TRIPLEPOINTS OF INTEREST: DECEMBER 2

In this week’s gaming news, YouTube looks to make its platform more transparent for gaming content creators, Riot Games releases plans to produce “completable” games, and Facebook looks to the future of its VR platform by acquiring Beat Saber developer Beat Games.

YouTube changes online content rules, relaxes restrictions on violence depicted in gaming content
YouTube altered its content guidelines this week to relax restrictions on depictions of violence in video game content. Under the updated guidelines, content creators can show gameplay that contains “simulated” or “scripted” violence without an age-restriction label, enabling more viewers to access content. In a recent post on Twitter, Ryan Wyatt, YouTube’s global head of gaming and virtual reality, explained that the decision was made to ensure gaming creators have “full transparency” around the content they create for the platform. Age restrictions will remain in place, however, for videos that focus solely on gore or violence. Variety, Engadget, Kotaku, and more reported on the news.

Riot Games ventures into video game publishing with Riot Forge
Greg Street, vice president of IP and entertainment for Riot Games, took to Twitter this week to announce the company’s foray into indie game publishing. Called Riot Forge, the new publishing arm will partner with outside studios to create single-player, story-driven games within the League of Legends universe. In a statement to The Verge, Leanne Loombe, the new head of the publishing label, stated that the company is seeking partnerships with studios who are already established and have a “unique identity.” These studios will assist in building the company’s library of “completable” games, which Loombe explained is something Riot Games is not traditionally experienced in. The publishing label’s first game will be revealed during The Game Awards this month. GameSpot, PC Gamer, Rock Paper Shotgun, and more weighed in on the news.

Facebook acquires Beat Saber developer Beat Games
Beat Saber, the popular virtual reality rhythm game, became a part of the Oculus Network this week after Facebook bought developer Beat Games for an undisclosed price. Under the Oculus Network, Beat Games will continue to operate as an independent studio, but the added support from Facebook will assist in content updates for the hit title, including more music, modes, and social features. The acquisition is a stepping-stone for the Oculus Network, notes TechCrunch, as Facebook is shifting its gaze to hone in on cross-platform, high-profile studios instead of indie exclusives. VentureBeat was intrigued by the acquisition and stated, “I believe Facebook has a plan here to make itself a more necessary part of of VR and AR, and its realization is on the horizon.” Outlets such as Polygon, Gizmodo, and more wrote about the news.