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When Charity Speedruns Hit a Legal Wall: What Nintendo’s Decision Means for Modders and Non-Profits

Nintendo has made headlines again (I can hear CJ from GTA now)... but (but... but...) this time the press is for pulling its games from RTA in Japan, one of the country’s largest charity speedrunning events. But unlike past controversies, this isn’t about Nintendo being unpredictable. It’s about them sticking firmly to their legal framework, even when the cause is charitable. Yeah its sad, but let's continue.

For modders, streamers, and non-profit organizers, this is a wake-up call. If you don’t have explicit permission to use a company’s game—especially one as legally meticulous as Nintendo—it could come back to haunt you like King Boo.

What Happened?

• RTA in Japan has hosted charity speedruns since 2014, raising funds for causes like Doctors Without Borders.

• On June 13, 2025, Nintendo formally notified organizers that corporate use of its games requires prior permission.

• The company stated that RTA’s previous use of Nintendo titles constituted “unauthorized use.”

• With the next event looming in August, RTA was forced to remove Nintendo games from its lineup, including classics like Super Mario 64.

You can read the full story on PC Gamer’s coverage.

Nintendo’s Position: Lawful, Not Lenient

This isn’t about Nintendo “playing by its own rules.” It’s about them enforcing the rules they’ve always had. Japanese publishers, in particular, are known for their strict definitions of copyright infringement—especially when it comes to streaming and public exhibitions. In 2022, a man was arrested by Japan’s Content Overseas Distribution Agency (CODA) for violating these laws.

Nintendo’s stance is consistent: if you’re a corporation—even a non-profit... you need prior approval. And if they’re unwilling to grant that approval, it's all good, it's not the end of the world.

A Warning to Modders and Organizers

If you’re planning to use a game for public or charitable purposes, don’t assume good intentions will shield you from legal consequences. Here’s how to approach developers the right way:

Steps to Secure Permission for Charity Use

1. Identify the Right Contact

• Reach out to the publisher’s licensing or legal department via official channels.

2. Prepare a Professional Proposal

• Include event details, charitable goals, expected audience, and how the game will be used.

3. Request Written Permission or Licensing Terms

• Ask for a formal agreement, and be ready to sign an NDA if required.

4. Respect Brand Guidelines

• Follow any content usage or streaming policies provided by the developer.

5. Offer Visibility and Impact

• Show how their game’s inclusion supports a meaningful cause and offer post-event reporting.

6. Have Alternatives Ready

• If a developer refuses to collaborate—even under NDA—consider other titles from studios that actively support charity work.

There Are Other Developers Willing to Play Ball

Nintendo isn’t the only developer in town. Many indie studios and even some major publishers have embraced charities via bundles and events. Games like Celeste, Super Meat Boy, and Hollow Knight have been featured in game Bundles for charitable purposes. These developers often see community engagement as a win-win, not a liability. Super Meat Boy is a great speed run option, along with Celeste, and even games like Qube 2.

If you’re a modder, streamer, or non-profit organizer, treat game IP with the same respect you’d give to any licensed content. You'll thank us later. RTA had a nice run, but it's time to find another option. Permission isn’t optional—it’s foundational. And if a company refuses to collaborate, even under formal agreements, it may be time to shift your focus. There are developers who understand what goodwill is, just get the legal clarity so that you're firing on all cylinders with no legal action to worry about.

Top 5 Indie Speedrun Games on PC

Celeste

🧗 Genre: Precision Platformer

🎯 Why It’s Great:

• Ultra-responsive controls and tight level design

• Built-in speedrun timer and accessibility options

• Massive community with custom maps and mods

• Speedrun categories include Any%, All Berries, and Farewell DLC

Super Meat Boy

🩸 Genre: Hardcore Platformer

🎯 Why It’s Great:

• Brutally fast levels with instant respawns

• High skill ceiling with momentum-based movement

• Popular among runners for its short but intense stages

• Leaderboards and replay features built-in

Katana ZERO

⚔️ Genre: Neo-noir Action

🎯 Why It’s Great:

• Time manipulation mechanics allow for creative routing

• Fast-paced combat with one-hit kills

• Stylish visuals and tight controls

• Speedrunners love optimizing each room for perfect flow

Neon White

😇 Genre: First-Person Shooter / Platformer Hybrid

🎯 Why It’s Great:

• Designed specifically with speedrunning in mind

• Card-based movement system encourages route experimentation

• Global leaderboards and ghost replays

• Levels are short, snappy, and reward mastery

Hollow Knight

🐞 Genre: Metroidvania

🎯 Why It’s Great:

• Deep movement tech (nail bouncing, pogoing, etc.)

• Multiple categories: Any%, 112%, Pantheon runs

• Massive community with modded content and races

• Complex routing and boss strategies make it endlessly replayable

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Ken Masters enters South Town: A Fiery Prelude to Capcom Vs SNK’s Return?

If you’ve ever thrown down in Capcom Vs SNK on the SEGA Dreamcast, you know the magic of seeing Ken Masters square off against SNK legends like Terry Bogard and Kyo Kusanagi. I still have my preorder reward and CVS collectibles along with all the awesome memories of that time—reminders of a franchise that blended two fighting worlds into one unforgettable legacy. I still have my original copy, thank goodness, because the prices can be up there if you want to play the arcade perfect CVS on Dreamcast! Luckily it's Available in the Capcom Fighting Collection 2!

Now, Ken’s back. But this time, he’s not just crossing over... he’s making waves in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and SNK isn’t being subtle about what this could mean.

Ken Masters in South Town: A Crossover that packs a... punch!

