Developer starts site to deal with YouTube copyright crackdown

A game developer has formed a group to help combat the large number of copyright claims being made against YouTube user videos.

Started by Defender’s Quest developer Lars Doucet, the #WhoLetsPlay list is designed to gather information on which developers will allow user generated videos based on their games.

The ambition of the site is to create a badge system similar to that of creative commons, where developers can display that content is "Free to Let’s Play", as well as clearly state whether the appropriate agreements have been made with composers to play in-game music.

Doucet said he is working with both developers and lawyers to help create a clear database for YouTube users on what content they are able to use freely.

The movement is partly in response to YouTube’s recent copyright crackdown due to changes made to its content ID system. This has resulted in companies such as TuneCore and INDmusic making automatic claims on many game videos due to the music being played.

CEO of INDmusic Brandon Martinez has spoken to Develop on the matter, and has stated ‘they are not evil trolls’, and are trying to protect the rights of their artists.

Once a claim has been made, the firms then attempt to monetise videos for their clients, which in turn takes revenue away from the uploader.

In response to criticism, YouTube has made a number of suggestions on how users can avoid claims, such as turning off background music.

Visit the #WhoLetsPlay wiki page for more information.