YouTubers wary of further changes to Nintendo’s video policy

Nintendo has announced a new affiliate program for YouTube streamers.

Almost exactly a year ago the platform holder was criticised for its content ID match claim strategy that allegedly robbed video creators of revenue.

This new policy, Kotaku reports, will split ad revenues between YouTube, Nintendo and video creators.

However, the specifics of the split – such as how much goes to who and who will or will not be eligible to be an affiliate – are yet to be detailed.

Nintendo has been permitting the use of Nintendo copyrighted material in videos on YouTube under appropriate circumstances,” a Nintendo rep told the site. Advertisements may accompany those videos, and in keeping with previous policy that revenue is shared between YouTube and Nintendo.

In addition, for those who wish to use the material more proactively, we are preparing an affiliate program in which a portion of the advertising profit is given to the creator. Details about this affiliate program will be announced in the future.”

Prominent YouTuber TotalBiscuit is unconvinced by the idea, likening the policy to a tax.

I wasn't aware Nintendo was in such dire financial straits that it needed to grub precious cents from Youtube ads. How sad.

— TotalBiscuit (@Totalbiscuit) May 27, 2014

I feel sorry for the Nintendo fan channels. "Hey, we want a cut of your paycheque" says the company they have supported for years…

— TotalBiscuit (@Totalbiscuit) May 27, 2014

They call it an "affiliate program", I guess calling it a tax wouldn't fly so well from a PR perspective.

— TotalBiscuit (@Totalbiscuit) May 27, 2014

Any progression in Nintendo’s video policy and easing of relations with streamers is good news. But if it singles itself out by imposing monetising restrictions that its rivals do not it risks alienating the sector, quite possibly at larger financial cost.