Capcom's new policy and how it affects us
Jan 8, 2021 5:23:53 GMT 10
ΛLISTΞR, Adngel, and 4 more like this
Post by JTeghius Kittius on Jan 8, 2021 5:23:53 GMT 10
So yesterday Capcom posted a "video policy" for content creators.
you can find the policy here: link
I will be going over how it seems it will affect *us* as modders/modding community.
This whole doc, but this section specifically mainly is aimed at people making YouTube videos/streaming.
It basically states that they're completely fine with commentary type content like reactions/Let's Plays/reviews/unboxing videos (this features into section 3 too).
but they outline some things they're not OK with, for example promoting your own videos/content (including mods) as if they're official Capcom content.
They also vaguely refer to the big leaks that have been happening in the "spoilers" portion of the policy doc, basically reminding people that leaked content will get DMCA takedowns, they do also ask for people to be respectful of those who don't want to be spoiled on a game (even if a game is out).
They point out some things to be mindful of, basically YouTube/Twitch' content ID system, where a video might get copyright claims for music that plays in a game, if it's not a song owned by Capcom. (basically "hey, our games could include Licensed music")
Another thing in this section is them asking to keep things "age appropriate" when creating fan content, so for example if a Capcom game is rated "E For Everyone", don't go around creating sexualized/nude fan-art, or they might take things down. (I feel this is to not get in trouble with rating boards and/or parents in regards to searching for content regarding those games)
They're completely OK with people getting money from YouTube Ads on videos, Bits/donations on Twitch as long as your content is also available for free. So basically they're stating they're not OK with Videos (and by extension also MODS) being locked behind paywalls like Patreon, which is specifically mentioned with it being locked behind a "SUBSCIPTION".
This section once again goes into saying they are not OK with Leaks/Stolen info to be posted, but this also extends that to posting videos/info and/or streaming a game if it breaks street date.
They say you can't use 3rd party programs to crack/pirate their game, but they extend this to not being ok with promoting programs to hack/cheat in their games.
Interestingly enough they say they're not OK with Twitch emotes being created based on their content.
(This could be due to twitch emotes being locked behind a paywall, and it technically means you're making money off their products).
They've listed they're OK with unboxing/review videos of other Capcom products like guides and artbooks, however outside of the official promotional materials you are not allowed to show the content of these items. (probably because that would lower sales if full artbooks get posted/shown off)
ok so here's the big one, they specifically mention modding in this section too.
So this seems to be stating they're "ok" with mods as long as they're not depictions of any of the things mentioned.
luckily for us on this forum, we already didn't allow that stuff here.
so this section basically says "even though it's not mentioned, we can still take things down if we feel like it rubs us the wrong way".
they also mention this in regards to modding:
It basically says we know you guys will mod our games, and we're not gonna cheer you on, but we won't go after you if you guys keep things civil.
so that's basically the document.
I personally found it interesting for them to officially address modding. They've had an unofficial stance for a while, and they basically confirmed that stance with this doc.
if you want/need a video breakdown of this policy Maximillian Dood did a pretty good breakdown of the doc:
you can find the policy here: link
I will be going over how it seems it will affect *us* as modders/modding community.
- Section 1: Guidelines
This whole doc, but this section specifically mainly is aimed at people making YouTube videos/streaming.
It basically states that they're completely fine with commentary type content like reactions/Let's Plays/reviews/unboxing videos (this features into section 3 too).
but they outline some things they're not OK with, for example promoting your own videos/content (including mods) as if they're official Capcom content.
They also vaguely refer to the big leaks that have been happening in the "spoilers" portion of the policy doc, basically reminding people that leaked content will get DMCA takedowns, they do also ask for people to be respectful of those who don't want to be spoiled on a game (even if a game is out).
They point out some things to be mindful of, basically YouTube/Twitch' content ID system, where a video might get copyright claims for music that plays in a game, if it's not a song owned by Capcom. (basically "hey, our games could include Licensed music")
Another thing in this section is them asking to keep things "age appropriate" when creating fan content, so for example if a Capcom game is rated "E For Everyone", don't go around creating sexualized/nude fan-art, or they might take things down. (I feel this is to not get in trouble with rating boards and/or parents in regards to searching for content regarding those games)
- Section 2: Money
They're completely OK with people getting money from YouTube Ads on videos, Bits/donations on Twitch as long as your content is also available for free. So basically they're stating they're not OK with Videos (and by extension also MODS) being locked behind paywalls like Patreon, which is specifically mentioned with it being locked behind a "SUBSCIPTION".
- Section 3: The "DO-NOT"s
This section once again goes into saying they are not OK with Leaks/Stolen info to be posted, but this also extends that to posting videos/info and/or streaming a game if it breaks street date.
They say you can't use 3rd party programs to crack/pirate their game, but they extend this to not being ok with promoting programs to hack/cheat in their games.
Interestingly enough they say they're not OK with Twitch emotes being created based on their content.
(This could be due to twitch emotes being locked behind a paywall, and it technically means you're making money off their products).
They've listed they're OK with unboxing/review videos of other Capcom products like guides and artbooks, however outside of the official promotional materials you are not allowed to show the content of these items. (probably because that would lower sales if full artbooks get posted/shown off)
ok so here's the big one, they specifically mention modding in this section too.
• Inappropriate Content: Using Capcom titles to create video and other content, including mods, that is illegal, racist, sexist, prejudicial to sexual orientation, sexually explicit, disparaging, promotes hate crimes, or is otherwise offensive is not tolerated. On a case by case basis, Capcom reserves the right to take down content that is found to be inappropriate or objectionable, at our discretion.
luckily for us on this forum, we already didn't allow that stuff here.
- Section 4: The legal gibberish
so this section basically says "even though it's not mentioned, we can still take things down if we feel like it rubs us the wrong way".
they also mention this in regards to modding:
"Please note this policy is a guideline for using game footage of our titles. It is not intended to be, nor should be considered as, express permission nor an official license or authorization for you to create mods or derivative works of Capcom titles or content."
It basically says we know you guys will mod our games, and we're not gonna cheer you on, but we won't go after you if you guys keep things civil.
so that's basically the document.
I personally found it interesting for them to officially address modding. They've had an unofficial stance for a while, and they basically confirmed that stance with this doc.
if you want/need a video breakdown of this policy Maximillian Dood did a pretty good breakdown of the doc: