YouTube has announced an update to its policies, which will age-restrict more content featuring “graphic violence” in video games. This new measure, set to take effect on November 17, 2023, targets videos showing realistic human characters involved in scenes depicting “mass violence against non-combatants” or torture. Under this policy, users under 18 years old and those signed out of their accounts will be unable to view such content.
The decision emphasizes the platform’s commitment to safeguarding younger audiences from potentially harmful material. YouTube will evaluate various factors when determining whether to restrict a video. This includes the duration of the graphic scene, how prominently it is featured, and whether it depicts violence against characters that resemble real humans.
In a statement to The Verge, YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle clarified that “certain content may be age-restricted if it’s non-fleeting or zoomed in.” He also mentioned that creators might have options to modify gameplay to avoid restrictions, such as blurring or obscuring violent scenes.
Adapting Existing Policies
This update is an extension of YouTube’s current policies, which already restrict videos showcasing “dramatized violence.” The existing rules generally allow some leeway for fictional content, including video games, unless it portrays graphic elements of torture, severe injuries, or violent deaths with blood. According to the current policy, “we do not remove dramatized violence when the content or metadata indicates that it is fictional.”
Bullwinkle stated, “YouTube’s policies are designed to adapt to the evolving digital world, and these updates reflect our ongoing commitment to protect younger users and foster a responsible platform.” The new regulations aim to create a safer online environment while balancing the creative freedom of content creators.
Alongside these changes to gaming content, YouTube is imposing additional restrictions on online gambling. Creators will no longer be permitted to direct viewers to content involving digital gambling goods, such as video game skins or NFTs. This follows an earlier move in March, when YouTube prohibited creators from mentioning or displaying unapproved online gambling services, particularly for users under 18.
Future Implications for Content Creators
The implications of these changes are significant for both content creators and viewers. With stricter policies on graphic violence, creators will need to adapt their content strategies to avoid age restrictions. This may lead to a shift in how certain video game scenes are presented, as creators explore ways to comply with the new guidelines while maintaining engagement with their audiences.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, YouTube remains committed to ensuring a responsible platform that prioritizes the well-being of its users. The effectiveness of these policy changes will undoubtedly be monitored closely in the coming months, as the platform aims to balance user safety with the creative expression of its vast community of content creators.
