Microsoft Studios updates Terms and Conditions on monetization of Let’s Plays

They are layin' down the law

Microsoft Studios has amended, detailed and updated their rules and regulations for consumer use of their products. This means if you create videos from Microsoft Studios content, you should be listening up.

Initally, when Nintendo updated their terms a flame was lit on the internet. Microsoft's guidelines aren't as rigid, they are lenient towards YouTube and Twitch streamers – but there definitely are edges you should be aware of.

I've listed out the guidline as simply as possible:

You Can:

  • Stream on YouTube
  • Monetize on YouTube with the built-in ad programs
  • Stream on Twitch
  • Monetize on Twitch with the built-in ad programs

You Cannot:

  • Create anything that could be classified as being pornographic, discriminatory, hate speech, or promoting drug use and other crimes against humanity.
  • Reverse engineer game files to extract material for content.
  • Put your videos on a pay-for-play website.
  • Have a subscription fee to gain access to your videos.
  • Put your video anywhere near a site page where things are being sold (even if unrelated).
  • Make the title of your video sound like a Microsoft official video.

By streaming Microsoft Studios content, you give them the right to:

  • Take any art, stories or content you create without reserving the right to sue the company if there are similarities between the works.
  • Take what you create with Microsoft Studios content and use it with “royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license.” Meaning that Microsoft can use what you create without your permission or compensation.
  • Shut you down when they feel it is necessary

Here's the official link to the guidelines of use for Microsoft content, if you think I should add a bullet anywhere let me know!

[GI]