Some people might not know what Bill S.978 is, so let me explain. Bill S.978 is a bill by Congress that will not only, stop people from posting gameplays of video games, but it will also stop streaming of games, reviews and let's plays on YouTube and other sites, such as Justin.tv to be shown on the internet. This bill states that people that upload videos, streams or let's plays of any video game would either, be sent to jail or be charged with a large sum of money. The only way of making videos of video games would be by asking permission from the games developers to be able to post a video of the game. For example, if I wanted to upload a video of Crysis 2, I would need to ask Electronic Arts, for permission. But the chances of that, are almost impossible. The bill states that it will prevent copyrighted material from being illegally displayed on the Internet. So, for example, it would prevent people from uploading episodes, of, for example, Family Guy, on the internet or uploading full movies to YouTube. Therefore, we see a problem. Video games are copyrighted material, so video games will not be allowed to be displayed on the Internet IF the bill is passed into law. What do you guys think about Bill S.978?
I don't even want to think how many times and how hard the guy who proposed this is going to get kicked in the balls... BTW why do you think devs add screeshot and filming/theatre/camera modes?
Yeah but still, think about how many people watch gameplay videos of video games on YouTube or Justin.tv. Those videos help the developers out because it influences some people to buy the game.
All you have to do is put a big disclaimer in the game somewhere that "we permit the taking and dissemination of gameplay movies and reviews" and job done. In civil cases you'll only be prosecuted (even in America, home of litigation) if the affected party doesn't like what you're doing. I'm sure the makers of Family Guy will wield this new legislation like a sledgehammer (and they have my blessing tbh) but game reviews and etc. will be just fine. EDIT: I'm sure very short clips of the really funny bits in the tv shows/movies will be left alone also - there's a big difference between letting the public promote your show, and letting the public upload your show.
Lol, your gonna have like 99.999% of the dev who will write this... +some show will probably say: I allow this scene to be put on the net. But seriously, if the govs keep censoring the web why do they even wonder why the hackers are multiplying like coakraoches... They are like rebels: they just want the old freedom they were acustomed to!
Total agreement. Every time our (uk) govt release their next bit of ridiculous nanny-state regulation, I always look to America and that makes me feel a bit better. There was a time when government did what the people want, not the big companies and fringe groups. Everyone I know just wants to be left alone...
Stupid Idea I wouldn't ever buy a game without seeing some footage and I'm not gullible enough to buy into trailers. Luckily I'm not in America so I really don't care.
The point of this bill is to amend a specific law to cover streaming copyrighted works online, it's only the overly broad language that's causing the backlash. Video game videos will not be censored or made illegal in any way, shape or form by this bill. Unless someone gets hold of some footage before a company is ready to show it the "infringing footage" has no monetary value and therefore isn't subject to this law.
I really don't think this will effect videos of game play. Congress doesn't want to step on the toes of consumer spending. But as for videos of Family Guy, movies, etc maybe a law should be passed that gives only a certain allotted time frame to show it perhaps.
Congress isn't sueing anyone. It's the creators. This bill isn't a big deal. If you want to upload someone else's work, you need their permission. Same with every other type of media. You will still be able to find videos. And for anyone who trusts videos to buy games from, that's stupid. Read reviews. More accurate then what you get when you watch a video of someone else playing the game.
This bill isn't terrible totarialistic, but I can't wait to see them enforce it. Links for TV shows alone pop-up more than spring daisies. Cracking down on this would be wasting more money than it saves. Besides, I bought Just Cause 2 after watching a ton of YouTube videos. Nothing's gonna change video-game-wise.
Huh? What's there not to trust in watching a game video? Fairly straight forward, you see what's being played. Its become a standard in game threads. Reviews on the other hand are opinions of the game by a reviewer. I would trust my eyes on an actual game being played on video over someones impressions of a game. Although I do take reviews into consideration, I also think viewing videos is another important part of whether a game is worthy of a purchase.
Now hello mister Congressman! Wanna do a bill that will ban us TA members to talk on forums? I think this is a great idea, you don't let gamers talk so they wont share information, I mean they might even share info on TV shows! OMG
I'm not too fussed. As mentioned several times already, games developers know just how valuable online videos can be as marketing tools. With more and more games including features like screenshot and YouTube uploads it's pretty clear they know it's in their best interest to support and even push for maximum visibility of their games across video streaming websites.
