The video discusses how YouTube's algorithm changes are affecting the gaming industry. The creator argues that YouTube's brand safety standards are too restrictive, causing many gaming videos to be demonetized or age-gated, making it harder for gamers to promote games and for game developers to reach their target audience.
The video highlights how YouTube's algorithm prioritizes family-friendly content, making it difficult for games with mature themes, violence, or profanity to gain traction. This has led to a decline in earned media for many games, making it harder for them to succeed.
The creator also notes the irony that Google's gaming platform, Stadia, is launching with games that are being demonetized or throttled on YouTube, creating a conflict of interest.
The video concludes that unless YouTube eases up on its brand safety standards or Stadia finds a way to adapt, the gaming industry may be in for a rude awakening, and game developers may need to find new ways to promote their games.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Keanu Reeves was involved in a presentation about the game Cyberpunk 2077.
2. A YouTube creator discussed the impact of YouTube's brand safety guidelines on the gaming industry.
3. YouTube's brand safety guidelines have changed significantly over the last two years.
4. The guidelines affect gaming content, including videos with graphic violence, suggestive activity, and strong language.
5. Many gaming videos are being demonetized or age-gated due to these guidelines.
6. The creator argues that this is stifling the growth of new games and limiting their visibility.
7. The creator cites examples of games like Minecraft and Fortnite, which have been successful on YouTube due to their broad appeal and lack of mature content.
8. The creator also mentions the game Mortal Kombat 11, which was affected by YouTube's brand safety guidelines and saw a significant decrease in sales.
9. Google is getting into the gaming business with its platform Stadia, which is integrated with YouTube.
10. However, many of the launch titles for Stadia, such as Doom and Mortal Kombat, are being demonetized and throttled by YouTube due to their mature content.
11. According to Super Data Research, 44% of people looking for online gaming content go to YouTube, while 16% go to Twitch.
12. YouTube has a content rating system that groups content into specific maturity levels based on factors like violence and language.
13. The system limits the viewership of videos with mature content to only the audience where it's deemed appropriate.
14. The creator argues that this system is unfair to game developers and publishers, as it limits their ability to promote their games on YouTube.
15. The creator suggests that YouTube's brand safety guidelines are stifling the growth of new games and limiting their visibility.