Journalist Geoff Keighley has created his own event, the “Summer Game Fest,” ahead of the E3 2021. However, he is not officially allowed to co-stream the actual E3. The ESA does not authorize his stream. He is not alone, as many other streamers on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch are facing the same situation.
This is the situation:
- Journalist and host Geoff Keighley was part of the E3 for several years with the “Coliseum.” However, since 2020, he has been hosting his own event, the “Summer Game Fest.” In 2021, the fest occurred just before the E3 and showcased over 30 game premieres. His “Summer Game Fest” could be co-streamed by anyone who wanted to.
- Keighley now wanted to co-stream the E3 as well – meaning to show and comment on the official streams on his channel. But the ESA did not grant him official permission.
- According to the E3, this is “nothing personal,” but they have allowed less than 100 official co-streams.
This is co-streaming: Co-streaming means that you can show the official stream on your own Twitch, Facebook, or YouTube channel and then comment on it.
Those who have such permission are on the safe side and usually don’t have to worry about copyright strikes when, for example, copyrighted music is played during the show. There have been many issues on Twitch regarding this in recent months.
Anyone who wants to officially co-stream the E3 must apply in advance. When this permission was denied, it apparently surprised Keighley.
Keighley posts E3 rejection, warns other streamers against showing the E3
This is what Keighley says: Keighley shared on Twitter a rejection from the E3. The rejection states that they are pleased that so many want to co-stream the E3. However, the few exclusive spots they offer have been quickly filled.
This is a friendly but clear rejection: We are not granting you a license to co-stream.
Keighley appeared slightly irritated. He wrote “I did try to play nice.” This suggests that he perceives it as a personal attack, a kind of revenge from the E3 for hosting a competing event, the “Summer Game Fest,” two days before the E3 starts.
Keighley warned other creators to be cautious about streaming the E3 if they do not have a license. He apparently expected that the E3 might take action against unauthorized co-streams.
However, they assure in the email how much they appreciate Geoff Keighley and everything he has done for the video game industry.
The dominance of the E3 in the gaming world is crumbling
This is what lies behind it: Even if no one says it openly, the “Summer Game Fest” and the “E3” are competing with each other. The Summer Game Fest has snatched away some high-profile games from the E3 and thereby steals its relevance:
- You can see that Keighley is seizing the opportunity to say: Our event can be co-streamed by everyone just like that. Be careful if you show the E3.
- And the E3 then assures: Yes, with us it is actually the same, just not “authorized.” The decision not to grant Keighley a license, despite years of collaboration, sends a message: “You no longer get preferential treatment.”
There seems to be tension in the air, as the situation is in flux. The E3 is no longer undisputed, as more and more publishers are bypassing the fair and doing their own thing. With the “Summer Game Fest,” a major event took place two days before the E3 start, at which many new games were showcased.
Keighley apparently expected that he would not make any friends with the E3.
Last night, the E3 officially began. Here’s what Ubisoft had to offer:
E3 2021 starts – All announcements and trailers from Ubisoft Forward in the live ticker
Several Twitter users also believed that they might receive warnings if they stream the E3 without an official license.
E3 says: There are only a few “official” co-streams, but everyone can stream with us
This is what the E3 says: In a statement to the site Kotaku, the organizers of the E3, ESA, said:
- They received 1,300 applications from streamers and brands for “official co-streams.”
- Of these 1,300 applications, they have “accepted less than 100” and selected a “small group.” Those who want to stream the E3 without authorization can do so, but not “officially.” They should refer to the terms of use of Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.
Regarding Keighley, they said that not including him on the list was not personal, but they focused on a diverse group of influencers who regularly create content on YouTube, Twitch, and/or Facebook.
However, they assure in the email how much they appreciate Geoff Keighley and everything he has done for the video game industry.
The dominance of the E3 in the gaming world is crumbling
This is what lies behind it: Even if no one says it openly, the “Summer Game Fest” and the “E3” are competing with each other. The Summer Game Fest has snatched away some high-profile games from the E3 and thereby steals its relevance:
- You can see that Keighley is seizing the opportunity to say: Our event can be co-streamed by everyone just like that. Be careful if you show the E3.
- And the E3 then assures: Yes, with us it is actually the same, just not “authorized.” The decision not to grant Keighley a license, despite years of collaboration, sends a message: “You no longer get preferential treatment.”
There seems to be tension in the air, as the situation is in flux. The E3 is no longer undisputed, as more and more publishers are bypassing the fair and doing their own thing. With the “Summer Game Fest,” a major event took place two days before the E3 start, at which many new games were showcased.
Keighley apparently expected that he would not make any friends with the E3.
Last night, the E3 officially began. Here’s what Ubisoft had to offer:
E3 2021 starts – All announcements and trailers from Ubisoft Forward in the live ticker
