Capcom updates video policy for content creators and streamers

Capcom is updating their video policy for streamers and content creators, adding new restrictions on what creators can do with Capcom’s games. The developer and publisher of games including Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, Mega Man, Resident Evil, and more warn that failure to follow the new policy could result in content being removed.

📺 Attention Creators! 📺

Capcom now has a Video Policy in place. Please read carefully before your next video upload or live stream: https://t.co/HFJppRvny4

— Capcom USA (@CapcomUSA_) January 6, 2021

Content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch can still make Let’s Plays, speedruns, tutorials, walkthroughs, and more. Capcom asks that any step-by-step commentary should be “instructional or educational in value.” Creators looking to upload game footage need to be careful though. Uploading game footage without any commentary or customization can result in the video being taken down. Uploading a video of a cutscene or gameplay is not okay with Capcom.

Content creators found issues with Capcom’s video policy

Creators online quickly identified several potential problems with the new policy. Capcom now requires that “all fan-created content should be appropriate for the audience of the Capcom games.” What this means is that if someone creates a video based on a game approved for a younger audience, and Capcom determines that the video is meant for adults, they can choose to take down the video.

Videos and streams also cannot reveal spoilers or the contents of printed and digital books. This includes comic books, art books, and strategy guides. Let’s Play and lore channels may suddenly see videos removed if cover something Capcom feels is against their video policy. The video policy also warns that some soundtracks and music from different Capcom games may have conflicts with licensing. This warning seems to be prompted by ongoing issues with DMCA takedown requests by music labels on streaming platforms.

Perhaps the strangest change to Capcom’s video policy is that Capcom games can no longer be used in emotes like those found on Twitch and Discord. How Capcom is going to enforce this policy is unknown, as well as what actions the game developer can do to remove them. For the time being, it may be safer for creators to change emotes based on Capcom games before it becomes an issue.