Developing a successful video game is challenging, and complying with the increasing number of child safety regulations globally adds another layer of complexity. A new company named k-ID is stepping in to simplify this process for game developers by providing a framework that helps safeguard them against regulatory issues, reputational risks, and other consequences of non-compliance.
Founded by CEO Kieran Donovan, who has a legal background advising tech and gaming companies on compliance matters, k-ID aims to leverage this expertise to assist game developers in navigating the complex landscape of regulations. Donovan’s insight into regulatory frameworks and cultural sensitivities is at the core of k-ID’s new solution.
The idea for k-ID stemmed from Donovan’s realization of the need for a tool to address the challenges faced by developers in the kids, teens, and parents space. The company’s solution, developed over the past 18 months, involves a team of experts with backgrounds in privacy law, online trust and safety, as well as tech and gaming industries, to provide comprehensive support to game developers.
k-ID’s executive team includes Chief Safety Officer Jeff Wu, Chief Growth Officer Julian Corbett, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Luc Delany, CTO Aakash Mandhar, and upcoming Chief Legal Officer Timothy Ma.
Image Credits: k-ID
Addressing the challenge faced by game developers in identifying underage users on their platforms, k-ID offers a solution that helps customize the gaming experience to comply with age-related regulations in specific markets.
k-ID’s technology allows developers to customize the game experience based on the legal age requirements in each market. This includes considerations such as parental consent, permissible features for kids and teens, and market-specific compliance issues. By utilizing k-ID, developers can adapt their games to suit the age group and regulatory standards of the players.
To use k-ID, developers can integrate the solution through APIs or SDKs, making it accessible across various platforms.
k-ID’s API-based approach eliminates the need to access the game’s code directly. Instead, it sends signals to configure the game based on factors such as age, location, and digital maturity of the player. This flexibility allows for tailored gaming experiences according to the player’s profile.
The service, which entered early access in November 2023, is now available to all game developers. The pricing structure is based on the number of active players per game title, with options ranging from free to premium services. k-ID’s database, designed for gaming industry compliance, and a “family portal” for parental oversight are part of its core offerings.
k-ID has secured $5.4 million in funding from pre-seed and seed investment rounds, supported by investors such as a16z Games Speedrun, Konvoy Ventures, and TIRTA Ventures.
