Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Emulators

[Sam Geeraerts]

Jason Self wrote:
> More about emulators in general, since we've already determined this particular
> one to have freedom-related problems.
>
> > Apparently there are resources ([1], [2]) available to learn how to 
> > write your own game.
>
> And if someone were to create one, or have a copy of one of those that Matt
> mentioned where the author has allowed distribution & modification, shouldn't
> there be a free software emulator out there to run it on?

There is. I just prefer not to include it in the repo just for 
hypothetical games. Anyone who wants to create one can get the emulator 
from the original source.

> Let me ask that question another way: Is it a good idea to make people use only
> proprietary software for any task?

Of course not. But if the only known use for the free software is to 
enable proprietary software then it doesn't have a place in a free 
distro, IMO.

I see your point and I argued (as kind of a devil's advocate) the same 
for ndiswrapper. IIRC, there even is a free wifi driver that can work 
with ndiswrapper, but nobody uses it that way. Likewise I don't see why 
anyone would want to write games for ancient emulated platforms if they 
make the game run native instead.