In the last day or so, it came to light that Microsoft has, in partnership with the Machinima network, been effectively offering money for positive coverage on various Youtube videos via a deal now dubbed “XB1M13”.

This news spread like wildfire and many consumers started to get quite angry about this news. So, in order to shed some light on the situation, Youtuber Boogie2988 released the above video with the following description:

“I have to be entirely honest with you about this whole “youtube” paid influence system that’s in place. So here are the details”

In the video, he explains that this stealth marketing technique happens all the time and that many Youtubers do this on a regular basis and that he himself has even done things like this. However, he also states that there are many who do not. He also reveals that:

“You need to take the things you see on Youtube with a grain of salt… these contracts are the norm”

This controversy does not seem to be dying down any time soon. The final question remains though, what Youtube gaming content can we trust now?