Nintendo Games Removed from RTA in Japan Charity Event

RTA in Japan removes Nintendo games from its upcoming event after a warning about permissions.

Nintendo Games Excluded from Major Charity Speedrunning Event

RTA in Japan, a prominent charity speedrunning event, has announced it will not feature Nintendo games at its Summer 2025 event. This decision comes after Nintendo notified the organization that prior permission is required for the use of its titles. RTA in Japan has hosted many Nintendo games for over nine years, and the absence of popular titles like Mario and Kirby is significant. The charity aims to showcase Nintendo games again in future events but must now apply for permission on a game-by-game basis. The event, set for August 9-15, 2025, will benefit Doctors Without Borders, featuring a diverse lineup that excludes any Nintendo titles due to this new restriction. Many participants expressed disappointment over this change.

The exclusion of Nintendo games from RTA in Japan raises important questions about corporate control over game licensing, especially in charity contexts. The speedrunning community has relied on the generosity of game developers for support, and this shift could mark a significant change in how gaming events are organized. Some supporters argue that RTA in Japan risks being seen as overstepping by not securing permissions earlier, while others view Nintendo’s strict enforcement as a necessary step to protect their intellectual property amidst the increased visibility of the event. This may signal an evolving relationship between gaming companies and charity events that could reshape future gatherings.

Highlights

As Nintendo clarifies its stance on game usage, the broader implications for charity events remain to be seen.