Sega playing hide ‘N seek with old source codes
For those of you are wondering why Sega seem to only be putting Megadrive games on XBLA and VC (with a few Master System games on VC too), and perhaps want to see some classic old Sega System 16/24 arcade games, then Simon Jeffery has the answer… they are hiding.
In another (and supposedly last) E3 interview video with Simon Jeffery, the boys at Kotaku asked that very question. The reason for there not being more (or really any) old System 16 or System 24 games on the download services is basically down to the fact that Sega cannot find the source codes for the games.
It’s not so much that they have been thrown away, but over the last 20 years, as Simon points out, Sega has moved offices multiple times, and things go missing. He jokes that it could simply be a case that they have been put in a random cupboard, and forgotten about.
You might ask yourself - “But what about using ROMs, which anyone can (and do) just download off the Internet?”
Well, naturally Sega would prefer to work off the original source codes, rather than using ROMs and emulators. Especially in the case of XBLA games.
As Microsoft has a strict policy that all developers re-releasing games on their service need to add Achievements and also offer an option for updated visuals. My knowledge of coding and game making is pretty limited - but from what I have been told/read, when it comes to updating and adding to games it is always better to use the original source codes.
Let’s hope that Sega does some spring/summer cleaning and finds those missing games!
[Source: Kotaku]
Tags: , Golden Axe, Streets of Rage 2, System 16, System 24POSTED IN: G, Microsoft Xbox 360, News, Nintendo Wii, XBLA
10 opinions for Sega playing hide ‘N seek with old source codes
Kogen
Jul 26, 2008 at 10:17 am
“Made with Digital Eclipse emulation technology.” Why do their XBLA titles say this? If you pay attention, it is actually the same emulator and features as Genesis Collection and Capcom Classics.
However, it is still certanly true they may have misplaced stuff. At least we know they have Golden Axe, Altered Beast (Gen Col), After Burner, Space Harrier, Outrun, and Super Hang-on (GBA arcade collection).
I would like some updated Super Hang-on and Space Harrier. Or even just the regular ones…
shadow1w2
Jul 26, 2008 at 11:42 am
You know, its really not that hard to add enhanced graphics and achievements to an emulated game.
No differently than using a cheat made with an emulator, (wich is made based on finding the address of a changing variable and altering it) one could create some code to watch changing variables and create achievements that way.
Not to mention being able to read the save file.
Though the actual source code is always a ton of help and can make that process alot easier.
Especialy since they are outsourcing for an emulator app and don’t have full control over it.
Though I’d imagen that the emulator they use would have support for such things. Would only make sense.
As much as it’s important to find and use the source code, I think he’s just making excuses.
Though then again, the floppy disc days were differnt.
Source code would go into boxs and sometimes even a cupboard if it would fit, depending on how organize the coder is.
Now a days we save everything on backup drives and the like and have an easier time organizing.
So it’s not at all unlikely. Just unlikely they STILL haven’t found the darn things after all this time.
You’d think it would be important to back up all your old assets and keep them organized when theres money to be made on them again.
I think SEGA is just lazy or they have some sorta problem they don’t want the public to know. Like legal issues with their own licenses or some crazy crap like that.
Though for me I’m happy with MAME or hunting down a local arcade (if one still exists) so I’m patient.
crackdude
Jul 26, 2008 at 12:50 pm
truth is, playing Megadrive games on my Xbox feels so good. Silky smooth controls and slightly enanched graphics make these games oh so enjoyable
The Swedish Grillmaster
Jul 26, 2008 at 2:07 pm
K: Theres no requirement for that (graphic updates) on PSN?
S: No.
Me: Bring on the classics!
crackdude
Jul 26, 2008 at 3:27 pm
What’s the point Swedish Grillmaster? If I want the plain old games I get them for my Megadrive for less than half the price of a PSN game.
youcantcatchtheblue
Jul 26, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Doesn’t bother me very much to be honest, I’d rather Sega be hard at work making new games rather than spend their time and resources doing small re-releases.
maxchain
Jul 26, 2008 at 4:41 pm
At least they haven’t given up the search for the source codes like Capcom. Friggin’ Mega Man Mania…
crackdude
Jul 28, 2008 at 4:51 am
Sonic the Hedgehog IV just crossed my mind.
Yusaku
Jul 28, 2008 at 6:21 am
I want Sonic 3 on XBLA with co-op already.
Svend
Jul 30, 2008 at 4:25 pm
“I think SEGA is just lazy or they have some sorta problem they don’t want the public to know. Like legal issues with their own licenses or some crazy crap like that.”
I think you’ll find a lot of companies would have trouble finding stuff from decades ago without backing it up on some sort of digital storage space. I don’t think the concept of re-releases and vintage gaming were in the minds of many companies back in the 80’s, I’m not susprised (and wouldn’t blame) SEGA here for not doing so.
Having said that, I admire the fact that SEGA are actively looking though. Keep on the search guys, I’d love to play some of the older stuff without busting out my Mega Drive every five seconds.
One thing I’ve noted for Virtual Console though; the Euro Mega Drive (not tried Master System but assume it’s the same deal) games STILL have those annoying borders we had to deal with back in the 1990s. I understand it might be more strenuous to deal with those (or simply just give us the US NTSC ROMs on VC instead?) but if Nintendo can retroactively fix the borders on their SNES/N64 digital games…
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