Nintendo Content Guidelines Threatens to Ban Creators Over Stricter Rules

Nintendo's stricter Content Guidelines: A crackdown on creators?

Nintendo has recently updated its Content Guidelines, implementing stricter rules for content creators sharing Nintendo-related material online. These changes could lead to significant consequences, including permanent bans from creating and sharing Nintendo content.

Nintendo's Expanded Enforcement

The revised "Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms," effective September 2nd, empower Nintendo to not only issue DMCA takedowns but also proactively remove content violating their guidelines and restrict future uploads. This represents a significant shift from their previous policy, which only addressed content deemed "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate." Violation now carries the potential for a complete ban from sharing Nintendo-related content.

Examples of Prohibited Content

Nintendo's FAQ provides examples of prohibited content, notably adding two key additions:

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

The Splatoon 3 Incident

These stricter guidelines follow reported takedowns, with speculation linking the changes to an incident involving Splatoon 3 content creator Liora Channel. Liora Channel's video, featuring interviews with female players discussing dating experiences within the game, was removed by Nintendo. Liora Channel subsequently stated on Twitter (X) their intention to avoid creating sexually suggestive Nintendo-related content.

Protecting Young Players

The stricter guidelines are likely a response to concerns about predatory behavior in online gaming, particularly affecting younger players. Instances of abuse and exploitation in games like Roblox highlight the need for proactive measures. Nintendo's aim is to prevent its games from being associated with such harmful activities. Given the significant influence of content creators, this move is seen as a crucial step to safeguard young players.