Nintendo targets YouTuber for showing gameplay footage

Business

May 17, 2013

Nintendo has hit a YouTuber with “content ID match” claims, which could allow Nintendo to essentially block or prevent monetisation of his videos.

The YouTuber is Zack Scott, who is known for his skits and comedy videos, but also does a gaming segment called “Let’s Play”, in which Zack captures footage of himself playing Wii, 3DS and Wii U games – pretty normal YouTube stuff.

Well, Nintendo sees this is using their footage for commercial benefit, and while it’s not a “copyright infringement” claim, they’re preventing him from monetising his videos.

“Video games aren’t like movies or TV. Each play-through is a unique audiovisual experience,” said Scott in a statement on Facebook. “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.”

“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,” added Scott.

A number of other YouTubers have also made claims of Nintendo targeting them for “content ID match” issues.

Nintendo was contacted regarding the situation, with a rep stating that: “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.”

Looks like Nintendo is trying to downplay the scenario. What do you think? Do you think YouTubers should be allowed to monetise their own uniquely-captured gameplay videos?