Who said government regulation wasn’t good for the user?
It has viewed these as mini app stores, although there have been some odd exceptions, like Roblox.
The guidelinesalso explicitly allow retro game emulation apps to offer downloads.
Playing a video game on a smart phone.SCREEN POST / Unsplash
So does this mean a gold rush of retro games console apps full of old Capcom and Nintendo games?
There’s a twist.
“Developers now carry the task of ensuring no copyrighted works are used without permission.
Playing a video game on a phone with a clip on controller.Javier González / Unsplash
“One can expect an influx of classic games.
It is crucial to recognize that not all developers will risk copyright infringement.
Some may focus on original titles or legally accessible games.
Why Now?
This time, it has made the change in all regions.
Could this be because Apple smells money?
Javier GonzAlez / Unsplash
“The EU in particular has been advocating for more choice and fairness.
“However, I don’t think regulatory compliance is Apple’s sole motivator here.
They are a business after all, and I’m confident they spotted a monetary opportunity.
Apple could take a cuton every retro game you buy for your iPhone.
Hopefully, this will stabilize the game emulator world a little bit, too.
Nintendo recentlysued Switch emulator Yuzuand won a $2.4 million settlement.
Yuzu has also taken its website down, and the result hashad a chilling effectin the emulator world.
Often, emulator makers don’t offer games to play on their software.
They leave it to the user to find their own copies and load them in.
But perhaps this will change now that Apple allows emulators, and game sales, on its platform.
Either way, we can expect sales ofadd-on controllers for your phoneto heat up too.
This is all pretty exciting stuff.
