Nintendo has issued a statement regarding the alleged abuse by competitive gamers in, calling the disturbing behavior "absolutely impermissible."
Allegations of inappropriate behavior came to light against many players of Nintendo's "Super Smash Bros" fighting game series. These incidents involve young teenagers and older players. It comes as part of the "MeToo" style movement within the gaming community.
Nintendo, in a statement, said they've been left "disturbed" by the allegations surrounding the "Super Smash Bros" competitive community, which include sexual relationships with minors, inappropriate sexual messages, and accusations of rape in tournament events.
"We want to make it clear that we condemn all acts of violence, harassment, and exploitation against anyone and that we stand with the victims," Nintendo said in a statement to the BBC.
It's worth noting that most of these tournaments are organized by gamers and not by Nintendo itself. It's common for competitors to share houses during these events, often mixing older players with younger and under-age ones. Players being accused of sexual misconduct have so far denied the allegations against them. But already several brands and sponsors have withdrawn support for well-known individuals.
The reports emerged amid a wave of similar claims across the fighting game community, including allegations that EVO CEO Joey Cuellar engaged in misconduct with underage boys.
The biggest fighting game tournament this year had been canceled in light of the allegations against Cueller. EVO Online was supposed to take place over the weekend, but Cueller had been accused of inappropriate behavior involving under-age players.
Due to the allegations, three of the biggest and most popular creators of fighting games -- Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Netherrealm -- had announced they were pulling out of the event merely days before it was scheduled to take place. In a statement, EVO said it would stop any involvement with Cuellar "in any capacity."
Cuellar has since issued an apology via Twitter, but said tweet has since been deleted. The EVO Online event, scheduled to begin that weekend and run every weekend for several weeks, was canceled.
Issues of sexual abuse have come to light in recent weeks, and many of the allegations have been pointed toward members of the gaming community.
Developer Ubisoft, makers of the popular series "Assasin's Creed," also hit the headlines recently as investigations were launched into the conduct of several staff members. Game streaming site Twitch has issued suspensions and bans to several content creators following reports of abuse.
