Nintendo Seeks Discord User Behind Pokemon "TeraLeak"

Nintendo is actively seeking a subpoena from a California court, aiming to compel Discord to disclose the identity of the individual behind the significant Pokemon leak known as the "FreakLeak" or "TeraLeak." This legal action follows the leak of extensive copyrighted material last year, attributed to a user named "GameFreakOUT" on Discord.

According to court documents reported by Polygon, Nintendo wants Discord to reveal the name, address, phone number, and email address of GameFreakOUT. In October of the previous year, this user allegedly shared copyright-protected artwork, characters, source code, and other Pokemon-related materials on a Discord server named "FreakLeak," leading to widespread distribution across the internet.

Though not officially confirmed, the leaked content is believed to have stemmed from a data breach disclosed by Game Freak in August, which became public knowledge in October. Game Freak reported that the breach compromised the names of 2,606 current, former, and contract employees. Interestingly, the leaked files surfaced online on October 12, and Game Freak's statement, backdated to October 10, followed the next day without mentioning any confidential company materials beyond employee data.

The leaked materials included details on unannounced projects, cut content, background information, and early builds of various Pokemon games. A notable revelation was "Pokemon Champions," a battle-focused game announced in February after the leak. Additionally, the leak provided accurate information about the upcoming "Pokemon Legends: Z-A," as well as yet-to-be-verified details on the next Pokemon generation, source code for DS Pokemon titles, meeting summaries, and excised lore from "Pokemon Legends: Arceus" and other titles.

While Nintendo has not yet initiated a lawsuit against any hacker or leaker, the pursuit of this subpoena suggests a strong intent to identify and possibly take legal action against the individual responsible. Nintendo's history of aggressive litigation against piracy and patent infringement indicates that, should the subpoena be granted, legal action might soon follow.