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 profit off of the ads.
It’s worthwhile reading the full text of Microsoft’s policy. Here are a few highlights:
- 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.
