Nintendo’s Summoning Patent Raises Questions Across the Games Industry

Patents are often double-edged: they protect innovation, but can also stifle creativity. That tension has surfaced again in the United States, where Nintendo has secured a patent that may affect developers far beyond its own studios.

What the Patent Covers

First reported by Games Fray, the patent describes a mechanic where a player summons a secondary character — such as a monster — that can be commanded to fight.

The process includes:

A console running a game from storage media
The player controlling a main character in a virtual space
Commands to summon a “Sub Character”
Automatic movement if no enemies are nearby
Orders to relocate, with summoned allies engaging foes in that area

This framework underpins Nintendo’s own series, such as Pokémon and Pikmin, but also resembles systems in numerous RPGs, including Persona and titles with summoner-style classes.

Industry Concerns

With Nintendo now holding legal control over the mechanic, concerns are growing that the patent could impact a broad spectrum of games. Many fear developers of monster-battling RPGs, action titles, or even online games with pet systems could face restrictions.

Still, the Japanese gaming giant has the option not to enforce the patent aggressively. Historically, the company has been selective with legal challenges, often acting only when it perceives a threat to its own properties.

Waiting for Reactions

As of now, Nintendo has not issued an official statement, and no affected studios have responded. Until more explicit guidance emerges, developers and fans alike will be left wondering just how far-reaching this patent could prove to be.