Slashdot Mirror
MAME To Become GPL?
BigJimSlade writes "The 'What's New' file for the latest release of the Multi Arcade Machine Emulator (or MAME, as it is more affectionately known) states that the developers/maintainers are considering re-licensing the not-so-open source code under the GPL/LGPL. Currently the source is under a slightly restrictive licence that prevents modifications to certain areas of code from being redistributed. (L)GPL source for this project would be quite a boon for devlopers, who could reuse the CPU cores and other key components in other OSS projects."
I tihnk it's great that MAME has finally gone Open Source, but another poster made a far more important point, IMO. The ROM liscensing. As far as I know, ROM's are only legal to have if you own the game (either the cartridge or the cabinet).
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)
If I recall MAME emulates older arcade games - just how many different games does it do and how proprietry is the hardware per game.
Example Double Dragon vs say Space Invaders vs TMNT (damn I loved that)
Surely this must be one hell of a well coded piece of work as it is to be able to support so many games using proprietry setups etc.
(at least as far as I recall of course!)
Does it do Daytona, that one is STILL the most popular racing game in bars / clubs / pubs / pool hools in Australia, despite it being at least 7 years old.