Nintendo has released updated social media guidelines that place new restrictions on the ways in which content creators are allowed to discuss and share footage of the gaming giant’s hardware and software. The move comes a day after the company unveiled controversial changes to its guidelines on how Nintendo games can be used in tournaments, drawing backlash from many in the competitive gaming scene.
New social media guidelines for Nintendo hardware and software could leave some content creators and companies in a bind
As originally reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Nintendo has introduced new guidelines that limit how content creators can use pictures and videos of Nintendo products. The new guidelines, which can be found in full on Nintendo’s website, introduce new restrictions on how streamers, YouTubers, and other content creators can use Nintendo’s hardware and software. Creators who run afoul of the new rules could see their videos subjected to DMCA takedown requests or potentially find themselves the target of legal action by Nintendo.
While some of the updated social media guidelines seem fairly straightforward, such as barring content creators from falsely claiming their videos are sponsored by or affiliated with Nintendo, others may prove to be more controversial. One example of this can be seen with the new rules for sharing videos and images of games. Nintendo now prohibits the distribution of “Nintendo Game Content without creative input or commentary” unless the footage is captured using built-in features like the Capture Button on the Nintendo Switch. For creators who produce Let’s Play videos or walkthroughs without accompanying commentary, this could lead to their videos being taken down.
Modders may also find themselves in Nintendo’s crosshairs under new rules regarding distributing “unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate” content. While framed as an attempt to crack down on software piracy and cheating, the new guidelines also bar any content that features modified Nintendo hardware and software. This would effectively prevent creators from discussing emulation at a time when Nintendo continues to shut down services for older hardware, leaving gamers with no legal or practical way to purchase many older titles.
The new restrictions may also spell trouble for companies like Analogue since devices like its upcoming Analogue 3D, a 4K console capable of playing Nintendo 64 games, would run afoul of these rules. This could greatly limit the ability of Analogue and similar companies to promote their retro-focused consoles online. While these and other changes may prove to be unpopular with some players, content creators and companies will have to abide by them if they hope to avoid takedowns and stay in Nintendo’s good graces.
