Nintendo Seeks Discord User Data in TeraLeak Probe

Nintendo has taken a significant step towards uncovering the identity behind the massive Pokemon leak dubbed the "FreakLeak" or the "TeraLeak" by requesting a subpoena from a California court. If the subpoena is granted, it would compel Discord to disclose the personal details of the user known as "GameFreakOUT," including their name, address, phone number, and email address. According to court documents reported by Polygon, GameFreakOUT allegedly posted copyright-protected Pokemon content, including artwork, characters, source code, and other materials, to a Discord server named "FreakLeak" last October. This content subsequently spread widely across the internet.

While not officially confirmed, the leaked materials are believed to have originated from a data breach disclosed by Game Freak in October, which occurred in August. This breach involved the unauthorized access to information of 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, did not mention any confidential company materials beyond employee data.

The "FreakLeak" revealed a wealth of information about unannounced Pokemon projects, including early builds, cut content, and background information. Among the leaks were details about the upcoming battle-focused game, Pokemon Champions, announced in February, and accurate information about Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The leak also included unverified information about the next generation of Pokemon, source code for various DS Pokemon titles, meeting summaries, and cut lore from Pokemon Legends: Arceus and other games.

Although Nintendo has not yet filed a lawsuit against any hacker or leaker, the subpoena request suggests that the company is actively seeking to identify the individual behind the leak. Known for its aggressive legal stance against piracy and patent infringement, Nintendo's pursuit of this matter indicates a potential future legal action if the subpoena is successful.