YouTube has long been hailed as a platform where viewers can find independent opinions and information, free from outside influence. Gamers, in particular, turn to YouTube to hear their favorite streamers' thoughts on the latest upcoming games.
YouTubers have admitted to taking money for game coverage.
Shocking Revelations Rock the Gaming YouTube Community
However, the gaming YouTube community is currently embroiled in a heated debate following the revelation of some concerning information about how many gaming YouTube channels operate.
Following the release of the indie game Spiritea, the game's publisher took to Twitter to divulge details about the game's marketing strategy.
CEO Mike Rose stated, "That's just how this works now. YouTubers want you to pay them to cover your games.
"But I just don't want to do that. It feels weird and icky and disingenuous, and I just can't do it."
"So I guess our games won't get covered on YouTube anymore!"
These statements prompted a strong response from YouTubers, who argued that developers should pay them to cover new games.
The Decline in YouTube Payouts and the Rise of Sponsorships
The main reason behind this demand for payment is YouTube's reduction in payouts, which has made sponsorships the primary source of income for many creators on the platform.
While sponsored content and streams are clearly marked, the issue raised by YouTubers goes beyond that.
They are referring to videos in which creators play games and give their opinions without disclosing that they were paid by the developers.
Promoting a product without disclosing a sponsorship is illegal, as financial transactions can potentially influence someone's opinion of a game.
However, the new information reveals that many YouTubers request payment from developers before creating content featuring their games.
There are numerous videos on YouTube where creators subtly influence their audience without revealing that they were paid to play the game.
A Blow to the Independent and Unbiased Image of YouTubers
What is most surprising is the sheer number of creators who have admitted to this practice and seemingly see no issue with asking for money for their content.
This revelation contradicts the notion that YouTubers create independent and impartial content for their viewers.
If you're interested in reading more about gaming, be sure to check out the 80+ rated games leaving PS Plus in December.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://trendinginthenews.com/gaming/pokmon-launches-new-event-with-ultrastrong-hisuian-samurott
