The suspect for forcing Nintendo events' cancellation has been charged by the Kyoto District Public Prosecutors Office. Read on to learn more about his indictment and how it affected Nintendo.
Nintendo Live 2024 and Splatoon Koshien 2023 Canceled
27 Year Old Suspect Indicted
The Kyoto District Public Prosecutors Office pressed charges against a 27-year-old resident from Ibaraki Prefecture yesterday. He stands accused of sending threatening letters that forced the cancellation of Nintendo Live 2024 and Splatoon Koshien 2023. The man will be charged with obstruction of business by force.
Kyoto Shimbun reported (translated by DeepL) that the man sent 39 alarming posts on Nintendo’s website between the dates of August 22 to November 29. These posts included "I will make you regret releasing such a s---ty game," "I will kill everyone involved," and "You should be careful about the events you put on with an audience."
According to a press release by Nintendo in 2023, they have decided to cancel the events concerned because the threats have been extended to audiences and staff members.
Nintendo Live 2024 and Splatoon Koshien were supposed to take place in Tokyo on January 20 to 21 of this year and December 16 to 17 of last year, respectively. The live event was scheduled to feature competitive gaming tournaments, playable demos, exclusive merchandise, and two live music performances. While Splatoon Koshien was supposed to host a tournament across Japan in turf war battles for the game Splatoon.
Nintendo has yet to offer any official announcements or acknowledgement pertaining to the unnamed man and their indictment.
Source:
Video Games Chronicle Article
Nintendo Press Release
Nintendo Article Canceling Nintendo Live 2024
Nintendo Live 2024
Kyoto Shimbun Article
