Microsoft introduces rules for Let’s Play video creators

People who share videos of the games they play live via the streaming video service Twitch actually do a favor to game companies attracting more people to buy and play their software. Still, developers have been quiet about this grey area in the industry.

Nintendo changed its mind last year allowing people to create work based on the company’s intellectual properties. The derivative works include art and Let’s Play videos. It was a win-win for both Nintendo fans and the Japanese company.

Now it’s the turn for video creators who own Xbox consoles.

For all games that belong to Microsoft except Minecraft, the company has established new rules for people who use gameplay scenes in their Let’s Play videos seen on Twitch and YouTube.

Most of the rules don’t need much explanation such as no reverse engineer, no obscene or offensive content, no infringing of anyone’s IP rights,  no use of logos or names of company’s IPs even in videos, and others.

The one rule specifically about the subject: “You may make your Item available on Youtube or Twitch and participate in programs on those sites that allow you to earn revenue from ads displayed in connection with your Item.”

For more info, visit the Game Content Usage Rules page on Xbox.com: [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/developers/rules].