Most game publishers allow creators to use footage of their games for reviews and playthroughs. Claims can still occur if the content is deemed non-transformative or if it contains third-party licensed music that you may need to license separately.
The Transformative Rule
To avoid most manual claims, your video should provide creative input or commentary.
- Reviews, tutorials, speedruns, or playthroughs with voiceover or facecam are mostly allowed.
- Raw cutscenes, unedited gameplay without commentary, or extracting the game’s soundtrack to play as a standalone video may jeopardize its legality.
Publisher-Specific Guidelines
All publishers have their own usage rules that define what is allowed or not on YouTube.
- Nintendo insists that all videos relating to their games have creative input and commentary. All music used must be synchronized with a visual presentation. Monetization through the YouTube Partner Program is still permitted.
- Microsoft grants users a personal license under a series of dedicated rules to use game assets such as for machinimas or videos, provided you include a specific disclosure in your description.
- Capcom allows playthroughs and reviews, and you can only use content from games that have been officially released. Spoilers without warnings may jeopardize its legality.
Game Music
Even if your video is legal under a publisher’s guidelines, Content ID claims from music can still arise from games that make use of licensed music, and you may have to license their use separately.
- Many games such as Grand Theft Auto, Forza, or Fallout use licensed radio songs. The record labels own the rights to the original recordings and you may receive claims from them instead, which could result in blocking.
- Many modern games now include a Streamer Mode option in the audio settings that mutes licensed music to prevent these specific claims.
Understanding Claims
When a claim is raised, your video may face one of the following in YouTube Studio:
- Monetize claims have the publishers receive the ad revenue and keep the video up. Your channel won’t be penalized.
- Block claims can make your video unviewable. Using the Mute Song or Trim Out Segment tools in YouTube Studio to remove the offending parts can restore the video.
Comparison of Major Gaming Policies
| Publisher | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nintendo | Must add commentary or input |
| Microsoft | Must include Game Content Usage disclosure |
| Capcom | No pre-release footage or leaks |
| Sony | Must disclose “Free Product” if available |
Drillimation Systems 