Riot Games is rolling out significant updates to its Privacy Notice and Terms of Service, set to take effect on January 3, 2025. These changes introduce stricter conduct guidelines for content creators, aiming to hold them accountable for their influence within and beyond the gaming ecosystem. The move highlights Riot Games’ commitment to fostering a safer, more equitable community for players and creators alike.
Among the notable updates is a new policy addressing “Off-Platform Conduct”, allowing Riot Games to penalize creators for harmful behaviour outside the game, provided it pertains to Riot’s intellectual property (IP). For instance, creators using offensive language during live streams or videos featuring Riot titles could face in-game penalties or account restrictions, even if the conduct occurs outside gameplay. While Riot emphasized it won’t actively monitor all content, it reserves the right to take action when violations are reported. Punishments may include suspension from the Partner Program, demonstrating Riot Games’ firm stance on fostering respectful community interactions.
Another significant policy shift targets creators promoting rule-breaking practices like boosting services or account trading. Sponsored promotions through social media posts, videos, streams, direct endorsements, or even casual mentions of these activities in the content could lead to penalties, account suspensions, or even expulsion from the Partner Program. Riot has strongly advised creators to avoid affiliations that violate its rules, citing their negative impact on competitive integrity.
The updated policies also tackle the issue of stream sniping, a long-standing nuisance in online gaming where viewers exploits live stream information to disrupt or harass players, often hindering their in-game progress. Riot Games is beta-testing early-stage systems to identify and penalize stream sniping incidents, starting with selected VALORANT creators in English-speaking regions, and plans to expand this initiative to other games and regions in the near future.
Moreover, Riot Games is rolling out a company-wide ban system for severe violations of its Terms of Service, preventing repeat offenders from disrupting multiple titles within its ecosystem. Acknowledging the impact of these changes on the content creators, Riot has given them until early next year to reassess their approach and adjust to comply. This clear timeline demonstrates the company’s commitment to accountability and fairness, taking a bold step toward creating a gaming ecosystem rooted in respect, inclusivity, and competitive integrity.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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