14 DAY TRIAL // Rockstar has revealed an updated version of its policy regarding fans uploading videos with footage from Grand Theft Auto 5, confirming that those who show major spoilers or just cutscenes will be taken down by the studio and its publishing partner, 2K.
Grand Theft Auto 5 is out today, September 17, worldwide for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. While up until now all clips with the game uploaded on YouTube or other video sharing websites were automatically taken down because they were showing pre-release footage, Rockstar has now modified its policies.
First up, 2K and Rockstar don't object to fans making videos based on their games and sharing them with others, but this must be done in a non-commercial way, meaning it can't be used to promote products or materials that aren't available freely.
In order to explain what type of videos will be automatically taken down, Rockstar has compiled a list which can be admired below, via the official website.
- Pre-Release Footage: No pre-release leaked footage of any kind: Any posting of in-game footage from leaked copies of the game prior to its official release date will be taken down, regardless of how the game was obtained. This includes "early unboxing" videos.
- Spoilers: Posting video showing the ending of the game, pure cutscenes or any other big reveal in the story. It's ok to show cutscenes as part of a larger play-through (or in a narrated ‘Let’s Play’ type video) but isolated videos of the game's cinematics will be removed.
- In-game Entertainment: Things like the TV shows and comedy performances in Grand Theft Auto IV, or the silent movies in Red Dead Redemption. We prefer fans to experience these in the context of the game's world, so any posting of these in isolation will be flagged for removal.
Rockstar and 2K will also examine some videos on a case-by-case basis, meaning it might take them down even if the abovementioned rules are respected.