Open Letter to Nintendo from TOs?

[KishPrime]

http://kotaku.com/nintendo-wanted-smash-bros-pulled-from-worlds-biggest-740918828

Given the revelations of the article linked above, would a number of TO's be interested in signing off on an open letter to Nintendo requesting a full clarification of their policy regarding tournament hosting?

Probably something to revisit after Evo, but given the amount of money that TOs have to invest up-front for major events, it would be really nice to get something firm and now is the time to do it, if ever. I know that one of the major reasons I stopped hosting FC for a number of years was because Nintendo's attitude suggested that they were entirely capable of doing exactly what they tried to do to Evo a week before the event, which would leave the TO high and dry with thousands in expenses, not to mention the travel tickets already purchased.

I wrote up a letter but let's see if we have any interest here.

 

[KrIsP!]

I think it's a good idea but very few will see it here, I'm still waiting on nintendos official statement that they will apparently make in hopes if it being very clear in their stance. Try linking this in the miom Facebook group so we can open up a discussion.

MLG has hinted at another smash circuit next year being a possibility and our entrants for Evo are nothing to scoff at for a possible return next year. However, after this if there isn't a clear answer they might be scared out of it and drop us like brawl got dropped last time.

 

[metalmonstar]

This really deserves more views and interest. Nintendo's past actions really put a lot of uncertainty and concern out there. Legally Nintendo can shut down any tournament or stream that they want and there isn't anything we can do about it. I think any well informed TO needs to press Nintendo to find out how we go about this in the future. The fear I see though is that Nintendo won't work with us or listen to us. A lot of places have legitimate ways to use copyrighted material through either filling out a permissions form or payment. Obviously small TOs can't afford to pay to be allowed to have a tournament but larger Stream companies or Convention host will not want to risk being shut down. Here is something I found on Nintendo's website that is a bit concerning.

"Can I write in and request permission?

Nintendo does not grant permission to individuals to use any content from this website. Because we receive thousands of such requests, our policy is to decline use of our trademarks and copyrights."


So does this mean that even if we want to have legitimate events, Nintendo will just say no without even considering it?

 

[ranmaru]

I would be interested.

Also even if they say "we decline everything automatically" we should still try to send it in. You never know. (Even though we'd expect a no)

 

[KishPrime]

So does this mean that even if we want to have legitimate events, Nintendo will just say no without even considering it?

The answer is yes. As I'd mentioned, that's one of the reasons why I stopped hosting FC back in the day. Try and call in and have a conversation with anyone about it, and they're trained to give a straight no. To be fair, they do get thousands of requests for this stuff.

Shrug. It's difficult for all involved and I'd hate to see the same thing happen to APEX.

 

[T0MMY]

As a prominent Tournament Organizer in the Pacific Northwest, I'd be happy to help out with this.

Also would like to thank Nintendo for straightening out the problem EVO caused contacting a legal team in regards to handling Nintendo's IP and giving an OK to the stream.