Apple has revised its App Store guidelines to allow the submission of game emulator apps, marking a significant shift in its stance on retro gaming. The updated policy, announced on April 6, signals a departure from Apple's previous stringent restrictions on such applications.
(Photo : Unsplash / Denise Jans)
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First Emulator App Hits the Store
Following the policy change, the first emulator app, iGBA, has made its debut on the App Store. Developed for iPhone and iPad users, iGBA enables gamers to play titles from the classic Game Boy console directly on their iOS devices. Notably, this marks a departure from Apple's previous stance, where such apps would have faced outright rejection.
Capitalizing on the Rule Change
The developer of iGBA appears to have swiftly seized the opportunity presented by Apple's relaxed guidelines. The app, which is available for free but includes embedded advertisements, is reminiscent of the popular open-source emulator GBA4iOS. However, it introduces monetization features without the original developer's involvement.
Despite this, iGBA offers a comprehensive emulation experience, allowing users to download Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color ROMs from the internet and play them seamlessly on their devices. The app also boasts features such as save states, customizable virtual controllers, haptic feedback settings, and support for AirPlay external display projection.
Implications for the App Store
The ambiguity surrounding the revised guidelines, particularly regarding the loading of sideloaded ROMs, raises questions about the extent of functionality permitted by Apple. However, assuming the approval of iGBA reflects Apple's intended direction, it appears that the App Store is now open to a wide range of game emulators.
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