A group behind the open-source project RetroArch is claiming that Hyperkin's RetroN 5 console violates several different licenses. One of the emulators used is the Genesis Plus GX, an open-source emulator which is licensed under a non-commercial license, thus making them illegal to sell in a commercial project. The SNES9x Next emulator( SNES emulator being used) falls under the same violations as the Genesis emulator, while the NES and GBA emulators used are licensed under General Public License version 2 (GPLv2.) However, because the RetroN 5 uses GPLv3-grade code, it is technically incompatible with FCEUmm and VBA Next's coverage under GPLv2. Also stated by RetroArch is that they have found their own source code inside the front end, in easier terms; the interface the user interacts with. Here is where things get a little dicey and complicated.
The code that RetroArch says was created by them, is licensed under GPL version 3. Since updates for the RetroN 5 can only be obtained through Hyperkin, this is known as TIVO-ization, which is forbidden under GPL version 3. TIVO-ization is when open-sourced software is used to make a lock-down hardware that does not allow users to modify. The post states that attempting to modify the copyright-licensed software (such as an update not from Hyperkin) would violate the warranty, which is not even possible to begin with. The original non-crippled RetroArch script cannot be run on the device, only the crippled source by Hyperkin. This has the potential of a huge violation on Hyperkin's part. Retron 5s are currently "out of stock" at the moment, although controllers for the consoles are still being sold. Another link to the post by RetroArch can be found here. (via Joystiq)
EA has announced a new update for Plants vs Zombies:Garden Warfare that will be available tomorrow September 30th. The update is titled "Legends of the Lawn", featuring over 200 new customization items and seven character variants. Introduced is the "Taco Bandits" gameplay mode where zombies must try to steal the tacos away from the plants who defend them in a Capture the Flag variant. The update is free and will be available for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, and PC. (via Joystiq)
Roller Coasters and the action genre are two things that don't seem to go together. However that will change in Spring of 2015 when Screamride will be available. The premise is to build rides using what looks like a simple creation tool, then taking riders onto your creations where you try to toss them out from insane turns and loops. The coaster cars can also be thrown off the track, where they can smash into buildings, even destroying them. Screamride will be available exclusively for Xbox One and Xbox 360. (via Major Nelson)
Free-to-play first-person shoot F.E.A.R. Online will be available through Steam starting on October 17th. F.E.A.R. Online features a new horror scenario, new multiplayer modes, and a crafting system to make customized weapons. Competitive multiplayer as well as co-op story mode will be available. In the Co-op story mode, teams of up to four will need to work together to investigate and gather information about the experiments being done by Armacham Technology Corporation. The game itself is said to run parallel with the events of F.E.A.R. 2. Multiplayer modes include a team deathmatch mode where players battle against each other as well as monsters throughout the map. An open Beta for F.E.A.R. Online will be available on October 8th, you can sign up for the beta now by visiting the official site.