Twitch recently released a document explaining their rules and violations that can lead to enforcement actions, however VTubers and their fans were quick to point out that these rules may be selectively applied.
In a recent tweet, Twitch addressed concerns that VTubers were facing unexplained suspensions for content that by all accounts was mild in its content. In their explanation, VTuber fans quickly noticed a rule against exposing “hips”, which some models do admittedly violate.
You can find our first set of Enforcement Notes under their relevant Policies in our Community Guidelines, here:
— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) October 7, 2024
However, while VTubers are regularly suspended for these infractions, “fleshtubers” and VRChat models are seemingly ignored in favor of enforcement against VTubers, leading fans to believe that Twitch and its staff hold some form of bias.
As recently as three weeks ago, VTubers began noticing more frequent bans and suspensions. Content creators like Zentreya and FallenShadow were fortunate to have the community support to force a response from Twitch, but smaller content creators will always be the ones most affected.
Welcome to Twitch. Remember our rules are easy to understand. No nudity! Unless you're wearing vive trackers in VRChat, or someone promoting off site pornography in an inflatable hot tub awkwardly placed in their house.
I'm looking at you Vtubers. It's very simple guys. https://t.co/SaahYXy9ln
— RubberRoss (@RubberNinja) October 7, 2024
In response to criticism of tacitly endorsed sexual content, Twitch (a website about video games) created their Pools, Hot Tubs, and Beaches category.
Twitch’s rules regarding exposed skin has been infamously opaque and inconsistently applied, and this has created a problem unique to VTubers. Unlike “fleshtubers”, you can’t just throw on a new outfit, VTubers have to get new art assets whenever they add a new appearance. This is the bare minimum though, more detailed models will require rigging and other technical labor that costs far more than just a bit of cloth.
You can read Twitch’s new guidelines here.
It’s worth mentioning that many VTubers find success on YouTube, including hololive which is one of the industry’s most successful groups. YouTube is also known for having more relaxed and consistent standards, or as Phase Connect VTuber Pipkin Pippa puts it: “youtube let’s me do shots for donos so…”
This is Niche Gamer Tech. In this column, we regularly cover tech and things related to the tech industry. Please leave feedback and let us know if there’s tech or a story you want us to cover!
