After years of stringent restrictions, Apple is finally allowing retro game emulators on the App Store. The longtime ban reversal comes in an update to the company’s review guidelines, which writes that “retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games”. Naturally, there are some caveats.
For one, developers are responsible for all the software inside their apps. The titles must also comply with “all applicable laws”, since the legality of emulators has always been a grey area. As noted by TechRadar, running an emulated version of a game is technically against the law — even if users are paying for the emulator. This means it’s up to companies who are able to take advantage of the App Store rule to bring emulator apps to the platform.
The move seems to be a response to the antitrust lawsuit filed by the United States, accusing Apple of attempting to eliminate cloud gaming streaming apps and super apps (which offer different apps in the same package). In fact, the latest updated guidelines did address the latter, stating that super apps like WeChat can now include mini-games and mini-apps. They have to be written in HTML 5 and cannot run natively on the device, however.
“Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins,” the new text reads. “Additionally, retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games.”
As the App Store opens up to retro game emulators, users can expect the rollout to take some time. Still, it’s better than nothing — previously, iPhone users would have to use workarounds like jailbreaking, which is risky as it leaves them vulnerable to malware and data breaches.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
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