Microsoft game usage rules bar users from profiting on created content

4.5
Microsoft has detailed a number of new rules regarding the practice of using its gameplay video, audio and screens in the creation of fan-made content.

On the condition that users follow the company's Game Content Usage Rules, Microsoft grants them "a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use and display Game Content and to create derivative works based upon Game Content, strictly for your noncommercial and personal use".
This could potentially impact on YouTube channels which use advertising to generate revenue directly from the content.

The rules go on to state that a disclaimer must be included with all distributed content: "[Name of the Microsoft Game] © Microsoft Corporation. [The title of your Item] was created under Microsoft's "Game Content Usage Rules" using assets from [Name of the Microsoft Game]. It is not endorsed by Microsoft and does not reflect the views or opinions of Microsoft or anyone officially involved in producing or managing [Name of the Microsoft Game]. As such, it does not contribute to the official narrative of the fictional universe, if applicable."

The game's name cannot be used in the title of any user-created content, which Microsoft says is to avoid confusion. "For example, we don't object to "Red vs. Blue". We don't object to "Operation Chastity". But we do object to "Halo [insert the title of your Item here]". We want to make sure consumers don't get confused."

If a user creates something new in one of the platform holder's game universes, they grant "a royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide, license to Microsoft and any of Microsoft's partners or users to use, modify and distribute that Item (and derivatives of that Item), and use your name if we choose to, for any purpose and without obligation to pay you anything, obtain your approval, or give you credit".

"This means that if you add to the game universe or expand on the story told in the game with "lost chapters" or back story or anything like that, distribution of your story or idea may appear in a future game without any compensation to you. (Sorry, but our lawyers tell us we need to do this in order to avoid frivolous lawsuits getting in the way of making more great games.) It also means we can put your Item on a Microsoft site or property like Halo Waypoint if we want to."

First-party Halo studio 343 Industries, which works closely with the community on projects such as Red Vs. Blue, has issued a statement on the Halo Waypoint forums assuring fans that little has changed, and offering words of encouragement to content creators.

"We know you have questions about the updated Game Content Usage Rules," wrote community manager Jessica Shea. "The good news is that little to nothing actually changed. The rules are basically the same, with clarification added to address some frequently asked questions.

"While those rules govern several different titles, we would like to assure you that we not only love seeing, watching, and hearing your many different Halo-related creations, but we want you to be able to create to your heart's content.

"That is one of the primary reasons we forged a partnership with Machinima, for example, so in theory, just about anyone could sign up as part of a simple pre-approved partner program and actually earn money on YouTube and avoid even having to think about it or apply for a separate license.

"Both Rooster Teeth and Machinima have held our normal commercial licenses for years (and others can reach out to us for commercial licenses as well), so rest assured they will continue to exist as you know them. The majority of everything the community makes currently is fine, as long as they are not basically running a big Halo-based business or using Halo as if the IP was its own property."

The list of Microsoft games specifically mentioned in its new rules include Halo (all versions), Forza Motorsport (all versions), Fable (all versions), Kinectimals, Kinect Adventures, Kinect Joy Ride, Age of Empires (all versions), Flight Simulator (all versions), Kameo, Perfect Dark Zero, Project Gotham Racing (all versions), Shadowrun and Viva Piñata.

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/372474/microsoft-game-usage-rules-bar-users-from-profiting-on-created-content/

Comments

"Microsoft game usage rules bar users from profiting on created content" :: Login/Create an Account :: 36 comments

If you would like to post a comment please signin to your account or register for an account.

BackHandLegendPosted:

MoDOT
VisionaryMGMT
Daedric
VisionaryMGMT Well Microsoft, I upload BF3. Efff off.


I just want to see Machinima gone. They are idiots, the profit from game trailers and thing posted by game companies. A simple repost with their intro is all it is. They got money off of BGS games like Skyrim. Pisses me off, they should take Machinima's right to post that all away.


It's annoying listening to people say that Microsoft is a hogging company, NO they aren't. You're paying extra cash for extra protection and a PREMIUM online service. When was the last time it was Microsoft's fault that millions of bank accounts were jeopardized? That's right it hasn't happened. This is just Xbox's branch of Microsoft. UNLIKE Apple who'll sue other companies for one-upping them, and charge customers outrageous prices for their iGarbage. Yeah the Operating system for Apple computers is the best (in terms of looks) but the hardware on their computers is SHIT compared to the same priced competitors.

Well you got to remember what machinima also does, they've changed peoples lives for the better and allows them to earn money off their hard work.

Although getting money from trailers isn't right, most people are baboons and can't find a trailer on their own and actually rely on Machinima for it.


Ya they where cool when new. They just want money now and they should be shut down. MS is more hogs gtfo with that stuff.

AlbericiPosted:

VisionaryMGMT
Daedric
VisionaryMGMT Well Microsoft, I upload BF3. Efff off.


I just want to see Machinima gone. They are idiots, the profit from game trailers and thing posted by game companies. A simple repost with their intro is all it is. They got money off of BGS games like Skyrim. Pisses me off, they should take Machinima's right to post that all away.


Well you got to remember what machinima also does, they've changed peoples lives for the better and allows them to earn money off their hard work.

Although getting money from trailers isn't right, most people are baboons and can't find a trailer on their own and actually rely on Machinima for it.


Ya they where cool when new. They just want money now and they should be shut down. MS is more hogs gtfo with that stuff.

TopNotchKiNGPosted:

Okay so im a game designer & vfx/gfx artist...
This is total bullshit, they are basically saying that if I make any gfx for any microsoft game or a trailer, they can just take my content and re sell it as there own and nob pay me anything, or even give me credit. WOW! Just wow


So this is how the 720 is going to work, tons of new games, content and personalization options, then lets say you use that new found power to your advantage... And whammm! Microsft swoops in and steals your content so that they can sell it and cover their losses from windows 8! Awesome way to go Microsoft! Officially my un favorite company (why cant bethesda run xbla? They love us all an give us creation kits!)

BicPosted:

this is the reason i roll with valve!

they even made a tool just for people to make their "own" shows

ZirtexPosted:

This rule has been going on since 07 but it looks like they are trying to enforce it now. People make a living creating videos and making good content to people. Microsoft just being greedy like they always are.

VisionaryMGMTPosted:

Daedric
VisionaryMGMT Well Microsoft, I upload BF3. Efff off.


I just want to see Machinima gone. They are idiots, the profit from game trailers and thing posted by game companies. A simple repost with their intro is all it is. They got money off of BGS games like Skyrim. Pisses me off, they should take Machinima's right to post that all away.


Well you got to remember what machinima also does, they've changed peoples lives for the better and allows them to earn money off their hard work.

Although getting money from trailers isn't right, most people are baboons and can't find a trailer on their own and actually rely on Machinima for it.

ineedaxplobbymw2Posted:

This law has been around since 2007, they just dont inforce it so dont get your panties in a bunch.

AR15Posted:

Like this will stop anyone. YouTube is a multi billion dollar industry and some people use it as a legitimate job.

IglesiasPosted:

Daedric
VisionaryMGMT Well Microsoft, I upload BF3. Efff off.


I just want to see Machinima gone. They are idiots, the profit from game trailers and thing posted by game companies. A simple repost with their intro is all it is. They got money off of BGS games like Skyrim. Pisses me off, they should take Machinima's right to post that all away.


Right, I remember when they actually "only" posted machinimas.

PersistencePosted:

And the world continues the greed streak... I'm just sick of big corporations in general anymore...