Nintendo’s New Streaming Service Fails to Credit Composers – Setting a Dangerous Precedent for Musicians

Nintendo just launched a new music streaming service featuring soundtracks from their iconic video games. At first glance, it seems like a nice offering for fans who want to listen to the nostalgic tunes from their favorite Nintendo franchise. The app has songs neatly sorted by title, game, series, character, and even curated playlists. Some tracks even have an "extend" option to let you enjoy them uninterrupted for up to an hour. However, there's a major issue that's setting a dangerous precedent - Nintendo has chosen not to properly credit the composers behind these beloved scores.

This essentially erases the hard work and artistry of the talented musicians who poured their hearts into creating these iconic soundtracks. Game music is just as vital to the overall experience as the visuals or gameplay, setting the mood and evoking that emotion that's truly pulled us into the world of the game for decades. These composers are the hidden heroes that bring Nintendo's worlds to life.

By failing to give credit where it's due, Nintendo is suggesting that the company doesn't truly value the musical talent behind its games. Artists like Koji Kondo, David Wise, and Junichi Masuda are highly respected figures in the gaming world. If a titan like Nintendo can get away with this, it opens the door for other publishers and media companies to follow suit. That would be a huge blow to musicians, especially independent and niche artists who already struggle to get recognition.

Fans deserve to know the names and stories behind the music they love. And the composers themselves deserve to have their brilliant work properly attributed and celebrated. Nintendo is missing a golden opportunity to shine a spotlight on these creative forces. It's a misguided decision that does a disservice to the artists and the audience alike. Sending the message that not acknowledging creators is acceptable influences how other platforms, developers, and even indie game studios handle artist recognition.

Ultimately, this move feels short-sighted and tone-deaf. The company should immediately correct this oversight and start properly crediting the composers in their new music service. Nintendo needs to show more respect for the integral role that its musical talent plays in creating the iconic experiences that define its legacy.