Limited Run Games Addresses GPL Compliance Concerns Over Tomba! Special Edition Emulator Use

Limited Run Games Responds to GPL Licensing Concerns Over Tomba! Special Edition Emulator Use Boutique publisher Limited Run Games has officially responded to allegations of a GPL (General Public License) violation after it was revealed that Tomba! Special Edition utilized the PCSX-Rearmed emulator without immediately providing access to modified source code.

Tomba! Special Edition, a collaborative project with developer Whoopee Camp, recently launched on platforms including the Nintendo Switch and eShop, bringing the beloved PlayStation classic to new audiences via emulation. The issue was first flagged by the gaming community in late January 2024 and gained traction when several readers and open-source advocates brought it to broader attention.

The crux of the concern centered around Limited Run Games’ use of the open-source PCSX-Rearmed emulator within its Carbon Engine framework.

The GPL license requires that any modifications to GPL-licensed software used in a commercial product be made accessible to the public, typically via a downloadable repository. In an official statement to Time Extension, Limited Run Games' co-founder and CEO, Josh Fairhurst, clarified the company’s stance and actions.

Fairhurst explained that there was always an intention to establish a GitHub repository specifically for the modified components of the PCSX-Rearmed emulator that Limited Run Games deployed in Tomba! Special Edition.

However, unforeseen delays arose due to confusion regarding the setup and ownership of the company’s existing GitHub presence, compounded by internal deadlines and project schedules. "We believe we have fulfilled our obligations by including the required license within the game and making the modified portions of the source code available to the public," Fairhurst confirmed.

He further emphasized the company’s commitment to open-source principles, highlighting that their approach aligns with industry practices observed in similar projects, such as Blaze's Evercade systems. To enhance transparency and accessibility, Fairhurst mentioned that efforts are underway to make the GitHub repository link more visible to players and the community, with plans to update credit pages in a manner similar to Evercade's documentation.

As of now, the GitHub repository is fully updated and accessible. Limited Run Games' proactive steps ensure continued GPL compliance across their catalog, reinforcing their reputation for honoring both developer rights and community standards.

With Tomba! Special Edition available on Nintendo Switch and other platforms, the publisher remains dedicated to delivering classic titles responsibly and in accordance with open-source licensing requirements. This resolution underscores the importance of software license compliance in modern game development—a key factor for publishers operating across digital storefronts like the eShop, ensuring trust and transparency for both players and developers.

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