Video Game Violence Debate

10:30-11:30 – Recent Developments in Video Game Law

11:30-12:30 – Lunch

12:30-1:30 – Video Game Journalism and Media

1:45-2:45 – The Business of Video Games

3:00-4:00 – Video Game Development 101

4:00-5:00 – Closing & Networking

This panel discussion will explore the debate over the cultural and legal effects of video game violence. Topics covered will include the history of the debate in American culture and relevant perspectives taken from sociology, psychology, public policy, and pop culture. Case law and legislative efforts to regulate video games, as well as free speech concerns, will also be addressed.

William K. Ford, The John Marshall Law School

J. Michael Monahan, Astrolabe LLC

Doc Mack, Galloping Ghosts Arcade

Dr. Talmadge Wright, Loyola University Chicago

(Moderator) Ross A. Hersemann  President, Video Game Law Society, JMLS

This panel will address the unique difficulties involved in preventing harassment in video games and social media, while still protecting privacy and free speech. Topics to be discussed include: content regulation for minors and relevant legislation, industry efforts to ensure compliance and safety for all persons, and recent impactful litigation in the field.

Dona Fraser, Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

Lydia Picknell, PARADIGM

S. Gregory Boyd, Frankfurt Kurnit

(Moderator) Sarah Sexton, Microsoft

This panel will address a myriad of legal issues in the video game industry. Topics to be discussed include: business transactions, incorporation strategies for startups, effective branding, marketing, consumer relations, and consumer privacy protections. Additionally, current litigation and regulatory efforts in the video game industry will also be discussed.

Sam Glassenberg, Funtactix

S. Gregory Boyd, Frankfurt Kurnit

Marc Whipple, Tech Industry GC

(Moderator) Patrick Sweeney, IE Law Group

This panel will explore the day to day business operations of game development. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from Chicago game developers and hear their legal and business needs. Topics to be discussed include the steps of development, studio formation, and the creative collaborative process.

Kyle Bailey, Phosphor Games

David Laskey, The Amiable

Cindy Miller, Voxelles

Sarah Sexton, Microsoft

Ryan Wiemeyer, The Men Who Wear Many Hats

(Moderator) Suzanne Jackiw, IE Law Group

The Video Game Law Museum