Microsoft has updated its Game Content Usage Rules to include new language that specifically states how gamers can use footage obtained from playing games developed by the company.

“We know that people like you – gamers, fans, individuals, and enthusiasts – love our games,” state the new usage rules, “and sometimes want to use things like gameplay footage, screenshots, music, and other elements of our games (‘Game Content’) to make things like machinima, videos, and other cool things (your ‘Item(s)’).

“We’d like to make that easier to do for fans of our games. So long as you can respect these rules, you can use our Game Content to make your Items.”

The new text includes over a dozen bullet point rules that lay out exactly what streamers and machinima creators can and cannot do with Microsoft’s intellectual property. For example, users cannot reverse engineer game assets, sell the material for money or use the video to enter any sweepstakes contests.

YouTube and Twitch.tv are exempt from the rule against monetary gain, and users are specifically allowed to “earn revenue from ads” on both by Microsoft.

“Objectionable” content censored, Minecraft exempt

In addition to banning violent and discriminatory uses for its content, Microsoft also forbids the disturbingly vague “otherwise objectionable” content, which has some gamers worried about arbitrary censorship of fan-made videos.

Interestingly, both Rooster Teeth, who produce the popular Red vs. Blue machinima, and the Microsoft’s recently-purchased Minecraft are exempt from the new policies. Rooster Teeth have an existing licensing agreement with Microsoft, which gives them special permissions for their content use.

Microsoft’s content usage rules point to Mojang’s own terms for Minecraft, which are less strict in what type of content is allowed.

Mojang’s rules for material created using Minecraft are far more lenient in allowing fans to both create and profit from their own video content using in-game footage.

“We love the idea of people doing cool things with our games and sharing those things with the community,” states Mojang’s brand guidelines. “That’s something we totally support and encourage. So please feel free to do so but please also make sure you don‘t go too far.”