Microsoft has given permission for content creators on YouTube and Twitch to monetise gameplay videos.
Content creators on YouTube and Twitch can now legally monetise gaming videos following Microsoft unveiling new rules for online gameplay. Under the new guidelines, creators are allowed to post Let’s Plays, machinima, and other personal and non-commercial gaming content, as long as they don’t infringe on any of the company’s requirements.
There are 16 rules under Microsoft’s new Game Content and Usage Rules. There is to be no vulgar language, racism or pornography in any content showcasing any of the company’s games. Creators are also prohibited from reverse engineering games and posting content to subscription-based websites.
There is also a rule disallowing the inclusion of game titles in the title of videos, with the company stating: “In addition, your Items may not use the name of the Microsoft Game in their title. For example, we don’t object to ‘Red vs. Blue’. We don’t object to ‘Operation Chastity’. But we do object to ‘Halo [insert the title of your Item here]’. We want to make sure consumers don’t get confused.”
The following statement must also be posted somewhere in a video’s description.
“[Name of the Microsoft Game] © Microsoft Corporation. [The title of your Item] was created under Microsoft’s “Game Content Usage Rules” using assets from [Name of the Microsoft Game], and it is not endorsed by or affiliated with Microsoft.”
It’s also important to note that, under the new guidelines, Microsoft is free to use any material created without the permission of said YouTuber or Twitch user. They may also use the content without any financial compensation.
The new rules don’t apply to Minecraft however, which the company acquired in September 2014. The game has its own set of usage rules, which can be read here.
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