Nintendo Pursues Legal Action Against Zelda Artbook Leaker

Nintendo has taken legal steps to subpoena Discord, the popular social media platform, where images from the artbook of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom were first leaked.

The gaming giant is seeking the disclosure of the identity of a user believed to be responsible for sharing the copyrighted material.

The Leaked Artbook Content

The 204-page artbook, which comes with the collector’s edition of the game, was leaked in February.

While the leak contained a considerable amount of original art for the game, it didn’t reveal much about the mysteries surrounding Tears of the Kingdom that players have been speculating about for months.

The leak contained no significant developer commentary and only a few minor spoilers regarding enemy reveals.

Filing the Subpoena and Initial Takedown Request

Nintendo filed the subpoena in the Northern District Court of California on April 4, requesting Discord to disclose the identity of the user “Julien#2743.”

This user is suspected of posting copyrighted content on a fan-run Discord server called “Tears of the Kingdom Official Discord Server.”

Initially, the company contacted Discord on February 21, requesting the removal of the copyrighted material.

The following day, Nintendo followed up with another request for the entire server to be taken down.

To further support their case, Nintendo submitted a list of Discord users allegedly distributing the leaked content, along with screenshots of their server activity.

Nintendo has taken legal steps to subpoena Discord, the popular social media platform, where images from the artbook of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom were first leaked.

Discord’s Response and Ongoing Legal Battle

Discord responded to Nintendo’s initial request by confirming the removal of the content from the server.

However, several users continued to share images from the leaked artbook via private messages.

This prompted Nintendo to issue a second request for an “immediate review and takedown” of the server.

In response, Discord issued a warning to the server for the reported activity.

As the situation continues to unfold, Nintendo is now seeking a DMCA subpoena to obtain the identity of the user behind the leak.

If the subpoena is granted, Discord will be legally obligated to comply and reveal the user’s information.

The Implications of the Leak

The leak’s authenticity is further supported by the extent of legal action taken by Nintendo. 

Although no images from the leaked artbook will be shown here, it is worth noting that numerous pages from the Collector’s Edition artbook were leaked online in February, containing a considerable amount of spoilery details.

Gaming Giants’ History of Combating Leakers

This legal action is not the first time that Nintendo or other gaming giants have gone after leakers.

In 2019, a Pokémon Sword and Shield leak that originated from 4chan spread to Discord.

The leak was traced back to someone allegedly involved in the printing of the game’s strategy guide.

The lawsuit that followed revealed the considerable measures Nintendo takes to prevent leaks, such as securing strategy guides in protected areas covered by tarps where personal recording devices are not allowed.

The case was ultimately settled two years later for $150,000.

Nintendo’s pursuit of leakers demonstrates its unwavering commitment to protecting its intellectual property.

Over the years, the company has taken down numerous fan mods, hacks, and emulations to maintain control over its creations and safeguard its brand.