Twitch clamps down on adult content

Twitch, the live gameplay streaming portal, has declared that it would not allow users stream 'Adults Only' rated games. This restriction aims to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming platform, Twitch posted on its official blog.

Here the AO refers to strict ratings given by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). ESRB cites the rating of a game based on level of contents comprising blood, gore, nudity, violence, sexual content and strong language.

This declaration by the Amazon-owned company, however, has led to a sort of online protest by the users, who in the comments section of the blog, are seeking definition of safety and harm caused by their games on the platform.

Twitch in its official blog said, "If a game's US version is rated Adults Only by the ESRB, you should not broadcast that game on Twitch. However, ESRB rated Mature versions of Adults Only titles are permitted for streaming, such as Mature versions of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy."

Twitch, however, mentioned that the games rated 18+ by other rating systems are fine to stream, so long as they are not rated AO by the ESRB, and they don't violate the standard language of RoC and ToS.

The video game streaming company also stated that it has been using game-specific decisions about which games would and would not be available for broadcast - sometimes due to overtly sexual content, sometimes due to gratuitous violence.

"This is unsustainable and unclear, generating only further confusion among Twitch broadcasters. We would like to make this policy as transparent as possible," stated the company.

Twitch also observed that though the ESRB ratings apply exclusively to US titles, its policy extends to versions of these games in all territories.

Generally, if the US version is rated for Adults Only (18+) or has an equivalent rating in your territory, you should not broadcast that game on Twitch.

"The RoC is a living document that we update regularly based on community feedback and industry developments. We would appreciate your feedback, too," urged Twitch.