So no more video game videos on Vimeo

[nooneimportant77]

How bout that. Personally I'm happy, they said it's been causing problems with the upload times, so they can get rid of that all they want.

anyone get the other end of this?

[WesScog]

So like what does it entail? Like just no more videos of guys doing like screen caps of their games, or does it mean no game trailers or machima as well?

[Ladri.]

I'm glad. Video game stuff is for youtube.

[nooneimportant77]

So like what does it entail? Like just no more videos of guys doing like screen caps of their games, or does it mean no game trailers or machima as well?

They aren't too specific about it, but it seems like it's shaping up to be ANY video game video.

here's a link to the post- http://www.vimeo.com/blog:140

[Vaughn Whynot]

New upload rules (http://www.vimeo.com/blog:140)

http://90.media.vimeo.com/d1/5/36/71/portrait-3671529.jpg by Blake Whitman (http://www.vimeo.com/blakewhitman) July 21st, 2008
The Vimeo staff has decided that we are no longer going to allow gaming videos on Vimeo. Specifically, we are no longer going to allow game walk-throughs, game strategy videos, depictions of player vs player battles, raids, fraps, or any other video gaming videos that simply depict individuals playing a video game. Videos falling into this category will be subject to deletion as of September 1st; new videos of this type will be removed.

There are many reasons for the decision, two of which we would like to elaborate on.

1) Vimeo was created with the intent of inspiring creativity and providing a place to share video with friends and family. The Vimeo staff does not feel that videos which are direct captures of video game play truly constitute "creative expression". Further, such videos may expose Vimeo to liability from the game creator(s), as we have already seen action from popular video game companies against videos such as these.

2) Gaming videos are by nature significantly larger and longer than any other genre on Vimeo. Over these last few months they have been the single biggest reasons for our transcoder wait times.

This decision was not easy, and there was much debate internally; however, we feel this decision will benefit Vimeo in the long run and better benefit the video makers it was created for. Our resources are limited and they must be channeled towards maintaining our goals.

Two questions you might have:

1) Are my gaming videos going to be deleted?

Starting today, all new gaming videos are subject to deletion. Videos uploaded before today will be hosted until September 1.

2) I make Machinima films! It's not the same thing! Am I banned?

We currently do not feel that Machinima films fall under the category of gaming videos described above and, therefore, assuming compliance with our site’s general terms & conditions, we will continue to accept such videos on Vimeo. We are not, at this time, banning films that fall into the Machinima genre.

[WesScog]

OK, so Machima are ok, but it's just walk-throughs and random games of people playing, ok, I can dig it.

[nooneimportant77]

OK, so Machima are ok, but it's just walk-throughs and random games of people playing, ok, I can dig it.

Thats what he said in that first post, but in the comments the staff pretty much said even Machinima could be deleted, because the line between just videos of someone playing the game and Machinima can be blurred. They got into a big debate about what "art" is, and a staff member pretty much said- debating about what art is is great, don't put video game videos on vimeo.

[Fisherking]

The sense of entitlement some people have over a free video-hosting site is astonishing. When you pay to host these videos, you can dictate anything you want.

That said, I think this is a pretty good idea. This is a decision entirely compatable with the niche Vimeo is trying to carve out for themselves.

[nooneimportant77]

Thats exactly how I feel about it. Vimeo is run by Vimeo, it's not our right to use it, it's our privilege.

[Fisherking]

I try to meter my disgust for most of these videos and focus on it logically, but this video (http://www.vimeo.com/1170491) is 100mb. Every time someone watches it, Vimeo have to send out 100mb of data for 13 minutes of Sonic head-butting the end-of-level marker.

Seriously.

13 minutes.

It took me five days to make a four-minute clip. I can't help but feel a little put-out by the comparative lack of effort.

[Vaughn Whynot]

lol yeah that's sad

[Kohrsfilms]

So wait, is my video is safe from deletion? It's not a game walkthough, but I do have game clips at the beginning.
http://www.vimeo.com/677315

[Ladri.]

So wait, is my video is safe from deletion? It's not a game walkthough, but I do have game clips at the beginning.
http://www.vimeo.com/677315

No way. That's an actual film.

[sirslapshot19]

I try to meter my disgust for most of these videos and focus on it logically, but this video (http://www.vimeo.com/1170491) is 100mb. Every time someone watches it, Vimeo have to send out 100mb of data for 13 minutes of Sonic head-butting the end-of-level marker.

Seriously.

13 minutes.

It took me five days to make a four-minute clip. I can't help but feel a little put-out by the comparative lack of effort.

that vid was friggin intense.

[greyroompictures]

Thats exactly how I feel about it. Vimeo is run by Vimeo, it's not our right to use it, it's our privilege.


I don't totally agree that it's our 'privilege' to upload films onto hosting sites.
It's a good deal for all concerned - the sites get lots of free content that they can attach advertising to.
If they were TV stations, they'd be paying for content - but it's fair to say that I'm very happy with the payoff when it comes to free hosting sites (IF they commit to their end of the backscratching and don't mess up the work!!! ;))

Yes, they are doing us a big favour BUT it's fair to say that we're also doing them a huge favour too!

Now, are video game uploaders doing Vimeo etc a favour ? - Not really IMHO, cos they're not really producing content...