Does it have to be a Copyright Infringement?: Live Game Streaming and Copyright.

Online video gaming has become very popular in Japan as well as in the United States. One of the reasons for the increasing popularity of online video gaming is the availability of live game streaming. Live game streaming allows game players to upload live gameplay or live stream it online. It created the joy of sharing gameplay with other players and of watching other players playing a game. It is agreed that such activities are illegal copyright infringement in Japan. However, many game players upload live gameplay or live stream it online. Several platforms also actively solicit uploading and live streaming by game players. Apparently, these acts are tolerated because it is likely that they promote the popularity of video gaming and increase the number of players. These activities are "tolerated infringement," technically and theoretically illegal copyright infringement, which are tolerated by copyright holders. But do these activities really have to be copyright infringement? Do they also have to be illegal? This paper argues that the current situation is unhealthy and suggests copyright reform to deny that these activities constitute copyright infringement or to legalize them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]