Downloading Roms – The Retro Debate Part 5 (MAME)

Name: m.holmes

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Product:	MAME
Date:	17/11/00 (147 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some believe the games should be free for your own use in emulators like Mame

Disadvantages: It's illegal?

Am I wrong top say most classic games should be available to download and play for free on MAME etc?

Am I underestimating what the original game (not the idea or licence) is worth to the author early in the new millennium?

Here's where I start to argue against everything I've said above though - because I do respect the author's copyright. I've been both author of copyrighted games and music in the past. I've allowed free distribution of some of both - but not all. It's all about realising a product has come to the end of it's feasible earning potential. Afterall you are not actually releasing copyright, just allowing it to be distributed non-commercially. In the unlikely event that someone approaches you to re-use the idea or game itself, then you are still in a position to benefit to the full.

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