AITA for not sharing the income from a board game that I created?

A lifelong dream of creating a hit board game comes true, but the victory is bittersweet when a brother demands half the profits for his artwork and ideas. Initially partners splitting earnings 50-50, the creator paid his artist brother $60/hour after he opted out of unpaid work, treating him as an employee. Now, with a publisher on board and success in sight, the brother wants co-creator status and equal shares, sparking a family rift. The creator, feeling his brother abandoned faith in the dream, refuses to share, but family pressure makes him question his stance.

This isn’t just about a board game—it’s about trust, fairness, and the messy intersection of family and business. The creator’s decision to withhold profits, despite his brother’s key contributions, ignites a debate over compensation and credit. This story dives into the heart of creative partnerships, where unclear boundaries can turn triumph into tension.

‘AITA for not sharing the income from a board game that I created?’

Navigating family collaborations in creative projects is a minefield, especially without clear agreements. The creator’s refusal to share profits stems from paying his brother $60/hour, viewing him as an employee rather than a partner. However, the brother’s contributions—artwork, design ideas, and game refinement—exceeded typical hired work, complicating the dynamic. Dr. Amy Gallo, a workplace dynamics expert, notes, “Ambiguity in family business roles can lead to resentment if contributions aren’t clearly defined or compensated”.

The initial 50-50 partnership set an expectation of shared ownership, but the shift to hourly pay muddied the waters. The brother’s demand for upfront payment reflected a lack of faith in the project’s success, justifying the creator’s stance that he bore the financial risk alone. Yet, dismissing his brother’s integral role—acknowledged as critical to the game’s appeal—ignores the value of his creative input beyond art. The publisher’s decision to redo the artwork doesn’t erase his impact on securing the deal.

Unclear contracts often spark disputes. A 2022 study in the Journal of Small Business Management found that 60% of family collaborations fail due to undefined roles and compensation agreements. The creator’s failure to formalize terms when shifting to paid work left room for misunderstanding. His brother’s complaint to family suggests hurt over being sidelined, not just greed.

Dr. Gallo advises retroactively negotiating fair terms, like a smaller profit share (e.g., 20-30%) or co-creator credit, to acknowledge contributions while respecting the creator’s risk. The creator could propose a future 50-50 partnership with a contract to prevent disputes. For others, written agreements upfront, even with family, clarify expectations. The creator’s stance isn’t selfish, but his lack of communication and dismissal of his brother’s role risks a family rift and potential legal issues.

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

Reddit was split, with some calling the creator NTA for paying his brother upfront, arguing he forfeited partnership rights by demanding hourly wages. They saw the creator as bearing all financial risk, especially after failed projects, and likened the brother to a hired contractor. Others labeled him YTA, emphasizing the brother’s co-creative role beyond art—ideas and design tweaks—that secured the publisher’s interest. They criticized the lack of a contract, warning of legal risks if the brother proves his contributions.

Many suggested a compromise, like a 20-30% profit share or co-creator credit, to honor the brother’s work without equal splits. Some noted the board game industry’s norm of crediting key contributors, urging the creator to protect his reputation. Reddit agreed that clear contracts could have prevented the fallout, with family pressure reflecting emotional, not just financial, stakes.

This board game saga shows how success can strain family ties when roles and rewards aren’t clear. The creator’s refusal to share profits protects his investment but overlooks his brother’s pivotal role, risking their bond. How do you balance family collaboration with fair compensation? Share your stories below—have you ever clashed with family over a shared project’s spoils?