MAME Ported to (Chipped) Xbox

metallik writes: "A version of MAME for the Xbox game console has just been released. This release will only run on Xbox consoles equipped with a mod chip. MAME is the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, one of the more successful open source projects out there. It emulates over 3800 arcade machines, from Space Invaders to Mortal Kombat III, many of them perfectly. This is probably only the first of many such PC software projects to be ported to modded Xboxes. At $199 (plus modchip), the Xbox will soon be an extremely attractive set-top box (if not for the reasons Microsoft wanted it to be...)" A while ago, we posted about getting MAME to run on a developer-kit Xbox, but since mod chips are now available, this sounds like a more practical approach. Update: 06/23 18:40 GMT by T : Note: Thanks to Santeri Saarimaa for a note that the project is now hosted here instead.

Comments

For your MAME box?

[sammy.lost-angel.com]

My mame box has been running linux hooked up to a TV on an old PII. The problem is, there is no good interface for people viewing it on a TV. This leads me to believe that mame for the x-box might be a practical solution. My only question is, is it compatable with the i-pac (USB keyboard interface thing)?

Arcade operators

[Anonymous Coward]

I wonder how long it will be before an unscrupulous arcade operator puts a JAMMA connector on a chipped X-BOX and runs it in his arcade :-(.

That sort of thing is what will destroy the arcade games industry :-(

Re:Arcade operators

[galaga79]

It would be rather ironic too, considering consoles are killing the arcade games industry as far as I understand. Years ago arcade machines had better games and hardware than consoles, now it is the other way round so there is less reason to play arcade games.

Re:Arcade operators

[aljskfd]

One thing that could save the arcade industry is if DDR really catches on in the arcade. Sure, if you do walk into the arcade, most of the games now are crap that isn't really any better than the stuff on the home systems. But there is no way to get a true DDR experience at home (becuase all the home pads are alright at best.) If anything, that is the only thing that keeps me going back to the arcades...just so much fun to play with friends.

EULA != Law

[Anonymous Coward]

In the country where I live, law is stronger than EULA. This means that EULA isn't valid when it contradicts the law (it can't take away your rights provided by the law).

I'm not aware of any law which outlaws running "uncertifed games on Xbox", therefore EULA isn't valid here and you can do anything with hardware you own.

Re:Get a Dreamcast

[Fulg0re-]

Sure we can run MAME on the Dreamcast, but considering the difference in hardware, the Xbox is much better suited to being able to run MAME. In fact, with MAME-X, you can load ROM's which are much larger (29MB vs. 5MB). So in consequence, you can play a lot more games with it as compared to the Dreamcast version. Also, considering that the Xbox hardware is much more powerful, games will likely be running at more optimal speeds.

M$ should have embraced the amatuer from the start

[spongebob]

It's very interesting how hard companies try to hold on to thier respective IP. When there are true hackers seeking knowledge and ways to expand technology's usage like this. I think that Microsoft should have take a different route with the indie/residential developer. If they had opened up and released a development environment like Sony with PS2 Linux, then they would be embracing this rather than feeling threatened.

To be honest, this and similar applications might be another reason for me to actually buy and X-Box and they need the sales and the press of people actually doing anything with the thing.

not until it doesn't require a mod

[blueworm]

The X-Box will not be popular as an inexpensive PC until it doesn't require a modification. Even then I'm unsure. It would depend on whether you could install the normal version of Windows on it like any other PC.

Why MS would fight MAME

[theMightyE]

I can't remember exactly where I read this, but I read that the XBox business model was set up such that MS actually loses money every time they sell a unit. They plan to make the cash back via a license fee attached to all games sold by major developers. For example, if they sell for $50 under cost initally, then get $10 for every title you buy they are in the black as of the 6th game you purchase.

Now think of what happens if someone MAMEs the XBox, mods it to be a cheap PC, or otherwise does something that causes the user to treat it as something other than a dedicated system for 'legal' gaming. In this case MS is just paying part of your equipment costs and not getting the return they expected. Modding the XBox to be a Linux machine just adds insult to injury in their eyes.

I think this answers some of the questions brought up in posts where people wonder why MS is fighting this kind of use. I'd expect MS to continue to fight this one tooth and nail, and with their history you know they will.

P.S. I did a (very cursory) google search to try to find the article outlining how the XBox business model works - if anyone knows where to find it and could post it in a reply it'd be cool.

Re:Why MS would fight MAME

[wheany]

Why the fuck won't this myth die!?

Microsoft loses money on each console made. They get some of that money back with every console sold.

So if you want to screw Microsoft, do not buy an Xbox. It's a lot cheaper too.

Kinda sad, in a way

[Junks Jerzey]

I'm always sad to see that the excitement among hobbyist developers always seems to involve porting emulators for old arcade games. Yeah, I love those old games too, but I'd much rather see some kind of real grassroots game development movement emerge. The stuff posted to linuxgames.com is depressing for the most part. Here we have a powerful, free operating system and development tools, something thousands of times more powerful than what early game designers had in 1980, and yet all we can do is write emulators for those games.

Two words: Netpliance iOpener

[alienmole]

... the XBox business model was set up such that MS actually loses money every time they sell a unit. They plan to make the cash back via a license fee attached to all games sold by major developers

That model has been tried before.

Actually, other game consoles have used this business model to varying degrees. However, the difference today is that the consoles are much more powerful computing platforms, and therefore much more attractive for hacking. Hence the iOpener comparison.

The problem Microsoft is going to have in fighting this, is that it will now be fighting its customers directly, rather than competitors. The downsides of squashing (or acquiring) a competitor only become apparent when the U.S. Justice Department sues you. The downsides of fighting with your own customers are much more serious and direct; and the legal footing is much weaker.

Suing individual XBox owners in court isn't likely to happen, or have much effect if it does (unless the courts happen to rule against MS). Certainly, Adobe-style DMCA tactics against companies selling mod chips and the like may be possible, within the U.S. at least, but that's unlikely to act as much of a barrier against hacking.

The bottom line is that companies need to start taking the realities of this sort of thing into account. They can't just sit in their conference rooms surrounded by lawyers and wail and gnash their teeth. Their notion of intellectual property ownership and control is simply at odds with reality, and if they don't recognize that, reality will do it for them, in the form of profits and their stock price.

Re:Sure. Port to M$'s XBox. They lose money on eac

[Have Blue]

But as long as each sale (now don't go and buy their games too,) loses money for M$, its got to be a good thing, right?

Actually, you are increasing their installed base and giving MS larger audience figures to show to developers, thereby making the console more attractive.

Re:Dreamcast Gets No Love, As Always.

[EGSonikku]

Replace 'FACT #1' with 'OPINION'

Sega did everything right with the DC. Free included modem, great price, great games. Its not thier fault Sony blitzes the minds of the average MTV watcher with ads every 2 seconds. The DC was discontinued due to bad sales, not bad technology or games.

I think you'll fine over 90% of people who purchased DC's were quite happy with it. I know I *am* :-)

not killing them - on the contrary

[Tom]

Even if it's true that M$ loses $150 on every xbox sold, they won't care much. They've calculated losses of a few billion over the first four or so years of xbox business, so they're definitely in it for the long run.

Now, what helps you most in the long run? Market share. What will hacking the xbox so that mame runs on it do? Hm, how about raise it's market share because a couple thousand /.'ers run out and buy one?

M$ lost money on windos piracy, too. They didn't give a damn until they had the monopoly, then they started cracking down on people with the BSA squad.

They won't attack the mod chips or the mame porters. Not just now and not for a while. Once there's an xbox in every house, then the gloves will come off.