Nintendo began a lawsuit in California to find out who is behind one of the greatest data leaks in recent Pokémon franchise. The company formally requested that Discord reveals the user's identity. Known as Gamefreakout, he was responsible for publishing a series of confidential information on a server called Freakleak.
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The episode became known as Teraleak, alluding to the volume and relevance of the disclosed data. Among the materials, there were conceptual arts, internal documents, old games builds and mentions to unpublished titles such as Pokémon Legends: ZA. The case began to reverberate in October 2024, a few days after developer Game Freak confirmed having suffered an invasion, without, however, detailing the extent of the violation.
Leakage exposed future franchise projects
According to documents presented by Nintendo lawyers, user Gamefreakout published files with unprecedented content and encouraged others to access. A screen capture attached to the order shows a message from the disorder in which it says "enjoy", next to an attachment with sensitive data.
The action seeks to get the real name, address, telephone and email of the responsible for the account. The intention is to identify the author of the leak and evaluate the appropriate legal measures. Although the request for subpoena does not, by itself, represent the beginning of a judicial process, the movement indicates that Nintendo studies the author of Teraleak civil and criminally responsible.
This is not an unprecedented movement. The company has already sued other leaks involving series games, as happened in 2019, when images of the Pokémon Sword and Shield Strategic Guide circulated on the internet before the official launch.
Discord can be required to provide user data
Discord, a platform widely used by game communities, can be legally compelled to cooperate with the request if the court accepts the request from Nintendo. The Japanese company claimed that the information was disclosed without authorization and constitutes a copyright violation.
In addition, Nintendo said it tried to contain the spread of content with removal notifications based on the US Intellectual Property Protection Law (DMCA), but failed to prevent spread. The leak has quickly spread to forums, social networks and specialized websites.
The company's greatest concern involves possible commercial damage. Leaking developmental game details compromises marketing strategies, affects investor expectations, and undermines fan experience. Therefore, the identification of the official became a priority.
Game Freak confirmed attack days before the leak
Interestingly, developer Game Freak had released two days before the archives was published that he had suffered a cyber attack. At the time, the company mentioned that employee data had been accessed, but did not confirm whether the content of the games had also been compromised.
Now, with the case gaining new judicial contours, expectation is growing for a possible unfolding in court. If identified, the head of Teraleak may face hard actions, such as previous processes powered by Nintendo , known for his rigid posture regarding the protection of his intellectual property.
The company has not publicly commented on the progress of the subpoena, but the history indicates that the case should not end only in an attempt to obtain information. Depending on the response of disagreement and justice, the next step may be the beginning of a formal process against the leakage author.
