Can a worker indeed pitch a new video game idea to their company, much like pitching a Kirby game to Nintendo? The process of generating a new game idea and presenting it to a game development company involves a series of complex and sometimes unpredictable steps. This article explores the legal and practical considerations involved in pitching a game concept, highlighting the challenges and limitations faced by workers.

Legal Framework and Pitching Possibilities

Workers have the legal right to pitch a new idea for a video game to their company. Every day, numerous individuals outside the company submit their ideas for new games. However, the company's decision to pursue or develop the idea is entirely up to them. Like any business venture, it involves risk, and the worker must weigh the potential outcomes.

Pitching to Sega of America

Consider the hypothetical scenario where you work at Sega of America and you decide to pitch a new Sega Bass Fishing game idea. How might Sega respond?

Higher-ups at Sega of Japan: Your pitch could be forwarded to the Sega of Japan headquarters, where it may be developed into a game, with or without your credit. This is a rare but possible outcome. Shelved or Refurbished: The idea might be sent to Sega of Japan, only to be shelved or reworked into something entirely new using the original concepts. This is more common. Trashed: The most likely scenario is that your pitch will be discarded unread and ultimately thrown away.

These outcomes reflect the rigid corporate structure typical of video game companies, where the higher up you are on the ladder, the more likely you are to be heard. Consequently, unless you hold a specific role like a games director, writer, or producer, your idea is highly unlikely to see the light of day.

IP Rights and Credit Issues

It's crucial to understand that once you pitch an idea to a company, you have no direct stake in its development or success. If the game is made without your involvement and the company does not credit you, you have no legitimate grounds to pursue legal action.

A notable example is Captain N. The Game Master, a short-lived cartoon and comic book series. Despite being credited to Nintendo and DiC Entertainment, the series was actually created by Randy Stuttard, a writer and editor for Nintendo Power magazine. Stuttard was never credited and was later fired due to his contract with Nintendo, which denied him ownership of his creation.

Lessons and Considerations

Based on the above examples, the takeaway is that workers have the freedom to pitch ideas, but the success of those ideas is highly uncertain. Factors such as the company's internal structure and decision-making processes play a significant role.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICES:

Document Your Idea: Keep meticulous records of your pitch, including any initial ideas, sketches, or detailed concepts. Understand Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with the company's patent and intellectual property policies before pitching your idea. Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and protect your idea.

To summarize, while workers can certainly pitch video game concepts to their employers, the likelihood and success of these ideas being developed are heavily influenced by the company's decision-making processes and internal structure.