Nintendo Seeks Subpoena to Identify Discord User Behind Pokemon "TeraLeak"

Nintendo is actively seeking a subpoena from a California court, aiming to compel Discord to disclose the identity of the individual behind the significant Pokemon leak dubbed the "FreakLeak" or "TeraLeak" from last year. According to court documents highlighted by Polygon, Nintendo's request targets a Discord user known as "GameFreakOUT", who allegedly posted copyrighted Pokemon content, including artwork, characters, source code, and other materials, to a Discord server called "FreakLeak". This content was subsequently shared widely across the internet.

Although not officially confirmed, it's believed that the leaked materials originated from a data breach that Game Freak disclosed in October, following the initial breach in August. This breach compromised the data of 2,606 current, former, and contract employees. Interestingly, the leaked files surfaced online on October 12, followed by Game Freak's statement the next day, which was curiously backdated to October 10 and focused only on the employee data breach, omitting mention of any other confidential company materials.

The leaks revealed a wealth of information, including details on unannounced projects like Pokemon Champions, a battle-focused game announced in February, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, with some information later confirmed to be accurate. Additionally, the leak included data on the next generation of Pokemon, source code for DS Pokemon titles, meeting summaries, and cut content from various Pokemon games, including Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

While Nintendo has yet to initiate legal action against any hacker or leaker, the pursuit of this subpoena suggests a strong intent to identify and possibly sue the person responsible. Given Nintendo's history of aggressively pursuing legal action against piracy and patent infringement, granting the subpoena could lead to further legal proceedings against the leaker.