Frequent users of Garry’s Mod (GMOD) recently realized that they were unable to access Nintendo-affiliated assets on its workshop. A recent Steam update from Facepunch Studios has seemingly confirmed its validity.
“Some of you may have noticed that certain Nintendo-related workshop items have recently been taken down. This is not a mistake, the takedowns came from Nintendo,” wrote Facepunch Studios.
According to the announcement, Nintendo has allegedly made a takedown request towards GMOD to remove all affiliated Nintendo items from the game. Nintendo is no stranger from being overprotective of its own IP and how it’s used on other platforms.
Nintendo has previously gone after Valve for a popular Nintendo Switch emulator appearing on Steam, not to mention the company’s recent accusations at Palworld for plagiarizing Pokemon.
In the announcement, Facepunch remarked their confusion on why these takedowns had to happen now, considering the fact that Nintendo assets have been on GMOD for almost 20 years since its release.
However, it’s to be noted that GMOD has been receiving fraudulent takedown notices in the past from unknowns masquerading as Nintendo themselves.
Regardless, considering that it’s likely true this time around, Facepunch noted that they were respecting Nintendo’s request as the company had the right to allow and not allow content on GMOD.
Unsurprisingly, the fan response to the announcement has been negative, with many calling the move to be absurd. It’s likely due to the many fan works these assets have been used on and the massive hit they will have when removed.
Nintendo has yet to comment on the situation. For more information and updates on the situation, head over to GMOD’s official Steam Page and Facepunch’s social media.