General and Gaming => Modern Video Games => Topic started by: burningdoom on May 22, 2013, 01:09:13 pm
Title: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: burningdoom on May 22, 2013, 01:09:13 pm
Quote
Nintendo Flexing Copyright Clout on YouTube Let’s Play Channels
Nintendo is reportedly issuing “content ID match” claims on Let’s Play videos featuring their game franchises, according to prolific YouTuber Zack Scott, who is currently playing Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon. Scott noted that Nintendo made content ID matches against a number of his videos, thus preventing him from monetizing those videos on YouTube. In a Facebook post, Scott wrote the following message as an open letter to Nintendo: I just want to express my feelings on the matter of Nintendo claiming not just my YouTube videos, but from several LPers as well. I’m a Nintendo fan. I waited in the cold overnight to get a Wii. I’m a 3DS ambassador. I got a Wii U at midnight when I already had one in the mail. I’ve been a Nintendo fan since the NES, and I’ve owned all of their systems. With that said, I think filing claims against LPers is backwards. 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? My viewers watch my gameplay videos for three main reasons: 1. To hear my commentary/review. 2. To learn about the game and how to play certain parts. 3. To see how I handle and react to certain parts of the game. Since I started my gaming channel, I’ve played a lot of games. 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. So, What the Hell are Content ID Matches, Anyway? Note that content ID matches are different from ‘copyright strikes,’ which YouTube issues a channel after processing a verified request for the full removal of a video by the copyright owner. If a channel receives “three strikes,” YouTube suspends the channel and deletes all of its videos. Content ID matches are less severe. When a publisher issues a content ID match against a video, it allows them to monetize that video with in-video ads, block it in certain countries, or even block it from playing worldwide. If a video is blocked worldwide as a result of a content ID match, the associated channel can lose its “good standing,” and as as result lose access to certain YouTube features. Based on Nintendo’s statement to Game Front (below), it would appear they are not opting to block videos from playing outright, but rather monetize videos over a certain length with their own ads. Widespread Complaints Scott is not alone in his complaints, which have since been echoed by a number of other YouTubers, as well as Thomas Was Alone creator Mike Bithell. Nintendo issued Game Front the following statement: As part of our on-going 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.
What do you guys think about all of this?
I think Nintendo is shooting themselves in foot with this decision. Lets Play is no different than a fan tribute, a review, fan-fic, or a song cover. This is fan-interaction that gives Nintendo free publicity.
However to be directly confrontational with those same fans, and slapping on the wrist because they love your product; is just gonna drive away that fanbase. Legally, they did nothing wrong. But they did make a huge mistake with the fans.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: doctorlaudanum on May 22, 2013, 05:44:58 pm
Honestly? I think most of these LPers are being very selfish and hypocritical. They're making money off of someone else's product and acting like they're the victims when the creator decides to take what is rightfully theirs. You LP because you want to share a game with the world, for better or for worse. If you're just in it for the money or, God forbid, the popularity, I don't think you should be LPing. I admit, I think Nintendo went about this the wrong way, and this action will drive away quite a few fans, but at least they had the sense not to just delete the videos like so many other companies.
As a side note, Zack Scott's response just reeks of "But what about MEEEE? I'm a TRUE fan!" to me.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: insektmute on May 22, 2013, 05:51:04 pm
Er... are there LP'ers that are making a dime off making videos? I don't I've ever seen one that was anything more than someone sitting at home with a cheap camera, and plonking it on YouTube.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: doctorlaudanum on May 22, 2013, 05:59:44 pm
I don't I've ever seen one that was anything more than someone sitting at home with a cheap camera, and plonking it on YouTube.
That's a real shame, because there are LPers out there who put a lot of love and effort into their work. supergreatfriend and The Dark Id immediately come to mind.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: sin2beta on May 22, 2013, 06:38:25 pm
Er... are there LP'ers that are making a dime off making videos? I don't I've ever seen one that was anything more than someone sitting at home with a cheap camera, and plonking it on YouTube.
