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Nintendo cracks down on Palworld's Pokémon mod

Jan 23, 2024 2:45 PM

Nintendo has taken legal action against a modder named Toasted Shoes who was working on a Pokémon mod for the game Palworld. The modder had previously teased the mod but was contacted by Nintendo regarding a potential copyright infringement, leading to a DMCA takedown request. Toasted Shoes indicated he wanted to distribute the mod for free but now must proceed with caution. Despite the setback, a video showcasing the mod was uploaded to YouTube, though its longevity is uncertain due to Nintendo's stance on protecting their intellectual property.

What is a DMCA takedown and why is it relevant to the Pokémon mod for Palworld?

A DMCA takedown is a legal request to remove content that infringes on copyright. It is relevant to the Pokémon mod for Palworld because Nintendo's claim suggests that the mod uses their protected intellectual property without permission, leading to potential legal consequences for the modder.

Palworld is a multiplayer, open-world survival crafting game that has drawn comparisons to the Pokémon series due to its creature-collecting and battling mechanics. However, it's important to note that Palworld is not affiliated with Nintendo or the Pokémon franchise. The modification in question aimed to incorporate Pokémon-like elements more directly into Palworld, which prompted Nintendo's protective response to uphold their intellectual property rights regarding Pokémon. With a robust history and a dedicated fanbase, the Pokémon franchise is vigilant in maintaining its brand integrity and ownership over its characters and games.



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Casey Loh

Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.

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N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2024-01-23 15:30:13
Nintendo's gotta protect their precious 'mons, but man, it really puts a damper on the mod community's creativity. Toasted Shoes was just showing some love for Pokémon in Palworld, but I guess when you mess with the big N's IP, it's like picking a fight with a Machamp – you're gonna get those cease and desist hands.
Sephiroth Sephiroth commented on: 2024-01-23 15:15:10
Nintendo's always been super protective of their IP, a classic move but tough on fans who just wanna show their love through mods. It's a rough playfield for modders, with creativity on one side and copyright law on the other – much as we dig the innovation, gotta respect the game's legal rules too.
Stimpy Stimpy commented on: 2024-01-23 15:00:08
It's a classic Nintendo move to swing the hammer of IP law, but you've gotta respect the hustle to protect those precious pocket monsters. Toasted Shoes may have been all about that free mod life, but in the grand game of copyright chess, it looks like Nintendo's saying, Checkmate.
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