YouTube is probably better known for its more strict guidelines than anything else, but it seems the video platform is relaxing one aspect of its rules. In a new Google support post [via Polygon], it’s been confirmed that video game violence will no longer be as heavily restricted, which could be good news for lots of people.
In the post, Team YouTube elaborates on the change, writing: “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 – so we want to make sure we’re enforcing our violent or graphic content policies consistently.”
The changes, which took effect on December 2, mean that “scripted or simulated violent content found in video games will be treated the same as other types of scripted content.”
Both content creators and viewers should notice some changes if you tend to veer towards darker Let’s Plays. Firstly, gaming videos which “include scripted or simulated violence may be approved instead of being age-restricted.”
Also, YouTube stresses that content will still be age-restricted “if violent or gory imagery is the sole focus of the video.”
It’ll be interesting to see how these new changes mix up the YouTube gaming scene, but if all goes to plan, more relaxed censorship could be a massive improvement for lots of users.
Speaking of YouTube, has anyone noticed that’s we’re into the first week of December? If YouTube’s history is anything to go by, we should be seeing the 2019 edition of YouTube Rewind sooner rather than later. Here’s hoping it’s not as cringe-inducing as the 2018 version…
Featured Image Credit: YouTube