YouTube Copyright Basics
What can I monetise?
Video game content may be monetised depending on the commercial use rights granted to you by licences of video game publishers. Some video game publishers allow you to use all video game content for commercial use and state that in their licence agreements. Likewise, videos showing software user interfaces may be monetised only if you have a contract with the publisher or you have paid a licensing fee.
To learn more about obtaining commercial use rights to third-party content, please review how to read licences to understand your rights and what YouTube looks for in your documentation.
What can't I monetise?
Without the appropriate licence from the publisher, use of video game or software user interface must be minimal. Video game content may be monetised if the associated step-by-step commentary is strictly tied to the live action being shown and is of instructional or educational value.
Videos simply showing a user playing a video game or the use of software for extended periods of time may not be accepted for monetisation.
You can find more information on copyright law and fair use here:
United States European Union World Intellectual Property Organization