Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
It’s been quite the whirlwind of a year for Nintendo, with lawsuits flying in all directions – suing developers and pirates here, copyright-striking content creators there. Add to this one of this year’s biggest hacks in gaming, and it’s clear that the company is no longer messing around.
Perhaps as a result of recent events and the increased legal scrutiny that followed before and after, it seems best to steer clear of any leaked Nintendo content—especially the recent Playtest leaks that got datamined—unless they want to spend the rest of the year dodging the company’s legal hitmen.
Creators, Follow the First Rule ofFight Club, but for the Switch Online Playtest Leaks
Here’s a rundown of recent developments. Leaks from the Switch Online Playtest program surfaced long before it began, revealing massive details about a mysterious project code-named “Rockstock.”
Not to delve too deeply into what’s come out, the main fella behind the leaks, Bluesky, has leaked information about what seems to be mechs, vehicles, and minigames while explaining in detail the exact way this supposed game will play.
Considering all this, it’s easy to tell that Nintendo’s probably suffering from a massive corporate headache at the moment, with the leak likely sparking anger behind closed doors.
But here’s the real kicker for all the content creators looking to cash in on these leaks: Discussing or showing this leak could lead to trouble of the worst kind.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Getting The Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Treatment Has It Now Fully Playable on PC Despite Nintendo’s Legal Scare
You see, Nintendo’s updatedguidelinesfrom September explicitly ban sharing data-mined content, and violating them could result in more than just a copyright strike—it could immediately lead to a lawsuit from the company.
As mentioned by the company in the very last line of the FAQ, any content that is deemed “unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate” (read: leaked information) gives the company the right to take legal action against you.
Nintendo is fiercely protective of its intellectual property, so it should be clear that creators who talk about the leaks run a great risk of ruining their platform and potentially even themselves financially by going against the guidelines.
After all, fighting Nintendo in court is not a battle anyone wants to face, especially given the company’s history of aggressive legal actions. That’s a fate worse than death within video game reporting.
Nintendo’s Guidelines and Incessant Legal Actions All Point to Something Big in the Works
Beyond the data-mined leaks, Nintendo has already been dealing with more significant issues, including the now well-known major hack of Game Freak from back in August.While details of the hack are still emerging, it’s undoubtedly put Nintendo on edge.
Combine this with increasing rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2 launching soon, and it’s no wonder they’ve been quick to strike down any leaks or related content. YouTubers like Retro Game Corps have already felt the sting in this regard, facing copyright strikes twice for showing Nintendo games via emulation.
The timing of these legal actions—right when the gaming community is abuzz with speculation over the Switch 2—indicates that Nintendo may be clamping down to protect any secrets about its upcoming projects.
“Rules for thee, not for me.”: Nintendo’s Museum Uncovers Major Hypocrisy: Turns Out Emulating Games Is Fine, As Long As You Aren’t Doing It
Some are even speculating that the changes in guidelines right after the Playtest leaks might even be a sign of new online features tied to the Switch 2.
Could Nintendo be preparing a massive overhaul to its online infrastructure to accompany its next console? If that truly is the case, then these leaks are much more damaging than they appear on the surface.
As we’ve mentioned before, it’s best to stay on the low for any unofficial news related to this company at the moment. With these aggressive legal moves, Nintendo might just be preparing to unleash an even bigger storm upon us. If we’re not careful, anyone can get caught in Nintendo’s crossfire.
But, with all that said, what are your thoughts on Nintendo’s new guidelines? Do you think it’s safe for creators to talk about the Playtest leaks? Let us know in the comments below!
Akshit Dangi
Writer - Gaming
Articles Published :266
Akshit is a supposed human being and gaming writer who lurks in different corners of the internet in search of fascinating rabbit holes. Outside of that, though, you’ll most likely find him staring at a piece of art for days or completing another playthrough of Silent Hill.
