Nintendo removes Mario Maker 2 levels citing advertising violations

Nintendo is removing thousands of user-created levels from Super Mario Maker 2, claiming that hashtags in titles or descriptions violate advertising rules, according to reports by IGN. The removals have sparked widespread concern among the game's community, with creators receiving emails stating their content was deleted for 'Advertising' violations under the Nintendo Account User Agreement.

Why is Nintendo removing Super Mario Maker 2 levels?

According to Nintendo's removal notices, levels containing hashtags in their titles or descriptions are being classified as advertising content. YouTuber and Twitch streamer PangaeaPangam shared an email from Nintendo stating his course was removed because 'content you shared violates the Nintendo Account User Agreement, including the Community Guidelines.' The specific reason given was 'Advertising', with Nintendo noting 'this is Nintendo's final decision.'

The removed level included '#TeamShell' in its description, referencing a Mario Maker community group. This suggests Nintendo is interpreting any hashtag usage as promotional content, regardless of its actual purpose or community context.

What this means for the Super Mario Maker 2 community

Super Mario Maker creator DGR highlighted the scale of the issue in a YouTube video, stating 'thousands upon thousands of levels are at risk of being deleted.' The timing is particularly concerning for the community, as Nintendo stopped adding new content to the game years ago, making user-generated levels the primary source of fresh content.

The removals come nearly seven years after Super Mario Maker 2's June 2019 launch for Nintendo Switch. Players have reported cases across Reddit and social media, with the game's veteran YouTube creators verifying multiple instances of sudden level deletions.

Some speculate this content policing could signal preparation for a potential Super Mario Maker 3 announcement, though Nintendo hasn't confirmed any such plans. The company has shown increased enforcement of user content policies recently, with high-profile legal actions against modding and piracy communities.

How to protect your levels

Community members are advising players to create backup versions of their levels without hashtags in titles or descriptions. This precautionary measure could help preserve years of creative work as Nintendo's enforcement continues.

Players should also review their existing levels for any hashtag usage and consider updating descriptions to comply with Nintendo's interpretation of advertising rules. The company's warning about 'restricting your usage of Nintendo Account services' suggests repeat violations could affect access to other Nintendo online features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Nintendo removing Super Mario Maker 2 levels?

Nintendo claims levels with hashtags in titles or descriptions violate advertising rules under the Nintendo Account User Agreement. The company is sending removal notices citing 'Advertising' violations.

What happens if I have a hashtag in my Super Mario Maker 2 level?

Nintendo may delete or hide your course, sending an email notification citing advertising policy violations. Repeated violations could result in restrictions to Nintendo Account services.

Is Nintendo still supporting Super Mario Maker 2 with new content?

No, Nintendo stopped adding new content to Super Mario Maker 2 years ago. The company is now focused on policing existing user-generated content rather than creating new features.

How can I protect my Super Mario Maker 2 levels from deletion?

Remove all hashtags from level titles and descriptions. Create backup versions of important levels without hashtag usage to comply with Nintendo's current enforcement policies.

Could this signal a Super Mario Maker 3 announcement?

Some community members speculate the increased content policing could indicate preparation for a sequel announcement, but Nintendo has not confirmed any plans for Super Mario Maker 3.

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