We’ve heard some fans are confused about our Game Content Usage Rules and specifically using game titles in connection with user generated content. 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.

We took an exciting step forward last week by updating our Game Content Usage Rules to enable Xbox fans to participate in the partner programs on YouTube and Twitch and earn revenue for ads in connection with their videos. A major goal of this update was to bring the policy in line with current community usage. The policy has always been about enabling creators to use our game content, and we recognize it only works if their content can be found. The key here is for people to use game titles for discovery and not misrepresent Microsoft’s role in the content’s creation.

We’ve heard the feedback and will be updating the language in the policy to provide some more examples and clarification of this clause with the revised version below:

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.

Rest assured, we have not seen rampant abuse of this and we’re not actively seeking violations on YouTube and Twitch. We love that you’re passionate about our games and we want you to create great works. This is a small way for us to protect against abuse. Sorry if there was any confusion.