Electronic sports (eSports) has grown exponentially over the past few years. New developments within the professional video gaming circuit have created new opportunities for players and fans to be entertained. However, Microsoft has passed some new content rules that could be a major set back for professional/aspiring professional gamers, YouTube posters, and everyone in between.
Microsoft’s new content usage rules state that no one can receive money from their work for any title that is published by Microsoft. Players cannot earn money from posts of game footage, even from advertisements on the same page that have nothing to with the game itself. The new content explicitly states YouTube and Vimeo as examples. Players can still upload their content to YouTube and Vimeo, however, if anywhere on that page there is an advertisement the player will make money from, it is illegal. For people familiar with YouTube, the YouTube partner program (which helps uploaders get paid) is prohibited. Uploaders also are not allowed to use the game name in the titles of the content either.
To clarify, these rules are restricted to titles published by Microsoft and where Microsoft owns the copyright, the main ones being Halo, Forza, and Fable.
Of all the Microsoft titles, it is fairly obvious the new content rules will be most pervasive within the Halo universe. Halo helped solidify Major League Gaming as a legitimate entertainment company ten years ago when it was created. The game has been a monster within the online multiplayer domain since its inception into the category with Halo 2 and there are many players who make a successful living from Halo alone. The individual players being unable to present content with their personal advertisements could be crippling to the eSports environment. Many professional Halo players stream their team practices and matches daily – they won’t be able to do that anymore if they are profiting from it in anyway. Without the extra income from the advertisements some players may not have the monetary backing to play full time and be forced to drop out. eSports has grown from the infusion of new talent to the professional scene. Losing potential revenue from YouTube videos and live streams will serve as another barrier to entry for the already hard-to-crack-into professional gaming circuit. Tom “TSquared” Taylor, former Halo pro and current coach, took to Twitter saying:
If this is true, it will put a serious damper on all streaming & montage opportunities + console #esports in general.
The idea that these new rules could slow the discovery of new talent within the Halo professional scene could serve to be the most detrimental outcome. Video game players use YouTube or Vimeo for exposure. Most notably, they post gameplay montages that are edited meticulously in order to show off their in-game acumen. These montages serves as a platform for recruiting to find new, talented players. Undoubtedly, people will still be able to post videos and just accept that they will not reap monetary benefits from their work, however, there will be others who will not upload videos based on these new content rules and could miss out on being “discovered.” As a fan of eSports, and more specifically of MLG’s Halo tournaments, I hope the new content rules do not bar talented players from having their chance on the big stage.
An important side note regarding Major League Gaming is that their business will not be impacted by these new content rules at all. Sundance Giovanni, CEO and c0-founder of MLG, confirmed that MLG has usage rights for the games they run. So the MLG pro circuit will be unaltered.
As a consumer and fan of many professional gamers, I hope these new content rule do not prevent future videos from being posted. I enjoy watching montages, gameplay footage and commentary, and helpful hint videos: they help me work develop new skills as a gamer. Strictly as a consumer, with Halo 4 set for release on November 6th, I hope new videos for the game are uploaded so I can learn things about the game and develop my skills as a gamer.
With the huge growth that eSports has seen within the last few years, it is a shame that these new content rules may slow its progress. eSports is still trying to crack into the mainstream audience, and suffice it to say, it does not need any additional barriers. A petition has already been started and has procured 1,824 signatures at posting time.
Lucas has evolved in his video game preferences. With a foundation in predominantly sports game, action adventure games are now his favorite to play. He is a competitive swimmer and likes to play volleyball, basketball, and golf.
This is terrible, what a blunder by M$...and it serves no purpose. Its not like they are trying to corner the "youtube gaming video market" for additional profits or anything. Its just a selfish, stupid move.
Electronic sports (eSports) has grown exponentially over the past few years. New developments within the professional video gaming circuit have created new opportunities for players and fans to be entertained. However, Microsoft has passed some new content rules that could be a major set back for professional/aspiring
