Tencent Releases Guidelines for Streamers to Follow
Tencent, one of the leading streaming companies in China, has recently released a set of guidelines and rules for streamers to adhere to when using Tencent’s products. These guidelines come in response to new internet governance requirements set by Chinese authorities. By closely monitoring its products, Tencent aims to ensure that streamers do not violate these rules.
Tencent’s Investment in the Streaming Market
Tencent has invested over one billion dollars in the Chinese streaming market over the past two years. In addition to running its own streaming platform, Penguin Esports, Tencent also invests in major platforms like Bilibili, Douyu, and Huya. These guidelines not only help Tencent comply with Chinese streaming laws but also safeguard its investment in the market.
What Tencent Will Be Looking Out For
The guidelines specified by Tencent include various rules for each specific streaming service. According to The Esports Observer, Tencent will be particularly vigilant about the following:
- Violating constitutional law and discussing sensitive topics like national politics, religions, and regions.
- Sharing illegal content, such as pornography, gambling, cults, and terrorism.
- Behaviors that damage the user experience or brand of Tencent Game.
- Spreading false information while pretending to represent Tencent officially.
- Promoting cheating, hacking, or disclosing private server information.
- Instigating real-world violence.
- Violation of privacy and unauthorized disclosure of others’ information.
- Terminating contracts unilaterally or signing unauthorized agreements with third parties during active contracts with a streaming platform.
- Infringing on the copyright of game publishers and content creators.
- Creating content that has negative social impacts.
Possible Interpretation of the Rules
While the guidelines seek to prevent toxic behavior and cheating within the streaming communities, the rule about negative social impacts appears to be open to interpretation. The consequences of such interpretation are uncertain, as seen in the case of Overwatch streamer Fareeha, who received a ban for derogatory remarks about South American players.
Tencent’s Aim for Standardized Streaming Platforms
Tencent intends to establish a standardized ruleset for streaming platforms through these guidelines. This move towards standardization could potentially influence the entire Chinese streaming market.
H/T Esports Observer