DMCA Copyright Policy – PlayVerse

At PlayVerse, we recognize the immense creative and intellectual effort that goes into the production of video games. As a digital platform dedicated to showcasing, distributing, or supporting video game content, we are fully committed to respecting the rights of content creators, developers, publishers, artists, musicians, writers, and other intellectual property holders. This DMCA Copyright Policy outlines how we address claims of copyright infringement in full accordance with the United States Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

This policy governs all areas of our platform, including product listings, game files, digital media, promotional materials, downloadable content, user-generated contributions, and interactive features. Our mission is to provide a fair and secure environment that protects creators while empowering gamers and developers to share, promote, and enjoy gaming content responsibly.

Understanding Copyright in Video Games

• Source code, executable software, and game engines
• 2D and 3D visual assets including models, textures, environments
• Characters, voice acting, scripts, dialogue, and storylines
• Soundtracks, ambient effects, and musical compositions
• User interface design and control schemes
• Cinematics, trailers, promotional images, and screen captures
• Instruction manuals, in-game documentation, and lore content
• Downloadable content (DLC), updates, and expansion packs

Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, display, modification, or commercial use of any of these elements may constitute copyright infringement and will be handled in accordance with this policy.

Submitting a DMCA Takedown Notice

If you are a copyright holder or authorized agent and believe your intellectual property is being used on our platform without permission, you have the legal right to submit a DMCA takedown notice. Your notification must include the following required elements:

• Your physical or electronic signature as the copyright holder or agent.
• Identification of the copyrighted work or works claimed to be infringed.
• A clear and specific description of the material you claim is infringing, including where it appears on our platform (such as game titles, product IDs, developer profiles, or content sections).
• Your contact information: full legal name, mailing address, phone number, and email address.
• A good-faith statement that the disputed use of the content is not authorized by the rights holder, their representative, or the law.
• A statement under penalty of perjury affirming that the information you provide is accurate and that you are the copyright holder or are authorized to act on their behalf.

Once we receive a complete and valid DMCA notice, we will act quickly to remove or restrict access to the content in question and notify the individual or entity that provided the material.

Submitting a Counter-Notice

If your content was removed or disabled in response to a DMCA takedown and you believe it was done so mistakenly or wrongfully, you have the right to submit a counter-notification. Your counter-notice must contain:

• Your full name, address, telephone number, and email.
• Identification of the content that was removed or disabled, including its former location on our platform.
• A statement under penalty of perjury that you believe the material was removed due to mistake or misidentification.
• A declaration that you consent to the jurisdiction of the federal district court in your location (or, if outside the U.S., the appropriate U.S. jurisdiction) and agree to accept service of process from the complainant or their agent.
• Your physical or electronic signature.

If a valid counter-notification is received, we may reinstate the material unless the original complainant takes legal action to prevent restoration within the legally specified timeframe.

Policy Toward Repeat Infringers

We enforce a strict policy against repeat infringement. Users, developers, publishers, or community members who receive multiple valid DMCA takedown notices may face penalties including the suspension or permanent termination of their accounts. We reserve the right to monitor, investigate, and take action against repeated or intentional violations of copyright law or platform policy.

Responsibilities for Developers and Contributors

If you are a developer or contributor publishing or sharing games on our platform, you must ensure that your content is fully compliant with all copyright laws and licensing terms. You must:

• Only upload original works or content that you are licensed or authorized to use.
• Avoid using unlicensed assets such as music, models, textures, or code snippets.
• Provide accurate attributions when applicable.
• Refrain from uploading or distributing pirated or cracked games.
• Avoid misleading branding, logos, or promotional materials that may infringe on others’ trademarks.

All content submitted to our platform is subject to review and may be removed if found to be in violation of these standards.

Community Content and User Contributions

Our platform may support a variety of community-driven features, including game reviews, walkthroughs, mod sharing, gameplay videos, screenshots, and forums. While we encourage creative participation, all users must comply with intellectual property rights. You may not:

• Upload gameplay footage containing copyrighted music, voiceovers, or cinematics without permission.
• Use visual or sound assets from games you do not own or have rights to modify.
• Share mods that incorporate content from third-party titles or franchises without authorization.
• Post content that misrepresents someone else’s original work as your own.

Infringing user submissions will be removed, and repeated violations may lead to content restrictions or account penalties.

Fair Use and Exceptions

In certain cases, use of copyrighted content may qualify as “fair use” under U.S. law. This may apply to:

• Critical reviews of games with commentary and transformation
• Satirical or parodic use of game material
• Educational or journalistic reports
• Tutorials or gameplay walkthroughs that incorporate original explanation and analysis

However, fair use is a legal doctrine subject to interpretation by courts. If your content relies on fair use, you are responsible for understanding the legal risks and ensuring your material meets the criteria for this defense. Our platform does not make legal determinations regarding fair use and cannot guarantee that content claimed under it will be protected.

Misuse of the DMCA Process

The DMCA is a powerful legal tool, and it must be used responsibly. Any individual or entity that knowingly submits false claims or counter-notifications may be subject to civil liability, including damages and attorneys' fees. We take false notices, fraud, harassment, or abuse of the DMCA process seriously and may suspend access or take legal action in such cases.

We expect all parties—claimants and respondents alike—to act in good faith when engaging with this process.

Platform's Commitment to Compliance

Our role as a video game platform comes with the obligation to balance the rights of creators with the freedom of expression and innovation in the gaming community. We strive to:

• Respond promptly to valid DMCA claims
• Review content thoroughly before removal when feasible
• Notify users affected by takedown requests and give them an opportunity to respond
• Restore material in accordance with DMCA procedures if a counter-notice is valid
• Educate our users about copyright and fair use in the gaming context
• Update our procedures to reflect evolving technologies and industry standards

We are committed to working cooperatively with rights holders, developers, and gamers to maintain a fair and respectful environment.

Contacting Our DMCA Agent

To report a copyright violation or submit a counter-notification, please contact our designated DMCA Agent. Your message must include all the elements outlined above to be considered valid. Incomplete or inaccurate notices may delay the resolution of the issue.

We do not provide legal advice. If you are uncertain whether your use of content constitutes infringement or if you qualify for a fair use defense, we recommend seeking guidance from a legal professional before proceeding.