Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) has attempted to clear up any confusion surrounding the company's new content usage policy, which governs what content creators are allowed to do when it comes to editing and publishing video game footage. It was previously believed that Microsoft disallowed the use of the game's title, but Hryb states this is not the case and the rules are actually more relaxed.
Of course, we recognize our community needs to use Game titles to identify and describe their creations. The portion of the Usage Rules in question is focused on using Game titles in ways that are confusing about the source of the content or misrepresent Microsoft's role in the creation.
This means you'll be able to publish a video on services like YouTube, featuring some edited gameplay, and use the title of Microsoft's game to better describe what the video is about. What's not encouraged is to confuse the viewers about the content source, or misrepresent Microsoft as playing a role in the creation. So don't go titling your videos with "Halo: Covenant Strike" to confuse viewers into believing it is official material.
The company has also amended the policy to better clarify what's covered:
In addition, your Items may not use the name of the Microsoft Game in their title to give the impression that Microsoft is the source of the Item, or authorized or endorsed the Item. Items that make referential use of our titles are fine, for example, "Let's Play Forza Motorsport 5" or "Tips and Strategies for Halo 5." Using the Game title to tag your Item on social media is fine. We also don't object to "Red vs. Blue" or "Operation Chastity". But we may object to "Halo: Covenant Strike," for example, if it could be confused as something Microsoft produced or licensed, or if it could be mistaken as an official part of the Game. We just want to make sure consumers don't get confused.
Microsoft wants you to upload and share videos of the company's games. They're just looking out for abusers. Be sure to read through the usage rules before publishing content online.
Source: Xbox News
