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Nintendo Takes Legal Action Against Pokémon 'Teraleak' Hacker

Nintendo is intensifying its efforts to identify the individual behind the significant data breach known as the "Teraleak," which occurred in October 2024. The company has filed a subpoena in a California court, seeking the identity of a Discord user linked to the leak of confidential Pokémon materials.

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo has filed a subpoena to unmask the leaker known as "GameFreakOUT.

  • The Teraleak included sensitive information about upcoming Pokémon games and employee data.

  • Nintendo aims to protect its intellectual property and prevent further leaks.

Background of the Teraleak

In October 2024, The Pokémon Company experienced a major hacking incident that resulted in a vast amount of confidential data being leaked online. Dubbed the "Teraleak," this breach was notable for its scale and the sensitive nature of the information involved. The leaked materials reportedly included:

  • Source code for upcoming games, including Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

  • Builds of older Pokémon titles.

  • Concept art and lore documents.

  • Personal information of employees.

The leaker, who goes by the username "GameFreakOUT," allegedly shared these materials on a Discord server named "FreakLeak." Despite Nintendo's attempts to mitigate the damage through DMCA requests, the leaked content spread rapidly across the internet.

Legal Actions Taken by Nintendo

On April 18, 2025, Nintendo submitted a request for a subpoena to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The company is seeking to compel Discord to disclose the identity of the user behind the leaks. The subpoena specifically requests:

  • Name

  • Address

  • Phone number

  • Email address

Nintendo's attorney, James D. Berkley, stated that the purpose of the subpoena is to obtain the identity of the user who posted the infringing content. The company included a redacted screenshot of the Discord server where the leaks were shared, showing the user encouraging others to "enjoy" the leaked files.

Implications of the Subpoena

While the filing of a subpoena does not automatically indicate that a lawsuit will follow, it suggests that Nintendo is serious about pursuing legal action against the leaker. The company has a history of taking legal measures to protect its intellectual property, as seen in previous cases involving leaks of Pokémon-related content.

In 2019, The Pokémon Company successfully sued two individuals for leaking strategy guide content, resulting in significant financial penalties. Given the nature of the Teraleak, which includes highly sensitive and unreleased game information, it is likely that Nintendo will seek similar legal recourse if the identity of the leaker is revealed.

Conclusion

As Nintendo continues its pursuit of the individual behind the Teraleak, the gaming community watches closely. The outcome of this legal action could set a precedent for how companies handle data breaches and leaks in the future. With the stakes high, both for Nintendo and the integrity of its upcoming projects, the situation remains fluid and developments are expected in the coming weeks.

Sources

  • Nintendo looking for Pokémon ‘Teraleak’ hacker, Polygon.

  • Nintendo's On A Mission To Unmask The Pokémon 'Teraleak' Hacker, Nintendo Life.

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