I'm a pretty big noob when it comes to a lot of this stuff. I have a question though about copyright. When I see a game, and it says ©2011, is that all you really have to do? Or do you actually have to go to a site or something to have it copyrighted...

Sorry if this is a dumb question...

That's not a real copyright. You would need to purchase a real one, but it does deter people from stealing your idea. I don't think anyone would want to go look up if you have an official copyright or not :)

Regards,
Jordan Schuetz
Ninja Pig Studios

Actually, it is a "real" copyright. Your work (whether a novel, a game, or anything else) is protected the *moment* it's created. You don't have to do anything else.

However, if you don't register the copyright you can't sue for damages if someone rips you off -- although you can still sue to stop them from using your work. That's probably what ninjapig meant when he said you had to purchase one.

You can find out more info here:

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html

Jay