One of the most common complaints levelled at gaming Youtubers who get big and well known are that you can't be sure of their journalistic integrity, that they might be being paid off to say good things about games that maybe aren't that good. Most Youtubers will deny anything of the sort, however it does seem that not everyone involved in Youtuber gaming journalism are so above-board...
This Saturday an e-mail emerged on NeoGAF as a leak, that detailed a a promo deal that Machinima was offering to the content creators they have under them to promote the new Xbox machine for a bonus $3 per CPM (which refers to per thousand views on a video). A since-deleted tweet from Machinima's Ron Smith confirmed that the deal was for real.
While this seems a bit shady in itself, a copy of Machinima's terms for signing up for the promo deal has also come to light and it just makes this situation even murkier. One particular line of the terms reads "You may not say anything negative or disparaging about Machinima, Xbox One or any of its Games in your Campaign Video." which seems to justify those worries from people about Youtubers accepting cash to big up something that isn't really that good to begin with. What's more, the terms go on to tell the creators signing up that they are effectively also signing an NDA about the entire promo deal between Microsoft and Machinima.
You agree to keep confidential at all times all matters relating to this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Promotional Requirements, and the CPM Compensation, listed above. You understand that You may not post a copy of this Agreement or any terms thereof online or share them with any third party (other than a legal or financial representative). You agree that You have read the Nondisclosure Agreement (attached hereto and marked as Exhibit "A") and You understand and agree to all of terms of the Nondisclosure Agreement, which is incorporated as part of this Agreement.
A lot of viewers listen to their favourite Youtube personalities and Microsoft know it. While there's been no word about how many have taken up this offer, this is surely a blow for the video reviewers' journalistic integrity and all those content creators who value being honest about anything they review above all else.