INSTANT QUOTE
Specialized insurance is of paramount importance for video game studios.
Creating a video game involves technical, creative and legal challenges. Between critical bugs, disputes with publishers, or intellectual property infringements, studios face unique risks. Brokers offer targeted insurance solutions to cover these specific situations.
Why take out insurance adapted to video game development?
- Technical errors or major bugs : A defect in the code can cause financial losses or contract disputes.
- Intellectual property : Risks of copyright or software license infringement.
- User data : Studios often collect sensitive data that requires adequate protection.
- Working with publishers : Demanding contracts may require liability coverage.
- Missed deadlines and commitments : Delays in deliveries can lead to contractual claims.
Insurance for video game studios in Quebec: what you need to know
Quebec is one of the world’s gaming capitals, with an ecosystem that ranges from international giants to dynamic independent studios. For Quebec studios, large or small, insurance is a strategic issue. Video game development involves massive investments in intellectual property, source code, and digital assets — intangible assets that are difficult to value and protect with standard insurance policies.
IN BRIEF
Video Game Studio Insurance
Quebec video game studios (Ubisoft, Behaviour, Eidos ecosystem) need specialized coverage: intellectual property, counterfeiting, creative marketing (music, images), delivery delays.
Special feature: media liability guarantee for the content of the game (licensed music, images of third-party brands, voice). A single unauthorized use claim can be up to $500,000+.
Risks specific to a video game studio
The number one risk for a video game studio is cyberattack. Source code, graphics assets, and development data represent the core value of the business — and are prime targets for hackers looking to resell or exploit this intellectual property. A ransomware attack can cripple a studio for weeks, with catastrophic financial losses in the midst of pre-launch development.
Professional liability is also a significant risk. If you’re developing a game under contract for a publisher or other company, and the deliverable contains major bugs, significant delays, or copyright issues, your client can sue you for the losses incurred. Disputes related to intellectual property — especially over game mechanics, characters or music — are becoming more and more common in the industry.
Essential Covers for a Video Game Studio
Protection that is well-suited for a game development studio includes:
- Cyber insurance — essential coverage for a game studio. Protects against ransomware, data breaches, source code loss, and computer recovery fees. Often includes crisis management and notification to affected parties.
- Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions — protects against customer or partner claims related to your deliverables (bugs, delays, non-compliance with specifications).
- Electronic equipment — covers your workstations, servers, development equipment, VR headsets, and specialized hardware against theft, fire, and failure.
- Intellectual property — defense coverage in the event of a dispute over copyrights, trademarks or patents related to your games and technologies.
- Operational liability — covers incidents in your offices involving visitors, partners or contractors.
How much does insurance cost for a video game studio in Quebec?
The cost varies depending on the size of the studio, the targeted platforms and the exposure to cyber risks:
- Independent studio (1 to 4 people): between $2,000 and $4,000/year
- Medium-sized studio (5 to 20 people): between $4,000 and $10,000/year
- Studio with publisher partnerships (20 people or more): between $10,000 and $25,000/year and more
Studios that publish directly to platforms (Steam, App Store, consoles) or collect user data have higher cyber exposure and must subscribe to larger coverage limits. A specialist broker can help you assess your actual level of exposure.
FAQ — Video Game Studio Insurance Quebec
What insurance is mandatory for a video game studio in Quebec?
Contracts with video game publishers generally require liability and professional insurance. If your studio collects user data in a game, Bill 25 (modernization of personal information protection in Quebec) may also create obligations that justify cyber coverage. Always check the requirements of your development contracts.
Does liability cover a bug in a game delivered to a publisher?
No. Bugs and issues in your deliverables are covered by Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, not by standard liability. If a publisher suffers financial losses due to a major bug in your game or a delay in delivery, it is the E&O coverage that pays for defense costs and damages.
What is the average price of insurance for a video game studio?
For a studio of 5 to 20 people, expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000/year for comprehensive protection including cyber, E&O, and equipment. Studios that work with major publishers or publish directly on multiple platforms will typically have higher premiums due to increased exposure to claims.
How do I get an insurance quote for a video game studio?
With Assur360, get a free quote in under 3 minutes. Our certified AMF brokers understand the realities of the Quebec video game industry and can offer you tailored coverage — especially for cybersecurity and intellectual property, which are at the heart of your business.
Is insurance mandatory for a video game studio?
It is not legally mandatory, but often contractually required by publishers or investors. It is highly recommended.
What coverage is most important for an independent studio?
Professional liability and cyber insurance are priorities, especially if you manage servers or user data.
Can a startup studio be insured?
Yes. Broker partners offer flexible coverages for development-stage or low-budget studios.
What are the main coverages in video game studio insurance insurance?
What exclusions should I check before signing?
Can I bundle my video game studio insurance insurance with auto or home?
How does professional liability (E&O) insurance work?
How long does a video game studio insurance quote via Assur360 take?
Helpful Resources
- Business Insurance in Quebec — Overview
- Graphic Design Agency Insurance
- Cyber Security Insurance
- AMF — Commercial Insurance in Quebec
- CNESST — Occupational Health and Safety
Compare your video game studio insurance now. Free quote in 3 minutes →
🛡 Why trust Assur360?
COMPARE AND SAVE
Protect your business at the best price
Our AMF-certified brokers compare several insurers to find you the best business coverage.