Jump to content

Arcade Simulator - Layout Permissions


Reg
 Share

Recommended Posts

Good Afternoon All,

It's been brought to my attention that there is a bit of a challenge on the Arcade Simulator getting permissions for some layouts.

We are a scene of over twenty years and there are challenges of obtaining permissions from people that have long left the scene and literally are no longer part of it through choice be it their own or perhaps another reason.

The recent passing of @Wizard brings our own immortality into question.  Looking at this site I’ve already set the scene for what to do if I vanish after ninety days have passed with this site and I’ve not been seen either here or on YouTube.

So with that, the horrible truth is we could be facing the challenge of trying to find designers who are no longer with us.

The Arcade Simulator by @johnparker007 is the future of emulator in terms of something new and what it brings.  

Based on this, I’ve made a decision for anything that any layouts on this site can be used if the owners are unavailable to give permission from May 31st 2022.

This allows a chance to reach out to them to try to get permissions – but if they can’t – there is a way forward.  

We must always try first to get direct permission but if we cannot, this is how this site will support the Arcade Simulator.

  • The Arcade Simulator must not include work from this site if it turns into a paid product unless there is direct permission given from a designer to the author of the Arcade Simulator.
     
  • MFME must never be included bundled within Arcade Simulator, it is available from this site as per the authors wishes, @Wizard.
     
  • By default, any DX (graphical layout) is given permission given through this thread after May 31st 2022 if it has not already been covered by a separate request.
     
  • Permission is immediately rescinded and the layout must be removed within 30 days of request if:

    a) the designer returns to the scene and asks for their layouts to be removed
    b) the Arcade Simulator turns commercial and is officially sold for a cost
     
  • The ruling for inclusion covers no classic layouts unless direct permission is given - they are excluded.
     
  • This does not cover any layouts from DADsFME who we host or DX’cellent who we host – direct permission is needed from @dad or @Pook.  They are seperate sites that we are indirectly and directly linked to.
     
  • If a designer requests their layout removed – post to this thread only the layout and their name as a designer.  If the designer has reason to want to remain anonymous, contact @johnparker007 or myself directly.

This is the sensible thing to do to support the Arcade Simulator and secure permissions for work to be included in this non-profit project.

The list of permissions will be maintained by @johnparker007 in anyway that he considers fit.

This ruling fixes the problems of legacy ( and very legacy ) permissions and allows a way for it to be reversed and more importantly allows @johnparker007 to spend his time doing real work and not stuck for extended windows in PMs.

Reg.

  • Like 17
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Reg pinned this topic

To add take the fabled site fruit-emu where most of the older layouts came from. The author or submitter of layouts over there isn’t necessarily the true creator of that layout. Sometimes a bit of digging either by the screenshot or release thread brings up a name or six even then the alias could’ve changed several times in the duration of their stay. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, vectra666 said:

To add take the fabled site fruit-emu where most of the older layouts came from. The author or submitter of layouts over there isn’t necessarily the true creator of that layout. Sometimes a bit of digging either by the screenshot or release thread brings up a name or six even then the alias could’ve changed several times in the duration of their stay. 

Yeah it all gets a bit crazy trying to trace some of the layouts back!  :) 

12 minutes ago, Zippy said:

Best way to deal with that is get resources and rebuild, that would solve the problem instead of hunting people down. @johnparker007 you don't need mine or Bungles permission with any of ours here you just knock yourself out.

Thanks again man - I do already have you guys as Granted on my permissions sheet :) 

  • Awesome 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, woodsy said:

If I’m totally honest I thought geddy made everything in the legacy section for a while (red face)

He is a very productive layout artist, he's done thousands! 😂

  • Haha 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I couldn't see why anyone would object to a layout being in the current arcade.

I assume later down the line, people will be able to choose any machine from their collection to put in it anyway.

With regards fruit-emu layouts, I think there was an issue well back in the day now and they all had to be reuploaded. Hence the vast majority saying ady.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, wearecity said:

I couldn't see why anyone would object to a layout being in the current arcade.

I assume later down the line, people will be able to choose any machine from their collection to put in it anyway.

