Merit and monetisation: a study of video game user-generated content policies

Thomas, A. (2023) Merit and monetisation: a study of video game user-generated content policies. Internet Policy Review, 12(1), (doi: 10.14763/2023.1.1689)

Abstract

This article explores the alternative system of contractual regulation that permits monetised user-generated content (UGC) in the video game industry. By situating the user in an industry where it is possible to earn millions from ‘playing games’, this article challenges the assumption in copyright doctrine that the user is a non-professional amateur, whose motivation for creating UGC is altruistic. The fundamental question in this article is about copyright incentives: who should reap the rewards for the creation of UGC? To answer this, the article examines the UGC policies of 30 popular game titles, revealing the distinct, but nuanced, concept of monetisation. The article illustrates how monetisation is constructed as a limited, merit-based allowance that both encourages and constrains the possibility of a user-led industry.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thomas, Dr Amy
• Authors: Thomas, A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Law
• Journal Name: Internet Policy Review
• Publisher: Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society
• ISSN: 2197-6775
• ISSN (Online): 2197-6775
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Author
• First Published: First published in Internet Policy Review 12(1)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

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Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
313523		Wayfarers: confronting the past through history and traditional music education in schools	Philip Tonner	Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)	ES/T501918/1	ED - Education