Copying Games

[Keretto]

Hello people! I was just wondering if it is legal to download a copy/rip of a game if you already own a physical copy? (e.g: emulation)

 

[The Catboy]

As far as I know, it's a legal grey zone. I find it conflicts based on country laws. Most of the time it only becomes an issue if you redistribute the backups

 

[wormdood]

the little booklet you get with your retail games says you do not own the game you own license to use the game disk (cartage) however, and also say that you may not backup/copy/distribute/ect the game file

 

[mashers]

It is illegal to share the game software, and it is illegal to access shared copies of the game software. So actually downloading the ROM is technically illegal even if you own the cart. Using a copy is a legal grey area in most countries, but I don't think anybody would actually be prosecuted for doing this.

I have converted a SNES housing to an emulation box using a Raspberry Pi and a Retrode (USB SNES cart and controller interface). The carts go in the slot at the top of the SNES as normal, but are loaded by the emulator. To make loading faster, the ROM is cached on the SD card. This is technically illegal, but I'd like to see Nintendo try to prosecute me for this

 

[yusuo]

It is illegal to share the game software, and it is illegal to access shared copies of the game software. So actually downloading the ROM is technically illegal even if you own the cart. Using a copy is a legal grey area in most countries, but I don't think anybody would actually be prosecuted for doing this.

I have converted a SNES housing to an emulation box using a Raspberry Pi and a Retrode (USB SNES cart and controller interface). The carts go in the slot at the top of the SNES as normal, but are loaded by the emulator. To make loading faster, the ROM is cached on the SD card. This is technically illegal, but I'd like to see Nintendo try to prosecute me for this

I would love to see an image of that setup, I have a spare raspberry pi laying about that I'm at a loss of what to do with

 

[Depravo]

Related thread:

https://gbatemp.net/threads/piracy-common-myths.344858/

 

[mashers]

I would love to see an image of that setup, I have a spare raspberry pi laying about that I'm at a loss of what to do with

Here you go

https://gbatemp.net/threads/my-raspberry-pi-retrode-snes-case-mod.415081/

 

[G0R3Z]

It is quite the grey zone.

As far as my research goes, it's like this:

If you own a game and rip it yourself, it's legal and you're only doing what you will with your own property.

If you upload or download a rom, it's copyright infringement. There is no 'second copy/backup' rule. Even if you own the game, it's still illegal to download a copy from a website as you're actively supporting copyright infringement.

Also, piracy is not the same thing.

 

[DinohScene]

You download some copy of a game that was uploaded which is illegal.
If you make the backup your self, it is legal.
If you lose/destroy the original, it's illegal to keep the backup.

Paranoid and don't want to get caught?
Don't copy your games nor download backups.
The discs says "do not make copies of this game"

 

[G0R3Z]

Some of them also say it's legal to keep the rom for 24/48 hours before deleting it. This is a complete myth.

 

[Keretto]

Lol wtf!

 

[G0R3Z]

One of those things that many people know little about and make up rules to try and justify it. I torrent and infringe plenty, but I know it's illegal and I know why.

 

[Pacheko17]

I feel bad for those living in countries where downloading roms is a crime.

I live in Brazil, it sure might not be good to live in, but at least I'm happy with my 25gbs+ illegal roms folder without having to worry at all.

 

[NightWolve]

Everything you need to know right here.

 

[Touko White]

It's illegal to have any ROM-Dump of a game even when it's backed up by you.
However, fuck the law!

 

[vayanui8]

Its not illegal if you don't get caught

 

[Touko White]

Its not illegal if you don't get caught

That's true.
Also what about if a game's company is out of business (like Toaplan) it might be legal considering that the copyright probably doesn't belong to anyone and theres no credits scene either.
I'm not sure, feel free to correct me on this one !!

 

[wormdood]

Its not illegal if you don't get caught

not true . . . but i love it all the same

Also what about if a game's company is out of business (like Toaplan) it might be legal considering that the copyright probably doesn't belong to anyone and theres no credits scene either.
I'm not sure, feel free to correct me on this one !!

. . . nope the company that made cubic ninja dissolved and the games rights, royalties, and copyright became property of the console devs ie nintendo

 

[laudern]

I live in Brazil, it sure might not be good to live in, but at least I'm happy with my 25gbs+ illegal roms folder without having to worry at all.

Considering the number of times you hear about someone actually being caught for their own personal collection of piracy, I don't think you got the better end of the deal.

 

[Ruby Gloom]

the little booklet you get with your retail games says you do not own the game you own license to use the game disk (cartage) however, and also say that you may not backup/copy/distribute/ect the game file

If you go to the store and buy some food, it belongs to you. There's no license. Same with games. You but it, it's yours. Nintendo can't knock on your door and demand " their " game back. It's no longer theirs. Copies are not illegal, but cause authorities to get suspicious on the owner of a copied software. Don't share it, you're good.