IGN Awesome Indies/gamescom Studio: Co-Streaming Guidelines

IGN Awesome Indies/gamescom Studio: Co-Streaming Guidelines

We are excited to consider you for streaming the 2026 gamescom Awesome Indies showcase and/or gamescom Studio powered by IGN content with your community! To ensure everyone has a great time and to protect the developers showcasing their games and event partners, we have established a few ground rules.

IGN does not grant express licenses or commercial rights to third parties to broadcast our content. However, IGN will not issue copyright strikes or DMCA takedowns against channels that have been pre-approved by the IGN team, provided they strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Content & Age Ratings

Details

The Awesome Indies showcase features approximately 40 different games and gamescom Studio features content from numerous event partners. Please be aware that some of the featured content may be intended for mature audiences (e.g., ESRB M / PEGI 18).

• Your Responsibility: You are solely responsible for ensuring that your stream complies with your platform's Terms of Service and all applicable local laws and broadcasting regulations regarding age-rated content.
• Editorial Control: You retain full editorial control over your commentary. IGN is not responsible for the opinions, views, or statements made during your co-stream.

2. Feed Integrity & Visuals

• You must broadcast the show live and uninterrupted.
• You may not obscure, crop, or modify the core broadcast feed. All in-stream sponsor logos, developer watermarks, lower-thirds, and legal disclaimers must remain fully visible at all times.
• Your webcam and personal stream overlays are permitted, provided they do not block critical on-screen information.

3. Monetization & Sponsorships

• Platform Features: You are welcome to keep standard platform monetization enabled during the broadcast (e.g., Twitch Subscriptions, Bits, YouTube Super Chats, standard ad rolls).
• No Custom Sponsorships: You may not sell custom sponsorships, run branded overlays, or feature third-party product integrations that make it appear as though your personal sponsors are affiliated with IGN, gamescom, gamescom event partners or any featured indie developers.

4. VODs and Archiving

• You may keep the Video on Demand (VOD) of your co-stream available on your channel after the live broadcast concludes.
• Do not upload standalone, unedited trailers from the showcase as separate videos on your channel. If you wish to create recap videos, they must feature your own substantial transformative commentary.

5. Enforcement

IGN reserves the right to revoke your approved co-streaming status at any time. If you violate these guidelines, platform Terms of Service, or engage in behavior that is racist, homophobic, defamatory, or otherwise violates community standards, IGN may issue a DMCA takedown notice against your channel.