The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set to release on 12 May 2023, but it seems that some are too eager to get their hands on the game. Long story short: The game has been leaked and Nintendo are likely to take action.
Physical copies appear to have been sold ahead of schedule, which has led to the files being released online for people to pirate. Worse, amongst the many streams of Breath of the Wild – the previous Zelda installation – on Twitch and Discord, you can find a few showcasing the upcoming Tears of the Kingdom as well.
Those watching have even flooded the comments of such streams with a copypasta to avoid any direct consequences, if and when it comes. It says: “In case of an investigation by any federal entity or similar, I do not have any involvement with this group or with the people in it, I do not know how I am here, probably added by a third party, I do not support any actions by members of this group.”
Twitch and Discord have already taken action against these streams and pirated game links have started to be removed online.
For many publishers, leaks are an inevitable part of releasing games that has become a norm. Nintendo, however, has a history of putting their foot down.
Gary Bowser was sentenced to 40 months in prison for his part in running Team Xecuter and enabling Nintendo Switch piracy. He has since been released early for good behaviour, but will be paying Nintendo 25 to 30 per cent of his income until his 10 million debt is paid back – which is likely to be for the rest of his life.
More recently, Nintendo has subpoenaed Discord for the personal information of those behind the leaks of Tears of the Kingdom on their servers.
Is leaking the game really worth it? We have already waited so long for this sequel, it won’t kill you to endure the urge just that little bit longer. Not only does it spoil the game to those patiently waiting, it also could harm the success of the game when it does eventually launch.
In short, just wait till 12 May so you can play without the fear of being sued for your life savings.
