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RetroArch coming to Steam this month!
So RetroArch is finally coming to Steam two weeks from now!
RetroArch is the official reference frontend of the popular Libretro API. While there is nothing particularly about RetroArch or the Libretro API that has anything to do with emulators, most do it use it for this purpose.
We want to grow our base and as of this month we have been putting a heavy focus into making sure that RetroArch can run originally bought content on game discs. There are further announcements to follow in the coming weeks, and we are open to dialogue with game developers/publishers that have the rights to original IP who want to bring their games over to Steam through the use of RetroArch*.
Do note that RetroArch is an agnostic frontend/backend application that can be used to run modular programs. As such, it can run real games, media engines, and emulators, as long as these programs are converted/ported into modular pieces of software known as 'Libretro cores'.
So, without further ado, here's the details on our initial release:
Free.
Windows version first, Linux and macOS versions will release later. We're a bit wary of the support burden that will come with a much wider audience, so we want to do the Windows version first to make sure we can handle the demand.
At the beginning, there will not be any difference between the version you can get on Steam and the one available on our own website. As such, no Steamworks SDK functionality will be present at launch or any additional Steam features. However, after the initial launch, we will begin exploring options on how we can start leveraging Steam's functionality as a platform.
Release date will be approximately 30th of July.
RetroArch as a program serves as the fundamental backbone of many retro gaming machines out there in the wild. Even when it is not deliberately namechecked, chances are it's running in the backend of said retro program. Same goes for its sister project Libretro. For instance, several programs available on Steam already, such as Grid Cartographer, and New Retro Arcade, integrate Libretro support to allow you to run the software that has been ported to the Libretro API. As for Libretro, this API is being leveraged by several retro gaming companies right now to serve as the backbone of their retro emulation services. Given all this interest and burgeoning activity, we feel now is the time to finally bring the official Libretro frontend to Steam. RetroArch is truly in a class of its own on a technical level when it comes to latency, shader features, and now soon-to-be disc loading and disc dumping. We can't wait to bring you complete control over your retro gaming library coming this summer on Steam!
* Our only condition is that we have to abide by the GPL license and any derivative works.
About This Game
RetroArch is an open source and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players and other applications.
While it can do many things besides this, it is most widely known for enabling you to run classic games on a wide range of computers and consoles through a slick graphical interface. Settings are also unified so configuration is done once and for all.
In addition to this, you will soon be able to run original game discs (CDs) from RetroArch. We take videogame preservation seriously and want to ensure you can run your originally bought content on modern day PC's.
RetroArch has advanced features like shaders, netplay, rewinding, next-frame response times, runahead, and more!
System Requirements
Minimum:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 and up (CPU with SSE2 instructions required)
Memory: 32 MB RAM
Graphics: Any compliant OpenGL 2.x or Direct3D11 GPU. For shaders to work properly, should support at least Shader Model 2.0.
DirectX: Version 11
Additional Notes: For OpenGL: Intel HD 2K/3K GPUs on Windows 10 will have to fall back to an OpenGL 1.1 driver.
Recommended:
OS: Microsoft Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core series or AMD equivalent
Memory: 512 MB RAM
Graphics: Intel: At least Intel HD 4K required for OpenGL, any compliant D3D11 GPU for Direct3D 11. Should support at least Shader Model 3.0 and/or 4.0.
DirectX: Version 11
Additional Notes: For OpenGL: Intel HD 2K/3K GPUs on Windows 10 will have to fall back to an OpenGL 1.1 driver.
RetroArch is free/open source software, available under the GNU GPL 3.0 license.
It does not contain any copyrighted material by third parties. RetroArch does not condone piracy in any way, shape or form.
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