There are. Although not too many. I remember a youtube panel with the group "Video Games are Awesome" on the youtube channel farfromsubtle. They actually run a full time let's play supporting more than one person. This is definitely rare though.
My take is that Nintendo is not doing anything wrong. But I don't think it is a good move for Nintendo. They are already losing some street cred and this just makes it a little worse. AlphaOmegaSin sums it up better than I could.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: doctorlaudanum on May 22, 2013, 07:16:23 pm
Thanks for sharing the video. AlphaOmegaSin has been after my heart subscription for quite a while, despite looking like the unholy lovechild of Marilyn Manson and Geddy Lee. But this seals it. He has another subscription.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: htimreimer on May 22, 2013, 07:27:23 pm
it could've been worse, nintendo could've of taken down all LP'er videos like all of the other companies
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: sin2beta on May 22, 2013, 08:10:01 pm
it could've been worse, nintendo could've of taken down all LP'er videos like all of the other companies
Yeah, SEGA did something like this. Or more appropriately, one director of the Shining Force series did that after getting into some drama with fans doing a translation. But I do have to give SEGA props on fixing it and helping anyone whose channel was taken down do to copyright flags.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: insektmute on May 22, 2013, 09:14:12 pm
Personally, while Nintendo's perfectly within their rights, it just strikes me as kind of a douchebag move. They're certainly not alone in that, so I wouldn't single them out for it, but it does make me wish this kind of thing were the exception rather than the rule.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: slothingXPIG on May 22, 2013, 11:36:30 pm
so you can't express your self?? I don't know I mean yeah nothing illegal but it's still wrong.... in all honesty... I saw AlphaOmegaSin's videos for the first time only about 3 days ago(I despise youtube and nearly never watch youtube videos) and honestly he looks like a little person/midget in some of his videos... Not being harsh or anything the guy has good points and has a sweet collections but is he?? I only saw two of his videos... ^^^seriously
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: sin2beta on May 23, 2013, 09:27:43 am
so you can't express your self?? I don't know I mean yeah nothing illegal but it's still wrong.... in all honesty... I saw AlphaOmegaSin's videos for the first time only about 3 days ago(I despise youtube and nearly never watch youtube videos) and honestly he looks like a little person/midget in some of his videos... Not being harsh or anything the guy has good points and has a sweet collections but is he?? I only saw two of his videos... ^^^seriously
I never saw that. Probably just the camera angle.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: hexen on May 23, 2013, 06:28:45 pm
95% of LP videos are complete garbage. The 5% that aren't don't really deserve to be payed for it, either. I thought you couldn't be a YouTube partner if you had any copyrighted stuff at all... I remember Brentalfloss mentioning something like that and his stuff is more original then 'game play footage with some awkward guy's voice over it'.
It's an odd move by Nintendo, still. If LPers want to make money off their videos they should have something somewhat unique that is their BRAND. Like how Game Grumps sells Game Grumps shirts that say Game Grumps and don't allude to any copyrighted material...
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: burningdoom on May 23, 2013, 07:52:05 pm
95% of LP videos are complete garbage. The 5% that aren't don't really deserve to be payed for it, either. I thought you couldn't be a YouTube partner if you had any copyrighted stuff at all... I remember Brentalfloss mentioning something like that and his stuff is more original then 'game play footage with some awkward guy's voice over it'.
It's an odd move by Nintendo, still. If LPers want to make money off their videos they should have something somewhat unique that is their BRAND. Like how Game Grumps sells Game Grumps shirts that say Game Grumps and don't allude to any copyrighted material...
I'd be willing to bet both The Angry Video Game Nerd and Classic Game Room are YouTube partners, and they have copyrighted stuff in their videos every single episode.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: ffxik on May 24, 2013, 03:45:00 am
It's not so much copyrighted material as it is product placement. That's why the Nerds Rolling Rock is sans label. I have a feeling Youtube is just covering their backsides from potential lawsuits. I mean there is a butt load of people on the tubes I wouldn't want to be affiliated with any products of mine.
