Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
Deep Silver Issues Comprehensive Statement On YouTube Copyright Claims
Publisher Deep Silver, who has been among the most friendly to YouTube creators, has issued a comprehensive statement following the wave of copyright claims. The statement specifically addresses three parties that have been making a number of claims on Deep Silver titles and those of other publishers.
“We have been working with YouTube to resolve various issues that have plagued the YouTube gaming community this week, as soon as we learned about what was going on,” the statement reads.
It goes on to state that a YouTube channel by the name of 4GamerMovie has filed a number of illegitimate claims. Those have reportedly been lifted. Should any remain in place, Deep Silver asks that users contact the publisher via Twitter (@DeepSilver).
Additionally, two groups names IDOL (which we mentioned in our coverage earlier) and Shock Entertainment Pty are laying claim to videos. These companies allegedly represent music interests, yet some of the claims are video-related. YouTube has been alerted by Deep Silver, though the claims are not restricted to that publisher’s content.
Finally, it appears that THQ is laying claim to some content. If you are the recipient of a notice filed by that now-defunct organization for properties now owned by Deep Silver (Saints Row, Metro), please alert the publisher via Twitter with the link.
“Deep Silver has no intention of preventing players, who like to create gaming content on YouTube using our games, from doing so,” the statement reads. “Nor do we seek to block any videos of the kind. This includes Let's Play, Walkthrough, Review, or other edited or commentated videos that are monetized by a player. Whether your opinion of our games is positive or negative in your YouTube video, it is not our right as a games publisher to infringe on your basic right to voice your opinion freely using a public platform.”
In short, if you’re using Deep Silver games as the basis for YouTube content, you’re in good shape. Other publishers, including Ubisoft, Blizzard, and Capcom, have also stepped up to reassure YouTube creators.
“You will not be alone in this, whatever changes may come,” Deep Silver writes. Within the games industry, including at our competitors, there are many who share this vision.”
[Source: @DeepSilver]
Our Take
This is a smart approach for a number of reasons. YouTube creators reach a wide audience that traditional PR and marketing might not penetrate as well. Getting out in front of this is a smart way for Deep Silver and others to distance themselves from whatever mess those filing YouTube claims have gotten themselves into.
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
