【Game-Time News】
After Apple released its new policy of allowing retro game emulators to be put on the shelves, a Game Boy emulator called iGBA appeared in the Apple App Store last weekend. This simulator is also considered to be the “first retro game simulator” put on the shelves after the implementation of Apple’s New Deal. But unfortunately, the simulator was removed from the shelves less than a day after it was launched.
Regarding the reason for the removal of the simulator, Apple stated that the simulator App violated the relevant provisions of the App Review Guidelines for spam content (Section 4.3) and copyright (Section 5.2). However, due to the widespread discussion caused by the removal of the application, Apple today further explained the reasons for removing iGBA and clarified its relevant regulations for emulators.
Apple mentioned that iGBA is a plagiarized version of GBA4iOS developed by developer Riley Testut, and also includes additional advertisements. They removed iGBA after learning that it plagiarized other people’s work and tried to pass it off as their own. At the same time, Apple has also made it clear that applications listed on the App Store must only be used to simulate retro game consoles and allow loading of ROM games downloaded from the Internet. In addition, Apple has not yet disclosed information about other compatible retro game consoles.
However, major game manufacturers have different attitudes towards this move. Nintendo’s US customer service website clearly states that downloading pirated copies (ROM) of its games is illegal. Henrik Rydgård, founder of PSP emulator PPSSPP, said: “If current rules allow emulators with ISO/ROM selectors, PPSSPP will be available on the App Store later this year.”
Earlier, after Apple released its policy of allowing retro game console emulators to be put on the shelves, we mentioned that Apple will strictly investigate the content and copyright issues of retro game emulators, and developers need to “take full responsibility for all software provided in the application” ”, including complying with “all applicable laws.” Now it seems that Apple is still very strict in the implementation and monitoring of this new policy.
