Twitch Disallows Streamers To Broadcast Adults-Only Rated Games

Leading livestreaming video platform Twitch.tv has updated its Rules of Conduct to disallow any streamers using the service to broadcast games that have been rated Adults-Only by the ESRB.

Twitch gave the reason for this decision as aligning with its goal to “create a safe, welcoming, inclusive community platform where everyone can feel comfortable and have fun.” It was also necessary to be more clear on the kinds of games that Twitch doesn’t want to be streamed on its platform.

Previously, Twitch has banned certain sexually explicit and violent scenes from being broadcast in specific games, one of those being Senran Kagura: Estival Versus, for example. Now Twitch is referring to the ESRB’s list of Adults-Only games as a guide for what games should not be streamed on its service.

Twitch also added that while the ESRB ratings apply only to US titles, the policy extends across all global territories and across all versions of those games. "Generally, if the US version is rated for Adults Only (18+) or has an equivalent rating in your territory, you should not broadcast that game on Twitch,” the company said.

It also clarified in an update that “ESRB rated Mature versions of Adults Only titles are permitted for streaming, such as Mature versions of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy.”