Ken’s arrival in City of the Wolves isn’t just DLC fan service—it’s a strategic move. He’s part of the official Season Pass, complete with:

• A custom intro that nods to his Street Fighter roots

• Street Fighter-themed menu artwork

• Altered sound effects from Street Fighter 6 and Street Fighter III

This isn’t a cameo. It’s a full-on integration. SNK has shown remarkable adaptability, weaving Ken’s style and story into the gritty streets of South Town. And if you’ve seen the post-credits scene, you know they’re teasing something bigger. (Yes... I was geeking out a lotta bit.)

Ken’s storyline? He’s tracking down JP—the mysterious antagonist from Street Fighter 6. That alone opens the door to a deeper Capcom-SNK narrative. Could JP be another guest fighter? Could this be laying the groundwork for a new Capcom Vs SNK entry? They haven’t said it outright. But they’ve said enough.

Watch Ken Masters in Action

Before we dive deeper into the speculation, take a moment to see Ken throw down in South Town. His gameplay is fast, fiery, and full of crossover flair. Check out Hands On Gameplay with Ken in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves to see how SNK has brought him to life in their world. I'm rusty, but it was fun!

Post-Credits Clues and CVS Hype

After the credits roll, the real tease begins. Ken’s pursuit of JP isn’t just a plot twist—it’s a breadcrumb trail. The tone, the dialogue, the setup—it all screams “CVS is coming.” And as someone who’s been ready to throw a flurry of punches in celebration of a new installment... I’m all in. While I could show it to you... I'll let you check that out for yourself. The article cover art is as much as i'll give.

🎮 Ready to Join the Fight?

Will JP show up in City of the Wolves? Will SNK and Capcom finally announce the next Capcom Vs SNK? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—I’ve got my controller in hand, and I’m ready to find out.

You can jump in too. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is available now on console and PC. South Town’s heating up—and Ken Masters is leading the charge in this seasons DLC.

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FTS: Smilegate to Publish Absurd Ventures' AAA Open-World "A BETTER PARADISE" Game

Smilegate to Publish Absurd Ventures’ AAA Open-World Game Set in the A BETTER PARADISE Universe

Smilegate expands partnership with former GTA creative director Dan Houser for global AAA publishing

New game set in A BETTER PARADISE universe in development, funded by Smilegate

August 6, 2025 – Smilegate today announced that it has signed an agreement with Dan Houser’s Absurd Ventures to globally publish the studio’s upcoming AAA, open-world, sci-fi action-adventure game, set in its mind-bending A BETTER PARADISE universe. The partnership follows Smilegate’s strategic investment in Absurd Ventures, announced last year.

A BETTER PARADISE is an expansive universe created by Absurd Ventures, the company founded by Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser, the former creative director and lead writer of the GRAND THEFT AUTO and RED DEAD REDEMPTION franchises, among others. Building on the studio’s talent for crafting incredible narrative worlds and characters, A BETTER PARADISE has already spawned a hit audio fiction series, A BETTER PARADISE Volume One: An Aftermath, which debuted at the top of Apple’s Fiction charts and won the 2024 Signal Award for Best Episode of Scripted Fiction. Absurd Ventures is also releasing a novelization of the first volume of A BETTER PARADISE’s story, due out in October 2025.

Currently in early development, the video game is being written and creative directed by Houser alongside his worldbuilding and creative team which includes longtime collaborators Lazlow, and Michael Unsworth. The game’s development at Absurd Ventures is being led by veteran studio head Greg Borrud who was previously General Manager of Niantic and co-founder of Pandemic Studios. Houser and Borrud have been building an elite team at Absurd Ventures studios and the A BETTER PARADISE game project boasts senior game development talent with previous experience from Bungie, Treyarch, Respawn, Insomniac, Riot, and more, with lead credits on best-in-class action and adventure games such as Call of Duty, Destiny 2, Valorant, Spider-Man 2, Hogwarts Legacy, and many others.

With a top-tier development team, Absurd is officially in development on this new AAA game, driven by an ambitious and exciting creative vision. The company expects Smilegate’s expertise and experience, as proven by its success in the global gaming industry, to bring strong synergy to their strategic publishing partnership. Following its equity investment in Absurd Ventures last year, Smilegate plans to make a full-scale investment, including development funding, into the A BETTER PARADISE project to help ensure its global success.

Sung Joon-ho, CEO of Smilegate, said:

“We are thrilled to take on this new challenge in the global AAA game market alongside Dan Houser and Absurd. We are confident that the strong storytelling of the ABP universe combined with the development capabilities of the Absurd team will result in an outstanding title. We are a company with a developer-first DNA and truly understand what development studios need,” he emphasized. “Through our partnership with Absurd, we will fully support the A Better Paradise game project and do our utmost to help create a new title that will be loved by players around the world. Smilegate will leverage its extensive experience and success in global markets to ensure the ABP project becomes a beloved success worldwide.”

Dan Houser, founder of Absurd Ventures, stated:

“Absurd Ventures was set up to tell new and different kinds of stories, and to create what I hope are interesting and compelling original experiences. This new game is an opportunity to go somewhere entirely different and to take players on an entirely new adventure. I am excited to be going on this journey with the amazing team that we are building here at Absurd Ventures and am grateful that we are partnering with Smilegate who really understand and support our vision.”

Kwon Hyuk-bin, Chief Visionary Officer of Smilegate, added:

“Dan Houser and I have formed a deep friendship through our shared interest in games and the future, and I find it especially meaningful that we are now able to share our creative visions through this collaboration on the A Better Paradise project,” he stated. “We’re excited to present a title that reflects the vision we’ve often discussed—one that we hope will deeply resonate with gamers around the world.

Through this joint project, Smilegate aims to grow beyond Asia and become a major player in the global gaming industry.

Absurd Ventures was advised by Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C. and Fenwick & West LLP in connection with the transaction. Smilegate was advised by DLA Piper.