Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against Jesse Keighin for allegedly streaming pirated Nintendo Switch games online before their official release dates. According to the lawsuit, Keighin used emulation software to stream leaked games, such as Mario & Luigi: Brothership, multiple times over the past two years. Nintendo is seeking $150,000 in damages for each instance of copyright infringement, which could total up to $7.5 million.
This legal action comes as part of Nintendo’s efforts to crack down on emulation, leaks, and piracy within the gaming community. The company has taken down popular Switch emulators and has been actively pursuing individuals who engage in unauthorized distribution of their games. Keighin’s case stands out due to his alleged taunting of Nintendo after his YouTube channel and other accounts were shut down. He reportedly offered to help others find pirated copies of abandoned Switch emulators, further aggravating the situation.
Despite Keighin’s limited social media reach, Nintendo seems determined to make an example out of him to discourage others from engaging in similar activities. The company’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting the creative works of game developers and publishers, highlighting the significant time and effort that goes into creating enjoyable gaming experiences for players.
Keighin’s case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that individuals may face for infringing on intellectual property rights and violating game content guidelines. Nintendo’s lawsuit sends a clear message that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material will not be tolerated, even if done on a small scale. As the case unfolds in the Colorado District Court, it will be interesting to see how the legal system addresses the issue of online piracy in the gaming industry and what implications this may have for other content creators.