Major Nelson has addressed some confusion relating to Game Content Usage Rules for user-generated content. The portion of the usage rules that Major Nelson focuses on are the use of Xbox Game titles. Last week, Xbox updated its Game Content Usage Rules allowing the sharing of user-generated content on YouTube and Twitch. Major Nelson just wants to clarify how using Xbox Game titles that misrepresent Microsoft’s role in their creation or confusion on the source of the content violates their Game Content Usage Rules.
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With the help of Xbox user feedback, Microsoft revised a section in the Game Content Usage Rules:
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In addition, your Items may not use the name of the Microsoft Game in their title to give the impression that Microsoft is the source of the Item, or authorized or endorsed the Item. Items that make referential use of our titles are fine, for example, “Let’s Play Forza Motorsport 5” or “Tips and Strategies for Halo 5.” Using the Game title to tag your Item on social media is fine. We also don’t object to “Red vs. Blue” or “Operation Chastity”. But we may object to “Halo: Covenant Strike,” for example, if it could be confused as something Microsoft produced or licensed, or if it could be mistaken as an official part of the Game. We just want to make sure consumers don’t get confused.
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Major Nelson goes on to comment on the recent change adding:
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Rest assured, we have not seen rampant abuse of this and we’re not actively seeking violations on YouTube and Twitch. We love that you’re passionate about our games and we want you to create great works. The key here is for people to use game titles for discovery and not misrepresent Microsoft’s role in the content’s creation. This is a small way for us to protect against abuse. Sorry if there was any confusion.
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Hopefully, this will avoid any future problems for Xbox gamers in the future when they want to post their content on Twitch or YouTube. It appears that Microsoft is merely updating their policy so that there are no issues with future Xbox game content posted online. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section.
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