Nintendo Eases Digital Developer Restrictions: Dan Adelman Confirms Removal of Physical Office Requirement

Nintendo Eases Digital Developer Restrictions: Dan Adelman Confirms Removal of Physical Office Requirement For years, Nintendo held firm to a policy that required developers seeking to publish games on its digital platforms—such as the Nintendo eShop—to maintain a dedicated physical office.

Introduced during the WiiWare era, this rule was initially implemented as a means to uphold a professional standard among developers and safeguard the perceived quality of titles on Nintendo’s digital storefronts.

However, as the gaming landscape evolved with the rise of indie games and the proliferation of remote development, the requirement increasingly became a barrier for talented, smaller teams. Now, Nintendo has taken a significant step toward greater accessibility for game creators.

As confirmed by Nintendo’s then-head of digital content and indies, Dan Adelman, the company has officially removed the need for a physical office for developers wishing to publish on the eShop.

In a tweet that drew attention across the industry, Adelman indicated that this longstanding restriction was on its way out, effectively leveling the playing field for independent developers worldwide. "The previous policy served a purpose during its time, but the industry has changed," Adelman noted via social media.

"With so much innovation coming from small teams and individuals working remotely, it’s clear we need to support developers where they are." This move reflects Nintendo’s recognition of shifting industry trends.

The explosive growth of indie games on platforms like iOS and Android has underscored that creative talent is not limited by office walls.

In fact, the ability of developers to collaborate from home or remotely has led to an unprecedented number of high-quality titles entering the marketplace.

Nintendo’s policy update is expected to stimulate even more innovation and diversity within the Nintendo eShop catalog, making it easier for promising newcomers to deliver their ideas directly to millions of Nintendo Switch players. Since launching the Nintendo Switch and revitalizing the eShop, Nintendo has placed a growing emphasis on indie gaming, regularly spotlighting new releases and providing greater visibility for developers through Nintendo Direct presentations and curated digital showcases.

Removing the office requirement aligns with the platform holder’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, creative indie ecosystem. With this new policy, Nintendo joins other major industry platforms in supporting the realities of modern game development.

Whether developers are based out of a studio, a coworking space, or their living rooms, Nintendo’s updated guidelines open the doors to greater creativity and accessibility.

This shift ensures that the Nintendo eShop continues to be a competitive, diverse destination for digital games, and sets the stage for even more indie success stories in the years ahead.

Nintendo Dan Adelman Nintendo eShop Nintendo Switch iOS Android WiiWare