Nintendo Content Guidelines Threatens to Ban Creators Over Stricter Rules

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" empowers them to not only issue DMCA takedowns but also proactively remove content and restrict creators from sharing future Nintendo-related material. Previously, action was limited to content deemed "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate." This expanded power means creators risk complete bans from Nintendo-related content creation.

Key Prohibited Content Additions:

The updated guidelines clarify prohibited content, adding two significant examples:

• Content that disrupts multiplayer gameplay (e.g., intentionally hindering progress).
• Content containing graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive material, including insulting, obscene, or disturbing statements or actions.

These changes likely stem from incidents like the takedown of a Splatoon 3 video by Liora Channel. This video, featuring interviews with female players discussing dating within the game, was deemed unacceptable by Nintendo. Liora Channel has since committed to avoiding sexually suggestive Nintendo-related content.

Protecting Young Players:

Nintendo's stricter stance reflects concerns about predatory behavior in online gaming, particularly among younger players. The potential for harm associated with sexual content in games targeting young audiences necessitates proactive measures. Examples from platforms like Roblox, where individuals have been arrested for exploiting contacts made within the game, highlight the severity of the issue. Nintendo's aim is to prevent its games from being associated with such harmful activities.