YouTube policy update: video game violence now treated like other scripted violence

The YouTube Community Guidelines have been updated, so now "scripted or simulated violent content found in video games will be treated the same as other types of scripted content". That means video game violence will be evaluated the same way as violence in TV shows or movies.

This change was originally announced in YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki's November letter to creators:

For gaming creators, we’ve heard loud and clear that our policies need to differentiate between real-world violence and gaming violence. We have a policy update coming soon that will do just that. The new policy will have fewer restrictions for violence in gaming, but maintain our high bar to protect audiences from real-world violence.

If you are a Gaming Creator, this means future video game uploads with simulated or scripted violence are less likely to be age-restricted.

However, YouTube's violent and graphic content policies still apply. That means they may still age-restrict the video game content if violent or gory imagery is the sole focus of the video.

Also, under YouTube's "violent criminal organizations" policy, "video game content which has been developed or modified (“modded”) to glorify a violent event, its perpetrators, or support violent criminal or terrorist organizations" is not allowed. 

If you believe your video has been incorrectly age-restricted, you can appeal the age restriction.

If your video was age-restricted you can appeal it on your account Video Manager page by clicking on the “Appeals Link” next to your age-restricted video. The YouTube team will review your request and take further action if appropriate. Please note that you may only appeal the age restriction on your video once.

Can gaming videos with violence be monetized?

This update does not change the requirement that monetized content must be advertiser-friendly.

Content where the focal point is on blood, violence, or injury, when presented without additional context, is not suitable for advertising. If you're showing violent content in a news, educational, artistic, or documentary context, that additional context is important. Violence in the normal course of video gameplay is generally acceptable for advertising, but montages where gratuitous violence is the focal point is not.

Videos that focus on gratuitous violence may end up with the yellow $ and show limited or no ads.

Additional information:

• Announcement: Policy enforcement update: real-world vs. scripted or simulated violence in video games
• YouTube Help Center: Violent or graphic content policies
• YouTube Help Center: Appeal the age restriction on your video
• YouTube Help Center: Advertiser-friendly content guidelines

Image: Black video game controller by Pixabay on Pexels (free to use)