EmuParadise to permanently remove all ROMS amidst huge industry controversy

It’s been an incredibly tumultuous time for the ROM and Emulation industry. Only recently two massive ROM distribution websites closed due to legal pressure from Nintendo, and now EmuParadise, possibly the largest ROM and Emlulation site out there, is looking to follow suit, at least partially.

For those unaware, ROMS are digital copies of a video game that when downloaded and paired with an Emulator allow you to experience full, unauthorised versions of games. This would allow you to run games such as Super Mario 64 on your PC or smartphone. The legality surrounding the ROM industry has always been questionable but a line is being clearly drawn in the sand now with ROM sites being sued for huge quantities of money and some voluntarily stepping out of the game altogether in fear of similar actions.

EmuParaide today made a statement saying that they would be removing all ROMS from their website.

“It’s not worth it for us to risk potentially disastrous consequences. I cannot in good conscience risk the futures of our team members who have contributed to the site through the years. We run EmuParadise for the love of retro games and for you to be able to revisit those good times. Unfortunately, it’s not possible right now to do so in a way that makes everyone happy and keeps us out of trouble.”

“We’ll still have our emulators database, the community, and everything that comes along with that.”

With EmuParadise out of the ROM race a very clear industry trend is now undeniably in action. The ROM industry may never fully die, but with big names stepping out of the rink it’s going to become harder and harder to find trustworthy sources. It’s also going to become harder and harder to find ways to play those classic games that are no longer being supported. With these huge digital libraries of retro games closing down, are we about to see games from our childhood disappear?