Free tool: runs in your browser
Pre-launch asset dating plannerbefore each public step of a launch
TimeBinder adds a layer of protection against AI and human fraud and disputes. Enter the dates of your planned steps. You get a schedule of the days to date your files by, the files to date at each step, and a calendar file with reminders.
Everything you type stays on this page. This is date arithmetic on what you type. It does not show who made a game, who owns it, or that anyone copied anything. It is not legal advice.
Plan when to date your files
Enter a date for each step you plan, choose how far ahead to date your files, and build the schedule. Use the made-up example to see how it works. Nothing you type is sent to TimeBinder.
Everything you type stays on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere or tied to your name.
Work out when to date your files before each public step
Enter the dates of the steps you plan, from first build to launch day. You get a schedule of date-by days, the files to date at each step, and a calendar file with reminders. The arithmetic runs in your browser.
When should I date my game files before launch? The short answer
Date the exact files before each public step, because a TimeBind records the time you make it and cannot reach back. That means the first build, the design document, the store page assets, the trailer master, any demo or festival build, the press kit and the release build. Leave a buffer so a delay does not push it past the day something goes public. If a step has already passed, date what you still hold today.
A TimeBind of a file you already hold can show that exact file existed no later than a recorded time and still matches. It does not show who made a game or whether it was copied.
Why this came up in November 2026
Indie developers are worried about clones appearing around launch. Counts below were read on 13 November 2026 (Australia/Brisbane) unless the text says another date. JoGameDev’s “My indie game got cloned before I released it” showed 334,600 views, 9,643 likes and 1,100 comments. Game Maker’s Toolkit’s “My game was cloned with AI... what do I do?” showed 902,974 views. Forrest Spellman’s “AI Clones Are Destroying Steam Next Fest”, uploaded on 21 October 2026, showed 7,179 views, and Aistrikeforce CEO’s “AI Is Cloning Steam Games Before They Even Launch”, uploaded on 2 November 2026, showed 1,320 views. These are demand signals, and this page does not check the claims in any of them.
Advice often says to keep records without saying when. The planner turns your launch calendar into dated reminders.
Sources: JoGameDev, Game Maker’s Toolkit, Forrest Spellman and Aistrikeforce CEO, all on YouTube. For a checklist of records after the fact, see the game clone record checklist.
What this tool does and does not do
The honest job of this page is to turn your launch plan into dated reminders. See also the copy dispute timeline builder and the glossary entries for existed no later than and fingerprint.
| Part | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| The schedule | Subtracts your chosen buffer from each step date and lists the files to date at that step. | Know your real launch date. |
| The status | Shows how many days remain, or says the date-by day has passed. | Create a record for a day that has passed. |
| The calendar file | Makes an all-day reminder in your browser for each date-by day still ahead. | Send anything anywhere or add the reminders for you. |
| A TimeBind of a file you already hold | Records that an exact file existed no later than a recorded time and still matches, using a SHA-256 fingerprint made in your browser. The file stays on your device. | Show who made a game, who owns it, or that anything was copied. |
If your launch files are something you may need to show later
At each date-by day:
- Gather the exact files for that step, as you will upload or send them.
- Make a TimeBind of each exact file you already hold. The fingerprint is made in your browser and the file stays on your device. You can later download a Proof of Time Certificate.
- Store the files, the plan and the certificate together, with the date of each step.
A TimeBind shows the exact file existed no later than the recorded time and still matches. It cannot show who made a game or that it was copied.
First Pooled TimeBind free, no card, then from US$5. An ASAP TimeBind is US$15.
What a TimeBind shows, and what it does not. It shows that an exact file existed no later than a recorded time and that a copy shown later still matches its fingerprint. It does not show who made the file, who owns it, that its contents are true, or whether AI was used to make or edit it. This is general information, not legal advice.
Pre-launch asset dating planner: FAQ
Why date files before they go public?
A TimeBind records the time you make it. Dating a file before a step means the record exists before that step. You cannot add an earlier record afterwards.
Which files matter most?
The first build you still have, the design document, the store page assets, the trailer master, any demo build and the release build. The planner lists them step by step.
What if a step has already passed?
The planner says so. Date the files you still hold today. It cannot reach back to the day of the step.
Is the calendar file sent anywhere?
No. It is made in your browser and downloaded to your device. Open it with your calendar app.
Does dating files stop a clone?
No. It does not stop anyone copying anything. A TimeBind of a file you already hold can show that exact file existed no later than a recorded time and still matches.
Is this legal advice?
No. It runs in your browser and helps you plan. If a claim or a dispute is involved, ask a qualified adviser.
Is anything I type or tick sent to TimeBinder?
No. This page runs in your browser. What you type stays on the page.
Related guides and tools
- Copy dispute timeline builderPut events in order
- Game clone record checklistA checklist for the same situation
- What to date first wizardA short list for your kind of work
- Vibe coding review checklistReview AI-written code
- GlossaryPlain definitions of fingerprint, SHA-256 and existed no later than
- All free toolsPrivate, in-browser tools
Date the exact files you already hold
Add a layer of protection against AI and human fraud and disputes: a dated, checkable record of your build and assets before each public step.
- Open the app and sign in with email or Google.
- Add your files. They stay on your computer.
- Seal them and download your Proof of Time certificates.
First Pooled TimeBind free, no card, then from US$5. See pricing.