Nintendo copyright strikes down another YouTube channel streaming its game soundtracks. Over 1,300 reports and takedown notices were emailed to YouTuber GilvaSunner overnight. Although Nintendo is entitled to do so, some fans felt frustrated over the situation.
Nintendo is arguably one of the most successful video game companies in the world. They are the sole publisher of classic games like "Mario," "Pokemon" and "Zelda." They are also the manufacturer for the first-of-its-kind Nintendo Switch, a handheld gaming console.
Given the massive influence and history of its company, it's no surprise that a lot of fans enjoy Nintendo's merchandise. According to Eurogamer, one of Nintendo's biggest selling points is its music.
YouTuber Streams Gaming Music: Nintendo Copyright
To give fans a chance to listen to music even without playing the game, YouTuber GilvaSunner uploaded hundreds of Nintendo soundtracks on their channel. Note that the YouTuber acknowledges Nintendo's right to issue legal strikes and fully credits each video in its descriptions.
Nonetheless, Nintendo found this an attack on IP rights and submitted complaints to the YouTuber.
GilvaSunner tweeted that the complaints had first arrived in 2019. They said that soundtracks for "Super Mario 64," "Ocarina of Time" and "Mario Kart Wii" were flagged.
In the following months, GilvaSunner said "Super Smash Bros." for Nintendo 3DS and "Super Mario Kart" (SNES) soundtracks were also blocked.
The YouTuber noticed that many of the fans started having assumptions that the videos were "stolen" from Nintendo.
GilvaSunner clarified they never used the videos for personal gain and "do not monetize videos and do not profit from them." The YouTuber also tweeted that they are not "angry or surprised" over Nintendo's decision because "it is their content after all."
GilvaSunner updated on Saturday that over 1300 copyright blocks were executed on their YouTube channel, which blocked soundtracks from "Legend of Zelda," "Super Smash Bros." "Yoshi's Island," "Luigi's Mansion" and many more.
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Nintendo Copyright Claims: Fans React
Despite their acceptance of the situation, many fans also grumbled that Nintendo was being "unfair." This is because the company never submitted an official alternative for listening to their music.
One fan wrote an open letter to Nintendo, emphasizing they want to listen to music with their smartphones. Another fan analogized it as "watching a movie outside of movie theaters."
Twitter user Aussie Kirby memed there was no legal way to listen to Nintendo music.
Another fan noticed that Nintendo is restricting its own fans from spreading the "joy of Nintendo."
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