Nintendo's Strict Guidelines Spark Concerns for Creators

Nintendo's recently updated Content Guidelines have significantly tightened restrictions on content creators, potentially leading to bans for violations. This stricter approach follows reported takedowns and aims to address inappropriate content.

Increased Enforcement of Nintendo's Content Guidelines

Nintendo's September 2nd update to its "Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms" expands its enforcement capabilities. Beyond DMCA takedowns for unlawful content, Nintendo can now proactively remove violating content and restrict creators from sharing further Nintendo-related material. This represents a significant escalation from previous limitations, where action was only taken against content deemed "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate." The potential consequence for violations is a complete ban from creating and sharing Nintendo-related content online.

Key Prohibited Content Examples:

The updated guidelines clarify prohibited content, including two notable additions:

• Content that negatively impacts multiplayer gameplay, such as intentional disruption.
• Graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive content, encompassing statements or actions deemed offensive, insulting, obscene, or disturbing.

The Splatoon 3 Incident and its Implications:

The recent takedown of a Splatoon 3 video by Liora Channel, which featured interviews with female players discussing dating experiences within the game, highlights the stricter enforcement. Liora Channel publicly acknowledged Nintendo's concerns and committed to avoiding sexually suggestive content related to Nintendo games.

Protecting Young Players:

Nintendo's stricter stance is likely a response to the increasing risk of predatory behavior in online gaming, particularly concerning younger players. The potential for harm associated with promoting sexual encounters within games aimed at a young audience necessitates proactive measures. Incidents in other online platforms, such as Roblox, where individuals have been arrested for exploiting contacts made within the game, underscore the seriousness of this issue. Nintendo's aim is to safeguard its player base and prevent its games from being associated with harmful activities.