Nintendo Tighter Content Rules Risk Creator Bans

Nintendo's stricter content guidelines threaten bans for creators: A crackdown on inappropriate content.

Nintendo has significantly tightened its content guidelines, imposing harsher penalties on creators who violate them. This includes potential bans from sharing any Nintendo-related content online.

The updated "Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms" (effective September 2nd) expand Nintendo's enforcement power. Beyond DMCA takedowns, they can now proactively remove content and restrict creators from future postings. Previously, action was limited to content deemed "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate." This change means creators risk permanent bans for violations.

Two key additions to the prohibited content list clarify Nintendo's stance:

• Content depicting actions that negatively impact multiplayer gameplay (e.g., intentional disruption).
• Content containing graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive material, including potentially insulting or disturbing statements or actions.

The stricter rules follow reported takedown incidents. One speculated trigger was a Splatoon 3 video.

A Splatoon 3 video by Liora Channel, featuring interviews with female players discussing dating within the game, was removed by Nintendo. Liora Channel subsequently pledged to avoid sexually suggestive Nintendo-related content.

Nintendo's move is understandable given concerns about predatory behavior in online gaming, especially among younger players. Examples in Roblox, where individuals have been arrested for abusing victims met online, highlight these risks. To protect young players, Nintendo aims to distance its games from harmful activities.