Nintendo lawsuit against streamer who promoted a Switch emulator and piracy enters new phase
Recently, Nintendo has stepped up its legal efforts against piracy and copyright infringements. After filing a subpoena to reveal the name of the Pokémon Teraleaker, another case has seen a development. Last November, a Nintendo lawsuit sought damages against a streamer for broadcasting unreleased games. Jesse Keighin, aka EveryGameGuru, played various titles using a Switch emulator. Responding to his failure to appear at hearings, Nintendo is seeking a default judgment against Keighin.
Nintendo originally filed a complaint against Keighin in a Colorado federal court. The gaming giant accused the streamer of violating the copyrights of ten titles. Occasionally, ROMs appear for unreleased games compatible with a Switch emulator like Yuzu. Over two years, Keighin showcased these games to viewers without Nintendo's approval. Also, Keighin encouraged his followers to download emulators and ROMs.
Nintendo has lowered its demands since it began the lawsuit. Keihin played Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Super Mario Party Jamboree. However, Nintendo is focusing on Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. The streamer leaked the RPG title shortly before its May 2024 release date. Some examples of piracy were particularly damaging and interfered with Nintendo's marketing efforts. The company is now content with a $10,000 penalty for the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door copyright infringements and total damages of $17,500.
With repeated offenses, Keighin could have faced up to $1.5 million in penalties. Since the streamer has been uncooperative with the Nintendo lawsuit, it's strange that the company would show leniency. Not only has Keighin refused to show up in court, but he also taunted Nintendo as his whereabouts remained unknown.
Nintendo may have simply grown tired of the cat-and-mouse game. While not astronomical compared to the Gary Bowser judgment, the $17,500 could deter other streamers from similar leaks.
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