ShareThis
Update 03.05.24: The original version of this article suggested that the case went to court, which it did not. The issue was settled outside of court. The article has been edited to reflect this.
Yuzu is emulation software that allows users to play Nintendo Switch software on Windows, Linux, and Android. Developed by Tropic Haze and Bunnei, Nintendo of America took both to court over Yuzu on February 26, alleging that the program was allowing for rampant piracy of the company’s software. Tropic Haze retained a lawyer and the two parties began deliberations, deliberations that ultimately culminated in a settlement.
Tropic Haze must now relinquish the domain name for Yuzu and also pay $2.4 million as part of the settlement. This resolution will also impact emulation software Citra, which provided a similar functionality for Nintendo 3DS games. Neither Yuzu nor Citra will be supported by Tropic Haze moving forward. In a statement, Tropic Haze had this to say about the ruling:
“We started the projects in good faith, out of passion for Nintendo and its consoles and games, and were not intending to cause harm.”
“But we see now that because our projects can circumvent Nintendo’s technological protection measures and allow users to play games outside of authorized hardware, they have led to extensive piracy.”
Emulation software remains a hot topic within the video game industry, as many fans argue that without it, countless games are relegated to the proverbial dustbin as hardware is phased out, breaks down, and becomes largely inaccessible, games become scarce on the aftermarket, and even digital platforms become shuttered, which permanently cuts off access to players. Companies, meanwhile, stand by their intellectual property rights and do everything they can to combat piracy.
Where do you stand on this issue and the settlement? Share your thoughts down below and online!
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
