Nintendo has been actively taking down YouTube videos that feature its games being emulated or modded, which has sparked significant discussion and concern within the gaming community. This action primarily targets content creators who showcase modified versions of Nintendo games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and others, often using emulators like CEMU or Yuzu.Reasons Behind Nintendo's ActionsIntellectual Property Protection: Nintendo's aggressive stance is largely driven by the need to protect its intellectual property rights. Under Japanese copyright law, failure to enforce these rights could potentially weaken their legal standing, leading to a loss of ownership
Indies is where it’s at
And what do you play them on? Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Microsoft Windows? Maybe you play the Microsoft Windows version on Linux or macOS?
on my steam deck.
That means you’ll be playing the Microsoft Windows version on Linux, yes.
And that benefits Microsoft, how?
Oh no, I’m not saying it benefits them. It just means we depend on them.
Also means Steam, GOG, Itch etc. will see a high percentage of Windows games sold and played. It’s either that, or one of the consoles. Linux or macOS ports are incredibly rare.
Well, or play a mobile game.
Steam can get stats on how many games are being played via Proton. And I don’t see how we depend on them?
If Windows becomes unpopular as a gaming OS, and most publishers and platforms don’t differentiate between genuine Windows and Linux/macOS via Proton/Wine, they’ll stop releasing on it. No matter how many people play on Linux or macOS.
Do you have actionable advice
Buy a game more often if it’s directly on your OS and less if you’ll have to play the Windows version, with indies and very small publishers you could openly request a build for your OS, or at least leave more positive reviews for games with a build for your OS than ones that don’t.
TL;DR make it obvious that there is demand, rather than using a virtualiser and depend on the other system.
Playing the windows version on Linux doesn’t really support Microsoft. It’s not like on the consoles where they get a cut of the sales. Even playing directly on windows isn’t that terrible. I don’t remember the last time I purchased a copy of windows. I’ve been using the same key for like 15 years now