How does copyright affect game designers?

Answer 1

Graphic designers, including website designers, are probably the most affected by copyright, both in what they use of others and what they create themselves. From fonts to layouts, it's important that something you've been influenced by doesn't reappear exactly in your own work.

Fashion designers have less of a problem, because clothing design is not protected by copyright. Of course that also means anything that really makes an impact on the runway will spawn knockoffs at a fraction of the price, often within the week.

Answer 2

In the context of creating materials, intellectual property laws give designers exclusive rights to exploit their materials or authorize others to do so. Essentially, copyright law allows you to make a living, by ascribing value to your creative works.

In the context of using others' materials, including fonts, images, text, etc., intellectual property laws require you to respect their rights, and negotiate for a license whenever one is needed.

Answer 3

Copyright limits the existing materials game designers can use, but also protects their original works. Game mechanics cannot be protected by copyright, but are sometimes patented.