Nintendo Content Guidelines Threatens to Ban Creators Over Stricter Rules

Nintendo's recently updated Content Guidelines introduce stricter rules for online content creators, potentially leading to bans for violations. This September 2nd update expands Nintendo's enforcement powers beyond DMCA takedowns to include proactive content removal and restrictions on future content sharing.

Previously, Nintendo primarily targeted content deemed "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate." The new guidelines significantly broaden this scope. The updated rules now explicitly prohibit content that:

• Disrupts multiplayer gameplay (e.g., intentionally hindering progress).
• Contains graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive material, including potentially insulting, obscene, or disturbing statements or actions.

This stricter approach follows reported takedowns and is speculated to be a response to incidents like the removal of a Splatoon 3 video by Liora Channel. This video, featuring interviews with female players discussing dating experiences within the game, was deemed unacceptable by Nintendo. Liora Channel has since publicly committed to avoiding sexually suggestive Nintendo-related content.

Nintendo's move is likely a response to concerns about predatory behavior in online gaming, particularly affecting younger players. Examples in games like Roblox highlight the potential dangers of online interactions, emphasizing the need for stricter content moderation. By enforcing these guidelines, Nintendo aims to protect its younger audience and prevent its games from being associated with harmful activities.