Unpacking Developer Fights Nintendo eShop Scams

Unpacking Developer Battles Nintendo eShop Scams

Witch Beam, the studio behind the acclaimed game Unpacking, is publicly accusing Nintendo of failing to address numerous counterfeit versions of their game on the Nintendo eShop. Creative director Wren Brier calls these imitations “egregious scams,” highlighting the issue on Bluesky.

Fake Unpacking Games Flood the eShop

Brier points to Unpacking: Deluxe Edition as a prime example. While the original Unpacking is listed, the cheaper imitation sits right beside it, potentially confusing consumers. A search on Nintendo’s website reveals similar results, with the fake version appearing prominently.

The developer has reported these games for over two weeks, yet Nintendo hasn’t responded or taken action. The publisher behind Unpacking: Deluxe Edition, CGI Lab, also offers other similarly titled games, like Cowboys vs Zombies: Deluxe Edition and Anime Puzzle Quest: Deluxe Edition.

Not a New Problem

This isn’t the first time Witch Beam has faced this issue. In 2022, a mobile clone of Unpacking topped the App Store charts. The original Unpacking, released in 2021, earned significant critical acclaim, receiving multiple Independent Games Festival nominations.

What’s Next?

The situation highlights the challenges faced by independent developers in protecting their intellectual property on large digital storefronts. Witch Beam’s public call-out puts pressure on Nintendo to address the issue and protect its customers from fraudulent purchases.