On April 9, 2025, Cover Corporation, the company behind the popular VTuber agency Hololive Production, announced its response to a game distribution that has raised concerns regarding potential guideline violations. The announcement comes after consultations with Nintendo, the publisher of the game in question, following allegations that a Hololive talent's gameplay stream may have breached established content guidelines.
In a statement released by Cover Corp., the company outlined the specific requests made by Nintendo. These included making the video in question private to avoid any misunderstandings, refraining from planning future video projects that could risk violating guidelines, and ensuring that all talents are reminded of the importance of adhering to these guidelines.
The controversy centers around Usada Pekora, a popular VTuber associated with Hololive, who streamed gameplay of "Pokémon Emerald". During this stream, suspicions arose regarding the use of a modified ROM of the game, which is a significant concern in the gaming community. The incident has sparked a considerable debate across social media platforms and forums, as fans and viewers voiced their opinions on the matter.
Usada Pekora's streaming project was intended to explore a unique gaming challenge involving the search for a rare in-game item called "furubita". This item, coupled with the modified ROM allegations, led to questions about the legitimacy of the gameplay and whether it complied with Nintendo's regulations. On April 3, Pekora addressed the concerns during a stream, stating that the ROM used was in a "gray" area regarding its legitimacy. She expressed her commitment to integrity, asserting, "It is not in my beliefs to continue with suspicions raised," and decided to halt the project altogether.
Despite her efforts to clarify the situation, some viewers speculated that Pekora had prior knowledge of the ROM's condition when purchasing it, suggesting possible foul play. This speculation has further fueled discussions online, with accusations of "acting" and questions about her purchase history circulating among fans.
In light of these events, Cover Corp. has committed to taking several corrective actions. The company will not only make the controversial video private but also improve its planning processes to prevent future issues. Additionally, they will enhance educational efforts for their talents regarding compliance with guidelines to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Cover Corp. has previously established a comprehensive agreement with Nintendo in August 2020, allowing for the monetization of game streams featuring Nintendo's intellectual property. This partnership underscores the importance of adhering to content guidelines to maintain a positive relationship with the gaming giant.
In their announcement, Cover Corp. extended apologies to fans and stakeholders for any distress caused by the situation, emphasizing their dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for content consumption. They requested that fans continue to support Hololive Production while also advising against direct contact with talents regarding this matter.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Cover Corp. will implement these changes and whether the community will be satisfied with the actions taken. The incident has highlighted the delicate balance between creative expression in the gaming world and the necessity of adhering to established guidelines, a challenge that many content creators face in the evolving landscape of online entertainment.
