Nintendo's recently updated Content Guidelines have significantly tightened restrictions on creators sharing Nintendo-related content online. These stricter rules, effective September 2nd, carry severe consequences, potentially leading to bans from all future Nintendo-related content creation and distribution.

The revised "Game Content Guidelines for Online Video & Image Sharing Platforms" expand Nintendo's enforcement powers. Beyond DMCA takedowns for unlawful or infringing content, Nintendo now proactively removes content violating their guidelines and can restrict creators from further sharing Nintendo game content. This represents a notable escalation from previous limitations, where Nintendo could only address "unlawful, infringing, or inappropriate" material.

The updated guidelines clarify prohibited content with specific examples, including: actions disrupting multiplayer gameplay and content deemed graphic, explicit, harmful, or offensive. This stricter approach likely stems from recent incidents, including the takedown of a Splatoon 3 video by Liora Channel. This video, featuring interviews with female players discussing dating experiences within the game, was deemed unacceptable by Nintendo. Liora Channel subsequently committed to avoiding sexually suggestive Nintendo-related content.

This stricter stance reflects the increasing concerns surrounding predatory behavior in online games, particularly those targeting younger audiences. The potential for harm associated with promoting sexual encounters within games aimed at children necessitates proactive measures. Examples from platforms like Roblox, where arrests have been made for offenses stemming from in-game interactions, underscore this risk. Given the considerable influence of content creators, Nintendo's efforts to protect its younger players by disassociating its games from harmful activities are understandable.