Wired
Apple revised its App Store guidelines in early April to allow game emulator apps that were previously not allowed, but developers seem to be wondering whether they should submit their apps. The most popular games played on game emulators are Nintendo games, but the situation remains uncertain as to how copyright will be involved.
Gameboy emulator immediately withdrawn
After the guidelines were changed, an app called “iGBA: GBA & GBC Retro Emulator” was immediately posted on the App Store, but it was confirmed that the app disappeared from the store soon after.
Initially, it was thought that the cause was a copyright violation of the ROM file, but in reality, the content of the app itself was exactly the same as the one released as open source, and the issue was the copyright of the app, not the software, and it was withdrawn. I found out that it happened.
Immediately delete the emulator for another family computer.
After that, another game emulator app “Bimmy” that could play Family Computer games appeared, but it was also removed from the App Store shortly after.
This time, there was a lot of speculation as to what was the cause, but it turned out that the developer had taken it down himself.
According to the same person, no one in particular put any pressure on him, but he deleted it out of fear because the tension was increasing day by day.
What about the copyright of ROM files?
According to the US media AppleInsider, ROM is a data file contained in a game disc or cartridge, and is Read Only Memory, which can be obtained legally by removing it from the original hardware.
Therefore, although there is no problem with using the ROM itself, the method of obtaining it is a point of contention.
Currently, the most popular app that can read Nintendo ROMs is “Delta,” which allows you to play software from Family Computer to Nintendo 64, but this app is not currently available on the App Store and is not available in the EU. It is available for download via the website only within the region.
Source: AppleInsider
Photo: Apple
Source: iPhone Mania