"Lawyers are now involved in game development from the conceptual stage to avoid issues with AI content and sanctions-related restrictions," Artem Khandriko from Revera on the outcomes of 2025

In this interview, we wrap up our discussions with top managers and gaming industry experts (and related fields) to summarize the results of 2025. The final material is a conversation with Artyom Khandriko, an associate partner and head of the IT/IP practice at REVERA.

How did the year 2025 turn out for your law firm? What achievements and challenges did you encounter?

Artyom Khandriko, Revera: In 2025, legal work for the gaming industry finally stopped being merely "document support" and evolved into a complex process of finding effective legal solutions.

For REVERA law group, 2025 was an active phase of strengthening its international presence, scaling expertise to new markets, and deepening specialization in strategic legal areas. The company continued to develop an international network of offices and legal panels, providing comprehensive support to clients in various jurisdictions based on a one-stop-shop principle.

REVERA is strengthening practices in IP, personal data, international arbitration, corporate law, and taxation.

What key changes occurred in the legal support of gaming companies over the past year?

Artyom: Legal support for gaming projects acquired several characteristics over the past year, and legal backing for games and related projects became more complex due to the need to consider multi-level legal requirements in different markets (corporate, IP, banking, tax, compliance, and others). Rules in various markets began to synchronize, requiring lawyers to be knowledgeable not only about one country but entire regions.

The main shift in 2025 was the transition from one-time consultations to a comprehensive "architectural" approach. Lawyers are now involved in game development already at the idea stage to avoid problems with AI content and sanctions restrictions in the future.

What issues did gaming companies frequently approach you with this year?

Artyom: 2025 was a year of growth in cross-border transactions. The company supported investment and M&A deals related to game studios and project entries into EU/Middle East markets. Legal practice in the gaming industry is shifting towards multi-jurisdictional solutions, enhanced IP protection, and tax-regulatory expertise in global deals.

There was significant interest in conducting IP due diligence before purchasing rights to games/software, as well as attention to user agreements and structuring contract relationships within teams, considering the legal peculiarities of the team members' home countries. Additionally, requests for trademark protection in the EU and the US have become traditional in recent years, both in terms of their registration and protection against violations on marketplaces and the internet at large.

What legal risks do you believe gaming companies underestimated in 2025?

Artyom: Many gaming companies underestimated the complexities of crossing rules concerning personal data (GDPR and others), licensing, taxes, and AML requirements in various countries.

Insufficient attention was also given to IP protection in global markets: the risk of losing brand rights, domains, and game designs due to weak international protection strategies proved higher than expected.

Moreover, insufficient attention was paid to the use of AI in development: companies underestimated the risk that AI-generated content (code or art) might not be protected by copyright, jeopardizing the entire intellectual property of the project.

A general trend was a focus on tax substance. Regulators in many countries began rigorously checking the real business presence.

What legal trends do you anticipate will strengthen or emerge in working with gaming companies in 2026?

Artyom: We predict the following trends will emerge in 2026:

1. Increased attention to AI regulation. Legal norms concerning AI (e.g., the AI Act in the EU and other standards) will impact game development and content generation (licensing, content liability). Gaming companies utilizing AI for personalization or moderation will require system audits.
2. Compliance and personal data. Companies will need to strengthen processes to meet data processing requirements and annual audits.
3. Child protection (Online Safety). There will be stricter requirements for age verification and protection of minors' personal data.
4. Expansion to new markets (Middle East, Africa, China). Legal support for market entry will become more in demand, especially for iGaming.

In 2026, different countries will continue to reinforce regulations on loot boxes, monetization transparency, and consumer protection (Digital Fairness Acts). This implies possible adaptation of international approaches to safeguard players from aggressive in-game mechanics and microtransactions. Gaming companies operating globally will be forced to comply with stricter content, monetization transparency, and advertising practices.

What regulatory initiatives do you expect to see in 2026?

Artyom: The main challenge of 2026 will be the transition from discussions to law enforcement. Lawyers' primary expectations focus on two points:

1. Full-scale launch of the AI Act in Europe: starting in August 2026, the main provisions of the EU's Artificial Intelligence Regulation come into effect. For gaming companies, this means mandatory transparency: players must know if they are interacting with an AI bot or if content was created by a neural network. AI systems that assess player behavior (e.g., for moderation or anti-fraud) might fall into the "high-risk" category, necessitating costly audits and certifications from the studios.
2. Enhanced control over "digital fairness" (Digital Fairness Act): It's anticipated that in 2026, European regulators will step up the fight against "dark patterns." This will target user retention mechanics, deceptive unsubscribe interfaces, and monetization systems that encourage impulsive purchases. Subscription mechanisms and in-game currencies are expected to come under particular scrutiny.

What strategic steps does your company plan to take next year?

Artyom: In 2026, REVERA plans to expand its presence in existing and new markets, as well as:

1. Develop cross-country products: create ready-made solutions for scaling businesses (e.g., "Guide to Entering the Chinese Market").
2. Expand expertise in international arbitration and M&A.
3. Enhance digital practices: strengthen expertise in metaverse regulation, GameFi, and tokenization of game assets.
4. Strengthen data protection, IP, and compliance practices in light of intensified regulations within and beyond the EU.
5. Develop analytical content: forecasts, reviews of legal changes, and industry guides.
6. Conduct educational programs for clients, including new legal requirements in game development and digital business.
7. Focus on LegalTech: Implement AI tools in the work of lawyers and the company's back office to speed up the delivery of quality services and enhance competitive advantages.