Nintendo Seeks Discord User Data in Pokemon "TeraLeak" Probe

Nintendo has taken a significant step in addressing last year's massive Pokemon leak, known as the "FreakLeak" or the "TeraLeak," by requesting a subpoena from a California court. If granted, this subpoena would compel Discord to disclose the identity of the individual behind the leak, known on the platform as "GameFreakOUT." According to court documents reported by Polygon, Nintendo is seeking the name, address, phone number, and email address of GameFreakOUT. This user is alleged to have shared copyright-protected Pokemon content, including artwork, characters, source code, and other materials, on a Discord server called "FreakLeak" in October of last year, leading to widespread distribution across the internet.

Though not officially confirmed, it is believed that the leaked materials originated from a data breach disclosed by Game Freak in October, which affected 2,606 current, former, and contract employees. Interestingly, the leaked files surfaced online on October 12, and Game Freak's statement, which was backdated to October 10, followed the next day without mentioning the breach of confidential company materials beyond employee data.

The "FreakLeak" exposed a wealth of information, including unannounced projects, cut content, early builds of other Pokemon games, and background details. Among the revelations were details about "Pokemon Champions," an upcoming battle-focused game announced in February, and information about "Pokemon Legends: Z-A," which has since been verified. The leak also included source code for various DS Pokemon titles, meeting summaries, and cut lore from "Pokemon Legends: Arceus" and other games.

While Nintendo has not yet initiated legal action against any specific hacker or leaker, the subpoena suggests a strong intent to identify and possibly pursue legal action against the person responsible. Known for its aggressive stance on issues ranging from piracy to patent infringement, Nintendo is likely to take further action if the subpoena is granted.