OPINION: ROMs. We all know about them, the computer files which contain a copy of data from a read only memory chip (most being Video Game data). They can be played through a piece of software called an Emulator, or run through a flashcard, but what do you really know about ROMs and the anti-piracy measures Nintendo has against them?
According to the American and Australian Law, ROMs can only be obtained and played if you already own the game, have a license to the game or are part of a commercial marketing company. This seems fine until you notice that your gameplay is disrupted from built-in anti-piracy software, programmed by Nintendo to stop you from allegedly playing it illegally.
Games that have recently made this point are the recently released Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, and the Japanese Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver. The first game uses the software to freeze the ROM at the title screen, and if hackers get any further; all the bosses in the game. The second using the software to freeze at certain points in the game (i.e. buildings, town entries, battles), plus freezing every 7 or so minutes.
Sure this could be looked at as a good way to stop people who do not own the game to play it but what about the ones who do. Why should they be left in the dark while other game companies let their customer’s play them?
Marketing companies tend to use DS ROM’s in advertisements for the game, because it can be filmed well without seeing any persons body parts getting in the way of gameplay. They are supposed to help market the companies game and make them earn money, this is a major loss to Nintendo’s profit and shows that Nintendo are not competent game advertisements.
What’s next in store for Nintendo’s games? Will Nintendo become more strict towards anti-piracy or will they take out their software? Have your say by writing a comment.
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