With regards fruit-emu layouts, I think there was an issue well back in the day now and they all had to be reuploaded. Hence the vast majority saying ady.

I did see that Ady reuploaded a ton on fruit emu! :) 

  • Like 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, andy-1 said:

As said via PM permission given to use my layouts in the arcade simulator.

I look forward to being able to install and use the arcade simulator.

Just double-checked - I do have you as permission granted on my sheet, thanks again! :) 

  • Like 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been trying to contact @Ploggy and @Leeham, with no joy. Does anybody know them at all? Hopefully they are ok!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
On 09/05/2022 at 00:58, slasher said:

I've only done classics but happy for whatever I've contributed to be used in any way shape or form

Thanks man :)  And also big thanks for the ongoing hosting of the arcadesimulator.net website!  :) 

  • Like 1
  • Awesome 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 27/04/2022 at 17:23, spa said:

I have been trying to contact @Ploggy and @Leeham, with no joy. Does anybody know them at all? Hopefully they are ok!

Only just seen this :)  Just in case you'd not seen, on the permissions sheet that we have access to - I did get permission granted status from Leeham... just Ploggy who's gone off-grid :)  Thanks again for all the help with the permissions/database/flyers/cabinets stuff!

  • Like 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, johnparker007 said:

Only just seen this :)  Just in case you'd not seen, on the permissions sheet that we have access to - I did get permission granted status from Leeham... just Ploggy who's gone off-grid :)  Thanks again for all the help with the permissions/database/flyers/cabinets stuff!

I’m sure ploggy will be fine, he’s always said use anything from his layouts to make new and what about @£6intokens and @hitthesix another two old skool creators 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

48 minutes ago, vectra666 said:

I’m sure ploggy will be fine, he’s always said use anything from his layouts to make new and what about @£6intokens and @hitthesix another two old skool creators 

I had hitthesix on my TODO list on the permissions sheet (From a Mazooma 'Golden X' layout) - so still need to send message, I've added "£6intokens" to find and message, thanks for the heads up! :)  

(I can't share a public link for the permissions tracking sheet like I do with the other sheets, as it has bits of people's personal info like other aliases etc.)

  • Like 2

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, johnparker007 said:

Only just seen this :)  Just in case you'd not seen, on the permissions sheet that we have access to - I did get permission granted status from Leeham... just Ploggy who's gone off-grid :)  Thanks again for all the help with the permissions/database/flyers/cabinets stuff!

Not a problem. I'm not sure theres a bigger fruity nut out there, plus I had most of the info at hand :)

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, spa said:

Not a problem. I'm not sure theres a bigger fruity nut out there, plus I had most of the info at hand :)

The addition of all those fruit machine flyers on the Machines sheet is really cool!  :)  

Public link here if anyone wants to view the info coming together: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wOMCTOBThxv8AgPYb-suvmM6AuXpqAOsVCyJUlofjvA/edit?usp=sharing

...on the Machines sheet, some games now have flyers you can hover over, thanks to Spa, along with tons of other help with data gathering for the new 'Cabinets V2' sheet.

The Machines sheet is very disorganised at present (due to me pasting things in blocks of info), I'm keeping it in that order for now for Arcade Sim ref.  At some later point I'll make a 'V2' of the Machines sheet that will be cleaner.

  • Like 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@johnparker007 you mention on your list about Skill Shuffle in the JPM Vogue cabinet.  It was a acutally an MPU4 game, the cabinet was Vogue but the inside was an MPU4 game !

It never worked on MFME - there as a problem - the chip had a security error.

If it can ever be patched, I have good quality images of the glass.

SkillShuffle.rar

 

P1070653.JPG

P1070659.JPG

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

59 minutes ago, Reg said:

@johnparker007 you mention on your list about Skill Shuffle in the JPM Vogue cabinet.  It was a acutally an MPU4 game, the cabinet was Vogue but the inside was an MPU4 game !

It never worked on MFME - there as a problem - the chip had a security error.

If it can ever be patched, I have good quality images of the glass.

