I've written the beginnings for two games, but didn't flesh out and complete the game mechanics because I haven't wanted to deal with the legal expenses involved in establishing an LLC and trademarking my assets, so I haven't been motivated to complete and release them.
I don't want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on legal protections and then only make back $50.
Why do you feel the need to trademark your assets at this point?
I mean, it sounds like your blocker to making them worth something is that they're possibly not worth anything...
...so why not make it, and then if it starts making money, pop the trademarks? People aren't likely to notice (and steal) unless it's successful enough anyway.
...plus, AFAIK, you can't protect game mechanics; it's something like they're considered the same as math: can't copyright, can't patent.
I think I'll make the game for now, polish it, etc. I'll make the LLC if I'm ever ready to release. If I make any money at all, then I'll trademark.
Game mechanics might not be able to be protected, but I'm worried that wouldn't stop some other major game company from bringing me to court to try. If a game is similar enough to an existing game, they could have a case.
I've written the beginnings for two games, but didn't flesh out and complete the game mechanics because I haven't wanted to deal with the legal expenses involved in establishing an LLC and trademarking my assets, so I haven't been motivated to complete and release them.
I don't want to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on legal protections and then only make back $50.