YouTube’s tightening of its monetisation rules could be an especially bitter blow for those on the Nintendo Creator Program.
Nintendo is stricter than most video games companies and regularly places ContentID-based claims against any content that uses its IP from any user not partnered with its Creator Program, allowing it to claim 100% of the ad revenue through AdSense. Those it does greenlight are only offered a small share of the ad money.
Now Polygon reports that Nintendo has reached out to users to claim that those who lose their YouTube Partner status will also be dropped by Nintendo.
“As YouTube informed the creators, the YouTube Partners Program requirements were changed,” the email shared on Twitter stated. “New channels require 4,000 hours of watchtime within the past 12 months and 1,000 subscribers in order to be eligible for monetisation. It was also announced that for existing channels, the same requirements will be applied from Feb 20th 2018. After Feb 20th, channels that do not reach the requirements will no longer be able to earn money on YouTube.
“The Nintendo Creators Program requires agreement to and participation in the YouTube Partner Program, so if channels do not meet the above eligibility requirements, they will not be able to monetise on the Nintendo Creators Program from their videos.
“Further, please be aware that if you already have your channel registered to the Nintendo Creators Program, those channels that do not meet the requirements will be deactivated from the Program by YouTube.”
All of which is potentially bad news for Nintendo’s Let’s Players. Many are arguing that Nintendo’s original T&Cs made no mention of requiring YouTube Partner status. Indeed, Nintendo has previously gone as far as to say that ‘Premium’ YouTube partners should not register for its program.
Most publishers actively welcome those who wish to stream or Let’s Play their games, as for many it’s the most effective marketing tool available. Nintendo’s relationship with online has always been a troubled one, however, and there’s no immediate indication that this will change.
