Nintendo has spoken out against the "impermissible" behaviour by select members of the competitive community around the Smash Bros. series, following a wave of serious allegations.
Over 50 top players have been named from the fighting game community, including some prominent Smash Bros. pros and commentators.
The allegations range from unwanted sexual messages and harassment to sexual assault and statutory rape. There are also claims of grooming and paedophilia.
In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, the platform holder said: "At Nintendo, we are deeply disturbed by the allegations raised against certain members of the competitive gaming community. They are absolutely impermissible.
"We want to make it clear that we condemn all acts of violence, harassment, and exploitation against anyone and that we stand with the victims."
More than half of those named have issued statements, either denying or confirming these claims, adding their own accounts of the events in question.
Among the offenders was Smash Bros. player Nairoby "Nairo" Quezada. His team, NRG Esports, has released a statement via Twitter, confirming their partnership has ended.