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Reviews

What the games industry has to say about us.

  • Zeitgeist Studios

    Zeitgeist Studio
    testimonial zeitgeist studio

    We had an excellent experience working with René on our game publisher contract review. He was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process and easy to work with, even as we navigated some genuinely tricky issues around royalty structures.

    He also played our game before he started working for better understanding for the client’s background which was not necessary for contract review. But he did it. This does not only show his professionalism, but also his courtesy.

    His pricing was very reasonable and transparent, with no surprise charges, something that means a lot when you’re an indie studio watching every dollar. His experience in the games industry was clear throughout, and he helped us catch terms we likely would have overlooked on our own.

    Highly recommend René for any indie developer navigating a publishing deal. We’re grateful for his help getting us across the finish line!

  • Volha Kapitonava

    Positive Impact Games
    testimonial volha kapitonava

    We are a game company, and we worked directly with René Otto to review our publishing contract. René is the best of the best and was extremely responsive and well-informed about the industry standards and practices, and was always happy to explain anything we weren’t sure about. We received a great service and will definitely come back.

    Highly recommend.

  • David Mitchell

    Two Tails
    testimonial david mitchell

    I would highly recommend René and Deviant Legal if you need someone you can trust to give you advice on law, contracts and such things.

    René is very open and transparent and works hard to understand you and your situation. No question feels like trouble and he genuinely cares about making a difference.

    There are no hidden fees, or feeling like you are on a “clock” when you speak together. Everything is agreed in advance and the fees we paid were very fair for the time spent and the value we gained.

    There is no doubt that hiring Deviant Legal was the right choice and I will definitely do so again in the future.

    Thanks René!

  • Ties de Groot

    Verdant Games

    Working with Deviant Legal, and René in particular, has been an outstanding experience. From the very beginning, our team was provided with incredibly fast contract reviews, multiple in depth meetings, and clear, proactive communication. René is exceptionally responsive and always takes the time to answer questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.

    The contract reviews were highly detailed, well considered, and entirely focused on securing the best possible terms for our studio. What truly sets René apart is his deep understanding of the games industry. He understands the unique challenges game developers face and provides advice that goes far beyond a standard legal review.

    Rather than only looking at the contract in its current form, René actively thinks ahead. He helps structure agreements that not only protect us today but also support the future growth and development of our studio.

    Thanks to his strategic mindset, commitment, and specialist knowledge of the games industry, René was an invaluable partner throughout our entire publishing journey. We would very much recommend Deviant Legal and René to any game developer looking for expert legal guidance.

  • Dieneke Kuijpers-Schalk

    Knowledge for Children

    Rene is a unique lawyer. His approach, sharpness, and out-of-the-box thinking allow him to view cases from new perspectives, leading to innovative and surprising solutions. Rene is not driven by profit or money, but by collaboration and finding smart, practical solutions that work. What makes working with Rene so special is his deep social involvement: he distinguishes himself through a truly inclusive approach, being a hero for those who desperately need one, and he does not shy away from setbacks or opposition. Rene goes all the way, always, with heart and soul. His passion lies in the gaming industry, and as a company in the gaming industry, you couldn’t wish for a better lawyer than Rene. Not only does he know all the legal ins and outs of gaming, but he is also very familiar with the entire industry, its developments, and trends, which is extremely valuable.

  • Ilyas Ben Haddou

    Sparrow Night

    Deviant Legal is one of the most unique law firms in the creative media and games industry. René is a wonderful person with a big heart for the people in these industries and for the medium itself.

    He is well-connected, approachable, and highly collaborative with everyone in the field. This makes him not only one of the most unique lawyers in the industry, but also one of the most remarkable people you’ll ever meet. His deep knowledge of the industry makes him a true powerhouse, one who genuinely cares about you.

    René is sharp, persistent, and has a great sense of humor. He doesn’t focus on the money he makes, instead, he cares deeply about the people he can help and support. His big heart is reflected in both his team and the company at Deviant Legal. When you need his services, you can always count on him to do everything in his power to help.

    As an award winning lawyer with a special focus on gaming, content creation, esports, and cosplay, there is no one I trust more for legal advice. René and his team at Deviant Legal are truly the number one go-to!

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Testimonials

What your peers have to say about us.

Danna Albanyan

Co-Founder and CEO | Edge of the World Studios
Danna Albanyan, smiling in front of a windowed backdrop.

Working with René was a game-changer for our studio. He helped us navigate complex IP licensing for our first major game and commercial release- and we needed someone who not only had deep legal expertise but also a sharp understanding of the creative industries. René brought both- and more. He guided us through the agreement with clarity, respect, and long-term thinking, and was incredibly supportive throughout. His flexibility and positivity were especially meaningful as part of a budding community of game studios in need of accessible legal support.

Rami Ismail

Industry Ambassador & Indie Game Developer
Rami Ismail, seated outdoors and facing the camera with a slight smile.

René helps. Whether that’s with legal disagreements, contract drafting, or in building a coherent community in the Dutch games industry, René has rapidly gained tremendous visibility by simply being a spectacular combination of personable, approachable, humble, genuinely kind and caring, and also by being a great and dependable lawyer with tremendous specialization in all things games industry.

Ayla Derrick

Creative Director | Cave Bear Games
Ayla Derrick, seated indoors, resting her chin on her hand.

René worked with my indie studio, Cave Bear Games, in order to write out a custom rev share agreement contract for our team. As a new indie studio we deeply appreciated René’s hopeful and supportive attitude towards the industry and those who are passionate about it.

While working with him for our contract, he was extremely knowledgeable. Not only was he able to transform our requirements into legalese, but also recommend and educate so that we could better meet our goals for the agreement. He was dutiful, pointing out possible concerns we may not have thought of, in order to proactively protect both the company and the team members alike.

René brings a unique – and welcome – attitude to the legal side of game development. I feel very lucky to have found him!

Koen Deetman

CEO & Game Director | KeokeN Interactive
Koen Deetman, smiling in front of a glowing KeokeN Interactive logo.

At heart René is a gamer, professionally he’s a skilled lawyer that doesn’t overlook the tiniest details. Working with him was a pleasure on contracts for KeokeN Interactive surrounding our Deliver Us Mars game, and most importantly during this process we’ve had some good laughs to color the sometimes grey paperwork. I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for his services again.

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