Microsoft outlines its Let’s Play monetization rules

Microsoft has released a formal set of rules regarding use of game content, joining a number of companies which have elected to make their positions clear.

You can read the full rules on the Xbox website, but the executive summary is that yes, you can capture or stream game footage, put it on YouTube or Twitch, and make money from ads.  This is pretty normal, but with Nintendo’s strict rules, it’s settling to see Microsoft come out with their soft rules.

It’s worthwhile reading the full text of Microsoft’s policy:

• You can’t monetise game content outside of Twitch and YouTube, as for example in paid apps or commercial films.
• You’re not allowed to reverse-engineer game assets.
• You can’t sign your creations over to exclusive distribution deals.
• Microsoft won’t allow you to use game content if your end product is “pornographic, lewd, obscene, vulgar, discriminatory (on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.), illegal, hate speech, promoting violence, drug use or any illegal activity, promoting crimes against humanity, genocide or torture, or is otherwise objectionable”.
• Creators will need to include a copyright notice, as supplied by Microsoft.
• Titles mustn’t mislead users into thinking they’re viewing official products.
• You have to check on third-party licenses for music and sound effects yourself.

Finally, Minecraft is not covered by these new rules; it has its own policy.