That and there more than likely is a clause that makes Youtube pay a licensing fee for any products appearing in a video that is monetized.
As far as Nintendo is concerned. Douche move, yes. Do I care, no. These guys sit in their houses and play these games at their leisure. Youtube reviewers are the same. I don't consider this work, period. I realize paid network reviewers on a deadline are very different. I mean having to crash through, say an 80hr game in just a couple of days is a pain in the ass. At this point it becomes laborious.
I fairly sure most, if any LPer's don't actually have the rights to the games they are putting up for display to the public. So they might as well get used to that knot in their panties. Whether it be man panties or woman panties. ::)
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: disgaeniac on May 24, 2013, 08:57:46 am
How, exactly, are they getting paid for their LP's?
Do you have to pay up front in order to start viewing it -or- is it more like when some of the FAQ writers on G*Faqs mention where you can send donations...IF YOU WISH.
They DON'T demand (or even ask for it); just give you the info...this has never bothered me.
Just wondering...
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: kimimi on May 24, 2013, 09:01:41 am
I believe what happens is that Youtube pays the uploader $X per view once you reach a certain viewing level - paid for out of the money Youtube makes from advertisers/sponsors, etc.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: disgaeniac on May 24, 2013, 09:03:24 am
I believe what happens is that Youtube pays the uploader $X per view once you reach a certain viewing level - paid for out of the money Youtube makes from advertisers/sponsors, etc.
Makes sense, I guess - I'm also in the "Never use youtube/facebook" camp 8)
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: sin2beta on May 24, 2013, 09:38:43 am
Since google bought youtube, partnership is just a check box you mark in your profile settings. Any video can get money based on ads. It's just not a lot for most channels.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: soera on May 24, 2013, 11:12:32 am
I dont use youtube either. Its the reason we have shit like Beiber in this world.
With that being said, I dont give a shit about let's play videos but Nintendo demanding part of them is pretty petty. It would be like Harley demanding money for pics of my bike.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: disgaeniac on May 24, 2013, 11:26:23 am
I dont use youtube either. Its the reason we have shit like Beiber in this world.
With that being said, I dont give a shit about let's play videos but Nintendo demanding part of them is pretty petty. It would be like Harley demanding money for pics of my bike.
What's new, you high Fairy King?!
:o ;) 8)
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: theflea on May 24, 2013, 10:13:27 pm
When a LP video is just footage from the game and thats it, I can understand Nintendo putting a stop to making money off of their product. But if someone does a LP and does commentary or reviews and go to a lot of work editing and showing us tricks, secrets etc. then I think Nintendo should leave them alone. But the problem is if Nintendo puts their adds on all LP videos then odds are they wont pick and choose and the entertaining videos where they have game footage and other edits or commentates will get punished too. So in the end I think Nintendo should leave it alone and look at it as free publicity.
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: ziondood on May 25, 2013, 01:42:28 am
My friend Zach and I just started a LP channel on Youtube a few weeks ago. We only have a few LPs up so far but we have been putting quite a bit of work into them! This is kind of disappointing to see that Nintendo is doing this. Quite a few Nintendo games are now downloadable from the virtual console so its not like Nintendo can't still make money off of the old games that people LP! Do they really need this? It won't turn us off of making Nintendo LPs though! We have lots we want to play :D The money doesn't matter, its just like. Why Nintendo, why? Oh well.
http://www.youtube.com/TwoDoodsandaCat
Title: Re: Nintendo's "Let's Play" Controversy
Post by: jobocan on May 27, 2013, 10:04:08 pm
The thing that confuses me about this whole "people complaining about Nintendo for gameplay videos" thing... is that Microsoft did the exact same thing in October last year and no one complained about it at all. I think I saw one whole video about this when Microsoft did it, but everyone is complaining about Nintendo doing it.
I feel people are just looking for reasons to hate Nintendo :P
On my side... It matters so little in the grand scheme of thing and I have no idea why anyone is complaining.