Nintendo Content Guidelines Threatens to Ban Creators Over Stricter Rules

Nintendo recently tightened its Content Guidelines, implementing stricter rules for content creators. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including permanent bans from sharing Nintendo-related content online.

Nintendo's New Guidelines: Stricter Rules for Online Content

Nintendo's updated "Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms" (September 2nd) demand stricter adherence to rules governing the sharing of Nintendo-related content. This expanded enforcement allows Nintendo to issue DMCA takedowns and proactively remove content violating guidelines, potentially restricting creators from sharing any future Nintendo content. Previously, Nintendo primarily addressed only "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate" content. This change significantly increases the risk of bans for rule-breaking creators.

The guidelines' FAQ clarifies prohibited content, notably adding:

• Actions impairing multiplayer gameplay experiences (e.g., intentionally disrupting game progress).
• Graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive content, including insulting, obscene, or disturbing statements or actions.

These stricter guidelines follow reported takedowns, possibly spurred by an incident involving a Splatoon 3 content creator.

Nintendo Removes Splatoon 3 Video Featuring Suggestive Content

Nintendo removed a Splatoon 3 video by Liora Channel. The August 22nd upload featured interviews with female players discussing dating experiences within the game, including encounters with high-profile players. Liora Channel stated on Twitter (X) that Nintendo deemed the content unacceptable, and they will avoid creating similar sexually suggestive content in the future.

These updates address the increased risk of predatory behavior in online games, particularly impacting younger players. Promoting sexual encounters in games aimed at a young audience can have serious consequences. Bloomberg reports numerous Roblox incidents involving arrests for abuse of victims met or groomed within the game. Given content creators' influence, Nintendo aims to prevent association with harmful activities to protect young players.