SkillShuffle.rar 6.98 kB · 0 downloads

 

P1070653.JPG

P1070659.JPG

I just checked it with my tools for patching chr/lamp protection out, unfortunately they don't recognise anything:

image.png.c2089f07f3d387e377a78caa5613c194.png

I've only used it on common Barcrest/Bwb etc manufactured MPU3/4s... so its security routine doesn't have any signatures that my stuff is set up to spot.

To be honest I don't think I've ever seen that before (zero sigs found), so it's definitely an unusual ROM! :) 

Edited by johnparker007
  • Like 1

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Reg I can patch the Chr routine while it's running and get it to boot and play.  Alpha display (second half) is a bit broken in this video, but I jiggled around some settings and then it looks like it may display correctly.  Does seem to expect standard-ish buttons/ and coin button mappings:


Trouble is that to do this as a ROM patch, I'll need to also figure out potentially a bypass for the checksum routine.  Once I've done this patch on the fly, attempting to reset the machine results in no boot.  This is almost certainly due to my patched bytes meaning the ROM checksum is out.  Probably not quick...

To boot, you need to add a breakpoint on 0800 (standard Chr address), once it hits that during boot sequence, you need to set bytes d1df and d1e1 to zero.  Then resume past the breakpoint and the machine will boot.


Tagging you @andrew96 as I know you're interested in this sort of thing :)  If someone has time to figure out a checksum bypass patch, then the hack above can be made in the ROM image, and then you should have a booting ROM.  Whether that can be made into a playable game  in MFME, I've no idea - I can't tell if it's working properly or not from that play in the video above! 

After changing some settings, one of these meant that the Alpha looked to be working properly:
image.thumb.png.38fbc1e27e68bacdbebeb9a98af2bf99.png

Edited by johnparker007
  • Like 2

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Reg I've cracked it (literally :)  have removed the checksum protection and the Chr chip protection) - so it now boots and plays correctly.  Well I think it's correctly, I don't know how you control it, when I insert money lights flash, and I think I get to gamble... not sure what the skill element is.


Here's a layout (Pook's Crackpot) with it working:
Skill Shuffle - hacked rom boots and plays ok.zip

If someone can make a layout, or fix their broken Skill Shuffle machine (I think this is now a properly Chr-free ROM) - it will have been worth it... Aaah who am I kidding, that was a fun side-quest :) ...

(Also, this ROM can be easily further hacked now the checksum has been removed, if someone wanted to do that, change the text etc.)

Edited by johnparker007
  • Like 2
  • Awesome 2

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One more note - I found a video of the real machine:

 

So it does seem to be working as per the real machine, whoever has a bash at making a layout with the above patched rom will prob have to figure out what button that is (and if the button is inverted), or if one of the DIP switches toggles 'autoplay' - have fun! :) 

Edited by johnparker007

[ Arcade Simulator ] Pre-alpha installer: http://arcadesimulator.net  |  Known Issues: https://tinyurl.com/yz4uom2e  |  Donation info: https://tinyurl.com/yzvgl4xo
[ Community Drive ] The drive: http://tinyurl.com/yckze665
[ Fruit Machine Database ] Initial google sheets (WIP): https://tinyurl.com/2c5znxzz
[ MFME Launch ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/MFMELaunch
[ Oasis ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/Oasis
[ Sound ROM Editor ] Source code: https://github.com/johnparker007/SoundRomEditor

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, johnparker007 said:

One more note - I found a video of the real machine:

 

So it does seem to be working as per the real machine, whoever has a bash at making a layout with the above patched rom will prob have to figure out what button that is (and if the button is inverted), or if one of the DIP switches toggles 'autoplay' - have fun! :) 

I fail to see what excitement you can get from this, reminds me of a fruit machine with no hold/nudge buttons. If this is pure skill and you are skilled enough you could empty it but what happens % wise? If you pressed the button all they way every time for a £100 of credits would it still pay (in other words if a complete plank played it and lost would it force itself to pay)? If it is a true skill machine then it wouldn't.

Also if this could play in MFME you'd need a cab, a space bar ain't gonna cut it.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...