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Nintendo has always held an iron grip on its properties, from shutting down emulator sites to issuing a cease and desist to Super Smash Bros. tournaments. Now Nintendo is turning its eye to Smash modders on YouTube, issuing takedown requests for fan projects.

The first takedown hit Smash modder Mastaklo and their Goku skin mod of King of Fighters character Terry. According to a screenshot provided by Mastaklo, their video has been locked by the copyright holder, Nintendo. It can no longer be viewed or monetized, but their account will not be affected by the claim. Nintendo didn’t stop there, also going after another modder, 64iOS. Their video, ‘12 Super Mario Odyssey Skins in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! (Mods)’ was also removed by Nintendo.

There seems to be some confusion as to who is issuing the takedown claims. Several YouTubers claim that official Nintendo takedown requests are issued by “Nintendo公式チャンネル” or “Nintendo of America Inc.” Multiple copyright claims are coming just from “Nintendo.” However, when escalating a claim, it appears to be Nintendo of America, Inc. as the company issuing the copyright claim.

#FreeSmash still trending in Smash Bros. communities

The takedown requests come at a tough time for Smash Bros. fans. Recent campaigns to bring more fan interaction between Nintendo and the Smash community. The #FreeMelee and #SaveSmash hashtags have been periodically trending since Nintendo put its seal of disapproval on VGBootCamp’s Smash World Tour.

Nintendo shut down the Smash World Tour largely due to the use of Slippi Online, a tool that allows players to participate in Super Smash Bros. Melee tournaments online. The system uses a rollback netcode and requires illegally downloaded copies of the game. Nintendo’s explanation is one that is frequently heard, that in order to protect its intellectual property and brands Nintendo has to step in.

As Nintendo continues to crack down on modders and other members of the Smash community, it is hard to say when or where Nintendo will stop. Nintendo has a long history of being at odds with its communities. Follow Daily Esports as this story develops and for more Smash Bros. news.