Nintendo tightens content guidelines, confirms it will “object” to anything it deems “inappropriate”

Nintendo has updated its guidelines for content creators, strengthening the right to object to content they deem “inappropriate.”

Nintendo’s “Game Content Guidelines for Online Video and Image Sharing Platforms” were updated earlier today (Sept. 2). While the company says it is “humbled every day” by the loyalty and passion of its fanbase, it reminds all content creators that they must adhere to “ground rules” and “reserves the right to object to content that (it) believes is unlawful, infringing, inappropriate, or does not comply with these guidelines.”

“We reserve the right to no longer permit the use of Nintendo game content in the event of such violations,” the guidelines read.

In a Q&A explaining what exactly is considered unacceptable, the company explains:

“We reserve the right to remove content that we believe is unlawful, infringing, inappropriate, or does not follow the guidelines. In some cases, Nintendo may remove videos on behalf of our third party partners.”

These terms prohibit players from posting Nintendo gameplay that contains “graphic, explicit, harmful, or otherwise objectionable content, including statements or actions that could be considered offensive, insulting, obscene, or otherwise disruptive to others.”

Content creators are also not allowed to simply upload or livestream unedited gameplay footage of a Nintendo game without adding their own “creative or editorial input.”

Interestingly, the Japanese terms appear to be even stronger, with some media outlets reporting that Nintendo says it will take action against posts that use its content to “violate public order and morality”. It is believed this was introduced after a popular Japanese content creator used Nintendo’s shooter to advise viewers “how to lose their virginity”.

In early July, Nintendo responded to concerns about the inappropriate use of its characters online, saying it would take “appropriate action” against anything that made some players “feel uncomfortable.”