Recently, thousands of clips were deleted on Twitch for using copyrighted music. The new update in FIFA 21 addresses the problem very directly.
This is the role of music in FIFA 21: Traditionally, a lot of music plays in the FIFA series. This year, the current soundtrack of FIFA 21 features numerous stars whose music plays in the background, for example, in the menu or during VOLTA. Additionally, there is more music in the new customizable FUT stadiums – such as goal songs, some of which are also from the soundtrack.
Typically, music plays mainly in the background of menus. A fact that perhaps not everyone is aware of when the game is streamed on Twitch.
However, given the recent disputes about copyright regarding music on Twitch, this music could indeed become a problem.
Previously, it was possible to lower the music in various areas. In the latest update, which has been available on consoles since Tuesday, October 27, EA Sports provided very clear guidance for streamers.
This is new: In the game settings, under the “Audio” tab, there is now the option: “Disable any music for streaming the game”.
With this setting, players can turn off all music in the game to prevent copyright violations while streaming or recording FIFA. It is therefore a very direct solution to the problem: Where there is no music, there can also be no copyright infringement.
What’s going on with Twitch?
This is the problem: The new feature in FIFA 21 comes shortly after the copyright issue on Twitch flared up again. Already in June, there was a major complaint wave regarding copyrighted background music on Twitch. At that time, there was also a recommendation to delete relevant clips. Many streamers followed this recommendation, out of fear of bans.
A few days ago, the topic re-emerged. Thousands of clips on Twitch were deleted and many streamers were warned. Additionally, Twitch emphasized that streamers should revisit their archives to search for such clips again. This is nearly impossible given the often huge clip archives and the lack of clarity about where the problematic music is located.
Therefore, some streamers emphasized that the only safe way is to simply delete all clips. Streamer Ellohime also pointed out that in-game music could become an issue – a problem that FIFA is now addressing with its update.
Lastly, major representatives of the music industry wrote a strongly critical letter to Twitch. In it, they emphasized their view that Twitch allowed its streamers to use the music of the rights holders without a license. Twitch used this music to grow, while the underlying musicians did not receive fair royalties from it.
In the case of FIFA, the update now turns off the background music in the game – so at least there won’t be any copyright violations regarding music during streaming from the game itself. Of course, this does not affect old clips.
However, the update has also led to a problem: Share Play on PS4 no longer works with FIFA 21.
