Rockstar's copyright policy says GTA 6 spoiler videos face takedowns

Videos that spoil Grand Theft Auto VI's story can be removed after launch under Rockstar's official copyright policy, TheGamer reported on the basis of an earlier Metro story. The game is due out on November 19, according to TheGamer.

What we know

The policy document is published under Take-Two Interactive's name. It says the company can have its copyrighted material removed at any time. It also says it welcomes fan gameplay footage and sometimes shares clips on the Rockstar Newswire and social media.

The document lists several kinds of upload that would draw a takedown notice. Under spoilers, it names:

• footage showing the game's ending
• edited compilations of cutscenes or in-game story dialogue
• any other major story reveal

The policy draws a distinction for longer content. Cutscenes appearing within a full playthrough or a narrated Let's Play are acceptable. However, the document states that "isolated videos of the game's cinematics will be removed." Creators who are unsure whether something counts as a spoiler are directed to contact Take-Two's copyright team by email.

According to TheGamer, the policy also covers several other categories:

• in-game entertainment, such as TV shows and comedy performances, posted on its own
• pre-release footage of any kind
• unauthorised mods and ports
• videos encouraging cheating, including third-party mod menus, exploits and glitches

The practical picture

TheGamer argues that the policy will be hard to enforce in full. It cites the game's scale and reports that pre-sales have almost reached $1 billion. The outlet notes that even if every offending clip were taken down, story details could still circulate in comment sections and on social media.

Its advice to players is to avoid social media around launch, or at least to mute relevant keywords.

For creators, the guidance comes down to context. Story scenes are tolerated as part of a longer playthrough, while standalone cutscenes, ending reveals and cutscene compilations are the kinds of upload the policy says will be removed.