In a surprising move, Nintendo has filed a "Content ID Match" copyright claim on YouTube videos that feature their video games.
If Nintendo is successful, it would mean that the company could monetize the video to their benefit. Nintendo would be able to block the video if it wanted to, or it could place ads within videos it didn't actually record and receive any revenue that the ads bring in.
In short, it means that if you record a Let's Play walkthrough of a Nintendo game, Nintendo would be able to place ads in it, and any money generated would go to the company, not you.
In a statement to GameFront, Nintendo said the following:
"As part of our ongoing push to ensure Nintendo content is shared across social media channels in an appropriate and safe way, we became a YouTube partner and as such in February 2013 we registered our copyright content in the YouTube database. For most fan videos this will not result in any changes, however, for those videos featuring Nintendo-owned content, such as images or audio of a certain length, adverts will now appear at the beginning, next to or at the end of the clips. We continually want our fans to enjoy sharing Nintendo content on YouTube, and that is why, unlike other entertainment companies, we have chosen not to block people using our intellectual property."
As a response, popular Let's Play creator Zack Scott expressed his disappointment with Nintendo's decision.
"I think filing claims against LPers is backwards," he wrote in an open letter on Facebook. "Video games aren't like movies or TV. Each play-through is a unique audiovisual experience. When I see a film that someone else is also watching, I don't need to see it again. When I see a game that someone else is playing, I want to play that game for myself! Sure, there may be some people who watch games rather than play them, but are those people even gamers?"
Scott also added that he won't be recording Let's Plays of any Nintendo game until this situation has been resolved.
"I love Nintendo, so I've included their games in my line-up. But until their claims are straightened out, I won't be playing their games. I won't because it jeopardizes my channel's copyright standing and the livelihood of all LPers."
Have you watched (or created) any Let's Play videos on YouTube? Let us know your thoughts on the situation below.
