Nintendo has a reputation for its incredibly strict copyright policy, but now the company has potentially taken that a step too far. Nintendo has successfully shut down one of the biggest Super Smash Bros. tournaments for infringing on its copyright policies, which is absolutely the wrong move.
The Big House, one of the biggest Smash Bros. tournaments of the year, recently received a cease and desist order from Nintendo forcing it to cancel an upcoming event. Nintendo believes the Big House's Super Smash Bros. Melee online tournament infringes on its copyright and piracy policies due to its use of a software program called Slippi, which allows tournament contestants to play Melee online.
Slippi is needed for the Big House to host an online tournament, since Super Smash Bros. Melee doesn't support online play. It's understandable why Nintendo would be concerned with unofficial modding, but the Big House is only using the program to keep people safe in the mists of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shutting down the digital event for taking protective measures is ridiculous and paints Nintendo in an extremely negative light.
People are looking for escapism now more than ever. Video game tournaments allow people to forget the woes of the world and focus on the simplistic joys video games offer. Shutting down one of the biggest Super Smash Bros. tournaments in the nation takes away one of the few things people have to look forward to in such turbulent times. Plus, Smash is nearly 20 years old -- so the perceived harm here seems slim to none.
If the majority of the world wasn't facing extended lockdowns, the Big House would continue hosting its events in person. Nintendo needs to consider the circumstances and understand that the Big House is only using Slippi to take keep attendees safe from potentially contracting or spreading a deadly virus.
Many companies have had to shift how they conduct business to meet COVID-19 regulations. The Big House is no different. There are much bigger things Nintendo should be worrying about than an unofficial mod in a Super Smash Bros. tournament. Nintendo should make an exception and realize desperate times call for desperate measures.
Other, smaller Super Smash Bros. tournaments have also used Slippi in the past without interference from Nintendo. It's a bit strange the company is so against Slippi now that the Big House is using the software. Some people believe this is due to Nintendo partnering with the Big House to support the tournament, while others think it has to do with the tournament's popularity. Whatever the case, Nintendo isn't winning over any new fans with its cease and desist orders. Nintendo needs to rethink its decision before Super Smash Bros. fans start turning on the company. However, it may already be too late.