ROM image

ROM images (or ROMs, for short) is used in the context of emulation for a binary file which contains graphics, sounds, and program code. ROM images are usually created so that the software can be run on computer hardware different from the one the software was originally designed for, using emulator software.

Related Topics:
Emulation - Binary - Graphics - Sound - Program code - Computer - Emulator - Software

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The term's original meaning is "read only memory", a memory type that has often been used to store games and programs for game consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System or the Sega Genesis. Illicit distributors of vintage game images also frequently use it to refer to images of CD-ROM and DVD-ROM media, although many consider this technically wrong, preferring the term ISO images (ISOs for short).

Related Topics:
Read only memory - Memory - Game console - Nintendo Entertainment System - Sega Genesis - CD-ROM - DVD-ROM - ISO image

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The question of the legality of distributing and running ROM images is the prime issue between emulation enthusiasts and copyright holders, as many of those images are binary dumps of graphics, sound and program code protected by copyright. Some proponents violating these copyrights make the argument that since many of these games are no longer being sold the company is not being harmed in the process, often making a distant appeal to fair use. The concept of ignoring copyright for out-of-print computer programs is often referred to as abandonware. However, this argument is tenuous at best. Only trademarks are considered legally abandoned after a period of non-use, not copyrights.

Related Topics:
Legality - Copyright - Fair use - Abandonware - Trademarks

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

For example: Video games are copyrights which give the owner exclusive, monopoly ownership (much like real property). Under the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, copyright owners in the United States have ownership of the copyright for long periods of time: either the life of the owner plus 70 years or, for corporate owners, 75 or 95 years. Video games were only introduced 30 years ago, thus all video games are still under the legal ownership of some copyright holder unless they have specifically reneged their rights and released the game into the public domain.

Related Topics:
Real property - Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act - United States - Public domain

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Another strong argument in favor of ROMs, though, is that they's only being used as a last resort to play a game that you would otherwise be willing to pay money for, but was never released in your area (for example, Super Mario RPG, never released in Europe, and Tales of Phantasia, never released outside Japan). This argument stems from the fact that if a company didn't release a game in a region, they can't be losing money from emulation in that area, and that they cannot sue for breach of copyright on a product in a country where that product was never released.

Related Topics:
Super Mario RPG - Tales of Phantasia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The most rampant problem with ROM sharing is in Asia. In order to discourage this, Nintendo has used a new program format for the Nintendo DS. Despite the difficulty, Nintendo DS ROM images are now available; the more complex format means that the games cannot dumped as quickly as the Game Boy Advance games could be, but it has not fully prevented their sharing.

Related Topics:
Asia - Nintendo - Nintendo DS - Game Boy Advance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nintendo tried a far tougher tactic in the past with their proprietary and purportedly "copy-proof" disc format for the GameCube. Their bragging was not without good cause, as its discs proved to be absolutely impossible to duplicate; it was not until an exploit of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II's modem functionality was discovered that the games were able to be streamed to a PC and then distributed.

Related Topics:
GameCube - Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II - Streamed

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~