The FTC just dished out a heavy fine to Warner Bros. for failing to disclose that video game reviews from several notable YouTube personalities were in fact, promoted content (advertising). The most famous name among the list was PewDiePie, the face of the "Let's Play" streaming movement whose channel counts over 46 million subscribers. The specific fine is for placing a disclaimer in the video's description box rather than making the disclosure in the actual video. Of course a number of "reviewers" didn't have the disclaimer present in either location.
Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection stated, "Consumers have the right to know if reviewers are providing their own opinions or paid sales pitches. Companies like Warner Brothers need to be straight with consumers in their online ad campaigns."
This particular case is centered around the release of the 2014 video game, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, a PS4 and Xbox One game. Ironically enough, this game likely didn't need paid reviews, as it received several awards, including Game of the Year at the 17th Game Developers Choice Awards.
While not divulging specific numbers, the complaint alleges that WB paid hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars to paid influencers on the condition that they gave favorable scores and didn't disclose any bugs or glitches.