YouTubers Emulating Nintendo Games Might Have a Problem on Their Hands
The concept of emulation has been a divisive topic within the gaming industry ever since its inception – while the act is not illegal per se, there are certain corporations within the industry who don’t take too kindly to people gaining access to IP and other content via unofficial means.
It just so happens that one of these names is Nintendo – earlier this year, the Japanese gaming giant took down Yuzu, one of the more popular Nintendo Switch emulators. More recently though, it seems that Nintendo has its sights set on YouTube channels which feature emulation hardware.
Retro Game Corps, an independent channel which reviews emulation hardware has spoken out stating that Nintendo has targeted his videos due to them featuring Nintendo software running on consoles which allow users to emulate older consoles including the N64, Wii U, and more. According to a statement from Russ, the channel’s owner:
It does appear that my worst fears are true, and that I am being specifically targeted by Nintendo… My Wii U video was taken down and I received another copyright strike, even though this showcase video was no different than all of the tech demos and reviews I have made on this channel previously.
He adds that he’s thinking of filing a counter-claim citing Youtube’s fair use policies, although there’s a chance that Nintendo might hit back with full-on legal action. The channel has already received two strikes so far, and at the moment Russ states that upcoming content will not feature Nintendo games.
Source: Time Extension