YouTube Tightens Rules on Gaming Videos Featuring Violence

YouTube is rolling out major policy changes next month, targeting gaming content tied to online gambling and realistic violence. The new guidelines will take effect on November 17, 2025, aiming to align the platform’s standards with global content regulations and industry trends.

In an official announcement by TeamYouTube, the platform confirmed it is strengthening enforcement of its Community Guidelines related to gambling and graphic violence in gaming. The move comes as YouTube seeks to address “new trends like gambling with digital goods” and to “align mature content policies with industry standards”.

Expanded Rules on Gambling Content by YouTube

The first major update targets online gambling content. Currently, creators are not allowed to link viewers to unapproved gambling websites or apps. Under the new policy, this rule will expand to include online gambling involving digital items with monetary value, such as video game skins, cosmetics, and NFTs.

This could affect popular games with active trading markets like Counter-Strike 2, where virtual items can be bought or sold for real-world money. However, YouTube has yet to clarify how strictly it will enforce these restrictions on regular gameplay videos.

Social Casino Content to Be Age-Restricted

The second change focuses on social casino games, casino-style experiences that don’t involve real money. From mid-November, videos that depict, promote, or facilitate social casino sites will be age-restricted.

The goal is to limit younger audiences’ exposure to simulated gambling environments, even when no actual money is wagered.

New Restrictions on Graphic Gaming Violence

The third and most debated update involves graphic violence in games featuring realistic human characters. YouTube will now age-restrict videos that focus on:

• Scenes of torture.
• Mass violence against non-combatants.

When assessing such content, YouTube will consider:

• Duration: If the violent scene is sustained or part of a compilation.
• Prominence: Whether the violence is central or zoomed-in.
• Realism: If it involves human-like characters.

This may affect videos from franchises like Grand Theft Auto 6, known for their realistic depiction of violence.

Impact on YouTube Creators

YouTube noted that most channels will face little to no impact, but creators should review and adapt their content before November 17. Older videos that violate the new policies may be removed or age-restricted, but they won’t receive a strike.

Creators can edit video descriptions or use built-in trim and blur tools to comply. If content is restricted or removed, YouTube will notify creators via email, and they will have the option to appeal.

These changes come as lawmakers worldwide continue to scrutinise loot boxes and digital gambling mechanics in video games. YouTube’s updated guidelines align with this broader regulatory shift.

Despite the controversy, YouTube remains a cornerstone of gaming content creation, generating over $9.79 billion in Q2 2025 earnings. Its policy overhaul is expected to reshape how gaming creators approach both monetisation and video strategy moving forward.