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How Old Do You Have to Be to Publish a Video Game? 18 for Major Stores, 13+ for Free Platforms

**There is no universal legal age.** It depends on the platform, payment processing, and local contract law.

Platform	Minimum Age for Developer Account	Notes
Apple App Store (iOS/macOS)	18	Apple Developer Program requires legal adult to sign contract. Minors need parent/guardian to enroll as "Organization" (D-U-N-S) or use parent's account.
Google Play Store (Android)	18	Google Play Console requires 18+ for merchant account (payments). Family Link accounts cannot publish paid apps.
Steam (Valve)	18	Steamworks agreement is a legal contract. Minors need parent/guardian to sign & handle taxes/banking.
Xbox (ID@Xbox / Microsoft Store)	18	Partner Center requires legal entity. Minor = parent/guardian as legal signatory.
PlayStation (PlayStation Partners)	18	Legal entity required. Minor needs adult representative.
Nintendo (Developer Portal)	18	Contractual. Minor needs parent/guardian.
itch.io / Game Jolt / Steam (Free)	13+ (ToS)	Can publish free games with just an account (ToS age 13+). No contract, no payments. Parent consent recommended.
Epic Games Store	18	Epic Developer Portal contract.

Contracts: Publishing agreements are legally binding. Minors (under 18 in most jurisdictions) cannot sign enforceable contracts without a parent/guardian.
Banking/Taxes: Receiving revenue requires a bank account & tax ID (SSN/EIN). Minors typically need custodial accounts (UTMA/UGMA) or parent's account.
Business Entity: Serious publishers form LLCs/Corps — requires 18+ (or parent filing).

Make the Game: Age doesn't stop development. Learn Unity/Godot/Unreal, code, art, design.
Publish Free: itch.io, Game Jolt, GitHub, personal website. Build portfolio, audience, feedback.
Partner with Adult: Parent, guardian, mentor, or publisher signs contracts, handles banking/taxes. Revenue split agreed via contract.
Wait Until 18: Then open own accounts, transfer ownership.
Competitions/Grants: IGF Student, GDCA, Epic MegaGrants, Humble Bundle — some accept minors with guardian.

Bottom Line: You can make games at any age. To sell on major stores, you need an adult legal representative.

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