Nintendo Direct E3 2021: Nintendo’s Updated Streaming Policy Impacts Co-Streams on Twitch
Entry information
Published on: June 15, 2021
Description
Nintendo Direct events are a cornerstone of video game news, offering fans and industry professionals alike a first look at new releases, announcements, and developer insights.
In 2021, the E3 edition of the Nintendo Direct was highly anticipated by the community and industry observers for potential reveals involving the Nintendo Switch, upcoming games, and digital storefront updates on the eShop.
However, new guidelines shared by Nintendo ahead of the event have influenced how the presentation is being broadcast and consumed by digital audiences, particularly on platforms like Twitch.
Shortly before the June 15, 2021, broadcast, Nintendo issued an official statement via its Japanese Twitter account detailing new rules for streaming the event.
According to Nintendo’s message, individuals were permitted to stream their live reactions to the Nintendo Direct, but were specifically instructed not to include any video or audio directly from the presentation in their own livestreams.
This means that content creators could broadcast their live commentary and on-camera reactions, but could not display footage or play the official soundtrack from the Direct itself.
In response to these new restrictions, Twitch announced that it would not be airing the E3 2021 Nintendo Direct live.
The decision, shared with audiences and media outlets, highlights the impact of Nintendo’s stance on co-streaming—the practice where content creators simultaneously broadcast and comment upon live events.
Twitch’s move set a precedent for other platforms and creators, reinforcing the importance of complying with Nintendo’s updated content guidelines.
Nintendo’s policy clarification further noted that post-event reaction videos, which include footage or audio from the Direct, would be allowed as long as these uploads occur only after the broadcast has concluded.
Additionally, Nintendo issued expanded instructions for Direct-related content, stating that any video or still image sharing must “include your own creativity and comments," except when using official features like the Nintendo Switch capture button.
The company emphasized that creators should not publish material that lacks creative input or merely replicates copyrighted content from its games.
Nintendo also reiterated that individuals must not imply any unauthorized affiliation or sponsorship with Nintendo and confirmed that monetization of reaction videos is permissible under these conditions.
Should there be any breaches of these guidelines, Nintendo has stated it will take legal action.
These changes predominantly apply to content involving the E3 2021 Nintendo Direct and could be enforced regionally, with initial guidance coming from Nintendo Japan.
After the main presentation, Nintendo Treehouse Live—a follow-up showcase offering gameplay demonstrations and developer interviews—was set to stream, adhering to these new rules.
For content creators and viewers, these updated streaming guidelines mark a significant shift in how live Nintendo events are engaged with on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
As Nintendo continues to shape its digital event policies, staying informed and compliant is essential for anyone seeking to share or monetize Nintendo-focused content online.
