YouTube relaxes policy on violent video game content

The video platform decides to not be so strict on violent game action

Violence as content in video games has always been a topic handled carefully by all distributors. YouTube has had a strict policy against it before, but is now planning to update the way it does things in their site regarding this topic. As of today, video game violence will be treated in a less severe way just as scripted content is treated. Instead of restricting the content based on age, approval will be required for uploading future games.

This situation will not change how YouTube views real-world violence, which Google was clear in saying viewers will still be protected from seeing that type of content. “We know there’s a difference between real-world violence and scripted or simulated violence – such as what you see in movies, TV shows, or video games,” said a spokesman from YouTube while he was making the announcement today about the changes. YouTube wants to make sure all policies that enforce violent or graphic content are consistent all along.

Besides these changes, some of the content uploaded will still be restricted by age just as it was before, and if the content is dedicated mostly to certain content, like bloody scenes and violence. For instance, a video stream or video game that focuses solely on that violent graphic part of the game will be pulled. YouTube stated these changes will not have an effect on the guidelines for advertisement, as some of the videos with a high content of violence or gory imagery would still be facing limited ads or no ads at all.