Nintendo tightens rules, warns creators of bans

Nintendo has recently updated its Content Guidelines with stricter policies for creators. Those who violate these rules now face severe consequences, including potential lifetime bans from sharing Nintendo-related content online.

Nintendo's Updated Guidelines Address Inappropriate Content

Creators Risk Permanent Ban for Violations

On September 2, Nintendo introduced revised "Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms," establishing more rigorous standards for sharing Nintendo-related content.

The updated guidelines expand Nintendo's enforcement capabilities. The company can now issue DMCA takedowns and proactively remove violating content, potentially restricting creators from future Nintendo content sharing. Previous guidelines only addressed content deemed "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate," meaning creators now risk permanent restrictions for guideline violations.

While the existing "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate" definition covers broad categories, Nintendo's FAQ now includes two specific additions:

• Content that disrupts multiplayer gameplay experiences, such as intentional game progression interference
• Material containing graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive content, including disturbing statements or actions

These changes follow recent Nintendo copyright enforcement actions. Industry observers suggest the Splatoon 3 content controversy may have influenced these policy updates.

Nintendo Removes Splatoon 3 Video With Questionable Content

Nintendo recently deleted a Splatoon 3 video by creator Liora Channel featuring interviews about players' in-game dating experiences. The August 22 upload included personal stories about interactions with prominent Splatoon 3 players.

Nintendo deemed this content unacceptable. Liora Channel subsequently pledged on Twitter/X to avoid creating sexually suggestive Nintendo-related content moving forward.

These policy updates address growing concerns about online safety, particularly for younger gamers. Promoting romantic encounters in youth-oriented games raises potential risks, as demonstrated by reported incidents in platforms like Roblox where predators have exploited gaming connections.

Given creators' influence, Nintendo aims to prevent associations between its games and harmful behavior that could endanger young players.