Nintendo Sets Stricter Guidelines for Fan Tournaments

Nintendo has introduced stringent regulations for fans wishing to organize local tournaments for its games, referred to as "Community Tournaments" in the updated guidelines. The rules specify a maximum number of participants, restrict entry fees, and outline specific protocols for hosting in-person events. According to Eurogamer, the guidelines were initially published by Nintendo of Japan and subsequently shared by Nintendo of Europe. Nintendo of America has also released its version of the guidelines, indicating that they are likely to be implemented in other regions globally.

The new rules state that a Community Tournament can have a maximum of 200 participants, or 300 if it is an online tournament. Tournament organizers cannot charge more than $20 for player participation, and any money raised can only be used for event costs and prizes. Spectator tickets must be priced under $15 and the money can only be used for event costs, not prize money. There is also a limit on prize money, with individual prizes limited to $5000 each and a total cap of $10,000 per organizer within a 12-month period.

In addition to the rules mentioned above, the post provides a list of guidelines for participants and spectators of Community Tournaments to follow. It also includes a detailed FAQ section that reveals some additional requirements set by Nintendo for small-scale tournaments. For instance, events cannot sell food, beverages, or merchandise if they wish to comply with the Community Tournament guidelines. Furthermore, participating players cannot receive any fees or expenses from the organizers.

In addition to the aforementioned rules, tournament organizers must also comply with various other regulations. Specific guidelines are provided for school tournaments and community groups. Organizers intending to host tournaments that do not meet these guidelines must seek permission from Nintendo to use their games.

These updated guidelines will take effect on November 15, 2023. However, they are expected to face opposition within the competitive scene. The relationship between the community and Nintendo is already strained, especially since the closure of the popular Smash World Tour just days before the Championship last year.