Earthion Developer Appeals to Indie Game Fans: Support Official Releases Amid ROM Piracy Concerns

Earthion Developer Appeals to Indie Game Fans: Support Official Releases Amid ROM Piracy Concerns Ancient, the acclaimed Japanese game development studio led by Yuzo Koshiro, has addressed a growing problem for independent developers following the recent launch of Earthion on Steam.

Just days after its official digital debut, an unauthorized ROM version of Earthion has surfaced and circulated online, leading to concerns about the impact of piracy on small indie teams and the future of passion projects within the gaming community. Earthion—a meticulously crafted shoot 'em up designed for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive—marks Ancient's return to classic 16-bit hardware.

Currently, the game is available exclusively via Steam, where it runs under emulation.

Although a physical Genesis release is scheduled for next year, with a cartridge-only plan and no downloadable ROM, the premature extraction and illegal distribution of the game's data has frustrated both creators and fans. Yuzo Koshiro, legendary composer and designer behind Ancient, took to social media to clarify the studio’s official release stance and address the widespread unauthorized sharing.

Koshiro emphasized through a clear statement that a hacked ROM is being circulated online, cautioning players that only the Steam version is currently authorized for public purchase.

"The Mega Drive and Genesis cartridge versions will arrive next year," he reiterated, "and no downloadable ROM is being offered by Ancient at this time.

The only official route to play Earthion right now is through Steam." Reframing his message for clarity, Koshiro sincerely thanked the community for their legitimate support but stressed the real risks piracy poses for small developers: "Pirated ROMs can be especially damaging to indie teams such as ours.

We have invested significant effort and creativity into Earthion, wanting fans to experience it as we intended.

Supporting us officially truly impacts our ability to continue making games." Earthion is not only available for PC via Steam but has also been confirmed for future release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles in September.

The Steam version boasts modern conveniences such as image filters, achievements, and customizable sound settings, adding extra appeal for both retro enthusiasts and new players.

Priced at £14.99 / $19.99, the title offers substantial value in today's digital marketplace. The creative collaboration between Koshiro and artist Makoto Wada was praised in early reviews, with the game lauded as a standout entry in the shooter genre that leverages the unique strengths of classic console hardware.

Fans are encouraged to purchase Earthion via authorized channels—be it Steam now, or through upcoming console and Genesis cartridge editions—helping to ensure the sustainability of quality independent game development. This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of ROM piracy, especially for niche and retro-inspired projects.

By understanding the developer’s perspective and supporting official releases, gamers play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovative, independently-created titles on platforms like Steam, Nintendo Switch, and beyond.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Steam Sega Xbox Switch Genesis Yuzo Koshiro Earthion Sega Genesis indie developers ROM developers Ancient Mega Drive Makoto Wada