Nintendo recently issued a takedown notice to remove a fan-made PC port of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX, citing copyright infringement. The unofficial HD port offered features such as widescreen support, high resolution, and high frame rate options, garnering attention in the gaming community before it was removed from itch.io.
The port, created by 'linksawakeningdxhd,' allowed players to experience the 1998 classic with enhanced visuals and improved performance. However, Nintendo's legal team invoked copyright claims, leading to the suspension of the game's files. The takedown notice, published on itch.io, cited unauthorized use of Nintendo's copyrights, prompting the removal of the infringing game.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am an authorized representative of Nintendo of America Inc., owner of the following copyrighted material:
PA0002212311 (The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening) and PA0000772666 (Legend of Zelda : Link's awakening (Game Boy version).
It has come to our attention that the following game, https://linksawakeningdxhd.itch.io/links-awakening-dx-hd, offered on Itch.io infringes and makes unauthorized use of Nintendo’s copyrights in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening video game.
For additional information visit Nintendo’s website at the following URLs:
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/game-boy-nintendo-switch-online-switc...
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-s...
Please act expeditiously to remove the download and information page for the infringing game.
I have a good faith belief that the material is not authorized by the intellectual property owner, its agent, or the law. The information provided in the notice is accurate, and I swear under penalty of perjury that I am authorized to make the complaint on behalf of the intellectual property owner.
Sincerely,
Nintendo Legal
Nintendo of America Inc.
4600 150th Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
425-882-2040
dmca@noa.nintendo.com
This action resonates with Nintendo's history of swiftly addressing unauthorized fan projects. The company has a track record of taking down fan-made content, as seen in past actions against projects like Lockpick and a multiplayer Zelda Breath of the Wild version. Furthermore, the company released an official Switch remake of Link's Awakening in 2019, emphasizing the preservation of the original feel while enhancing its visual presentation.
While this incident marks another instance of Nintendo cracking down on fan creations, it highlights the ongoing efforts of modders in the gaming community. Despite the challenges, modders remain committed to developing remarkable projects, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Unreal Engine 5 remake, involving the recent addition of NVIDIA DLSS 3 (Frame Generation) support.
The takedown of the unofficial Link's Awakening PC port serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by modders and fans looking to explore and recreate Nintendo's popular titles outside of the officially sanctioned platforms. While unauthorized projects may capture the imagination of fans, the swift action taken by Nintendo in this instance underscores the company's commitment to preserving the integrity of its intellectual property.
