Image credit: Microsoft

In order to avoid what happened at Blizzards Blizzcon Metallica performance, Microsoft ensured they secured re-transmission rights to licenses music in E3 showcase.

This year’s E3 conference was eager to avoid the embarrassment that Blizzard had at their Blizzcon event, which saw Metallica’s performance being dubbed over, due to them not licensing the music. Microsoft licensed the music properly and sent emails out to creators letting them know what to expect and how to keep their videos safe from automated DMCA strikes. This allowed popular gaming streamers to hold E3 watch parties on their Twitch channels (and YouTube channels) without worrying about being demonetised. 

The email reads: “We at Xbox greatly appreciate any co-stream efforts and aim to ensure you have a smooth experience if you choose to do so.” Adding:  “To that end, we have acquired retransmission rights to all licensed music featured in this live stream broadcast. However, due to forces beyond our control, we cannot guarantee music labels, publishers, and their bots will not incorrectly claim something on stream.”

The music in the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is licensed for 12+ months for all online use worldwide. Microsoft has recommended that Twitch streamers delist or delta any VODs by June 1st, 2022 to avoid any DMCA strikes. 

Twitch licenses music for live performances, but does not wish to for VODs. This is due to Twitch viewing itself as primarily a live streaming platform, rather than a video host. It’s a difficult position for streamers that use their platform, as content that such as watch parties can be a minefield for creators, often pushing them to host such content on other platforms. 

Whether or not Twitch decides to change their stance is unknown as of now, but their certainly having their hand forced by those that create content on the platform.