Nintendo has emerged victorious in its legal battle against a streamer accused of pirating and live-streaming games before their official release dates. This case highlights the ongoing struggle between game developers and those who attempt to undermine official release channels.
Nintendo’s Legal Triumph
The individual at the center of the lawsuit, Jesse “EveryGameGuru” Keighin, boldly claimed on social media to have “a thousand burner channels” to evade detection and continue his activities. “You might run a corporation, but I run the streets,” he boasted, but now he faces a court order to pay $17,500 in damages.
In November, reports suggested Nintendo had filed a lawsuit in a Colorado court against Keighin. He was accused of not only streaming pirated games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom before their release but also instructing viewers on how to acquire them. Other titles allegedly involved included Super Mario Party Jamboree and Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
The lawsuit details how Keighin illegally obtained and streamed leaked games over 50 times since 2022, providing links to Yuzu and Ryujinx emulators. Nintendo accused him of “trafficking” illegal “circumvention devices,” claiming “millions of dollars” in lost revenue due to his actions.
Court Decisions and Consequences
Though the court did not agree to Nintendo’s request to issue an injunction against unidentified “third parties” or demand the destruction of Keighin’s circumvention devices, it did rule against him directly. An injunction now prevents him from “infringing Nintendo’s copyrighted works,” including streaming and distributing tools that bypass Nintendo’s security measures.
Keighin reportedly failed to mount a defense or file any objections, making the judgment final. This outcome underscores the significant risks facing those who attempt to circumvent gaming industry protections.
Broader Legal Actions
Sources have stated that, earlier this month, Nintendo initiated a lawsuit against a Reddit moderator and alleged Switch pirate, demanding a $4.5 million settlement. The company argues that this sum falls short of compensating for the alleged “DMCA anti-trafficking violations” committed by James “Archbox” Williams, who has been accused of distributing pirated Nintendo Switch games.
Nintendo reportedly tracked down Williams using Reddit posts and repair orders, showcasing their commitment to protecting their intellectual property and sales revenue.