Independent developers and the community are in danger for the harsh restrictions that Nintendo has

There was a time when Nintendo was synonymous with inspiration. Their games not only defined whole genres, but also inspired generations of creators to make the jump to the development of video games. However, the current reality is very different: Mario and Zelda’s company has gone from being a creative reference to a feared entitywilling to destroy any project that rubs its intellectual properties.

From Multimilionary requests against Roma sites Up to the incessant persecution of Esports tournaments, fan games and even musical scores, Nintendo has transformed his protection of IP into an without regard. And the worst part is that Its brutal legal strategy is leaving a trace of collateral damage that threatens the future of the environment.

Nintendo and his hunt for legal witches

In recent years, Nintendo clarified that he does not tolerate any activities This, according to his interpretation, violates his rights. It doesn’t matter if they are non -profit projects or if the intention is to pay homage to their games: If you cross you, you will have to face your ruthless legal team.

One of the most popular cases was that of Tropic Haze, the team behind RyujinxA Nintendo Switch emulator. The Japanese society has requested them with the aim of crushing any effort to preserve console games. The message was clear: If you try to emulate, we destroy you. Nintendo barely offers options for the conservation of its gameswho leaves the players without practicable legal alternatives.

But the emulators are not the only ones to the sight. Fan games like Mother 4 had to change their name and disappear from the radar for fear of legal reprisals. The same goes for Super Smash Bros. tournaments that use ancient models or versions of the games. Nintendo simply does not want your community to interact with your creations in a way that does not report direct benefits.

A strategy that drowns creativity

In addition to the disputes on the legality of these actions, there is a more serious problem: The cleansing effect that Nintendo is generating in the sector. Many young developers who grew up admiring Nintendo now They are afraid of innovating In the event that the company decides that its idea is too close to a patented mechanic.

This has reached the denial In the universities of video games we talk about Nintendo’s fear of. Second The video game historian John Szczepaniakwho taught conferences in Spain, Several students have confessed their concern about the possibility of receiving a question Simply to explore playable mechanics inspired by the classics of the Japanese company.

And that’s Nintendo patented the infinite basic game mechanicsHow to detect an enemy for its shadow or launch an object to another character. In the case of Palworld, the famous Pokémon with weapons, Nintendo has revised his vast repertoire of patents to find a legal escapade with which to attack the game*, who shows him His priority is not innovation, but absolute control.

The problem is not money, but power

Nintendo is not a company in crisis. Switch has passed sales to PS1 and WiiAnd his successor has all the cards to continue dominating the market. Moreover, The company also obtains benefits with the sale of hardwaresomething unusual in the sector.

With such a comfortable financial position, There is no real justification for your legal aggression. It is not necessary to destroy the communities of players or independent developers to remain profitable. However, continue to do so, making it clear It is not only money, but of enthusiasm for the sick control over everything that touches.

An uncertain future for industry

The problem below is that Nintendo is establishing a precedent dangerous. If large video game companies continue their example and decide to crush any attempt at innovation outside their studies, the future of the sector will be much gray.

Creativity in video games has always been born from experimentationModder, small studies that challenge the rules and are inspired by what they love. If Nintendo continues to crush these efforts, we could face an industry in which the fear of demand is imposed on the passion to create.

It’s time for The community stops justifying these practices and requires that Nintendo is the company that has inspired, not the one that destroys.