For those who don't already know, there are free video game console "emulators" available for your computer. Emulators mimic the programming of old consoles such as the NES, Game Boy, Dreamcast, or even the XBox 360. They allow you to play any console game you download (called ROM's). The newer they are, the more illegal they are and harder to find. By now almost every published game for the "first wave" home gaming console is available to download legally or virtually legally online. This means Atari 2600, Coleco, etc. NES games and emulators are also pretty easy to get a hold of. This is usually because most of the copyrights have either expired or so much time has passed that the publisher no longer cares to take legal action.
This raises the question- is it ethical to use emulators? I say- as long as the game is out of print, the hardware is no longer supported, and the game is more than 10 years old, why not? Also, it is important to make sure the games aren't being SOLD by a third party. If the publisher is no longer making a profit, the people who still enjoy the old games should be able to play them. Now, I completely understand the argument that they are intellectual property. But what harm is done by a gamer playing an old game? Developers should be flattered to know their dated works are still being played. That's the way I would feel as a game developer, anyhow.
If you're interested in Atari, Coleco, NES, Commadore 64, and such emulators, check out this site called www.theoldcomputer.com
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4 comments:
This is something I haven't ever thought about. I remember that as a kid I played A LOT of Atari and Nintendo (original, Pinball was my favorite game). I never considered that these systems would still be available through online distribution. Is there any contention regarding their legality outside of the game world--i.e., is it anything internet comittees or (even) Congress is getting into?
I own emulator. I have had the Sega Genesis and the super Nintendo on a computer lab computer in high school and during class I would play all day. At home I have the NES, the Game Boy Advanced, and the Super Nintendo. Currently I downloaded the N64. I've been playing it so much I have like 110 stars already. From what I know about emulators and laws, people can't own them unless they own the real game or system. I think that video game companies wont have to worry in the future because new counsels are so big that people wont get them in fear of crashing their computers.
This is something I haven't ever thought about. I remember my first gaming system was NES, then Nintendo 64, and then PS2. Is there really a market for bringing the games back? Why would someone want to play an old 8-Bit games when you could be playing PS3 or X-Box 360. I will look up these emulations and see what they are all about. I dont play alot of computer games, but if I could get some other games, that would be gnarly. Overall good article, Praise JAH! -Dill
I never knew about this, i will definetely have to check this out. I have always wanted to buy a sega genesis because mine broke about 8 yrs ago but this will be better so i can play sonic again
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