Is RetroArch allowed?
5 years ago
Los Angeles, CA, USA

RetroArch has this run-ahead latency reduction that is supposed to reduce input lag, and so I’m wondering if it is allowed to be used as an emulator (using the Nestopia core)

KilleDragon likes this
Mexico

Probably not

KilleDragon and iBall1 like this
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Is there any way of getting it allowed or is there just too much of a possibility of cheating using RetroArch?

KilleDragon likes this
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Also, if you check this thread (https://www.speedrun.com/smb1/thread/xctnd) it states that RetroArch on mobile is allowed due to it having a Nestopia core

KilleDragon likes this
United States

As far as I know, RetroArch is not allowed because it can be used to remove lag, meaning if there are situations like 6-4 where there are a lot of Bowser hammers, the settings can be tweaked to be able to completely avoid lag which would provide an unfair advantage

Colorado, USA

RetroArch isn't allowed because it has been shown to have the potential for a performance gain over that of the NES console and standalone emulators. So the focus isn't so much about "cheating" per se, but it's more about an unfair performance gain whether it be intentional or not.

If you'd like to read into an example, you can peruse this thread: https://www.speedrun.com/dt2/thread/fx85w

We do need to rewrite the rules to clarify that it's not allowed, we just need to figure out how to phrase that to keep people from trying to poke holes in the rules. We post a whitelist of accepted platforms, meaning if it's not on the whitelist, it's not permitted.

KilleDragon and mruns like this
Mexico

Basically it has to do what an original NES can do

KilleDragon likes this
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Would RetroArch be allowed with specific settings that have to be set? I read in the thread you linked that 1 frame of input lag runahead comes close to what the actual console can output

KilleDragon likes this
Oklahoma, USA

There are lots of good emulators to choose from - I can guarantee RetroArch will not be approved in any way. Just choose a different one.

KilleDragon and mruns like this
Colorado, USA

@sam1370 I feel like the part where it talks about the RetroArch run being faster than a run with better execution was ignored based on your response.

That's the issue. It's not the reduction in input lag by itself. If you can get a better time over console with worse execution, that's a problem. That's a big problem.

Asking people to change settings that aren't the default and to provide proof is also an issue. It's difficult enough to get people just to read the rules period, let alone ask them to do something that adds complexity.

I just don't think there's a reasonable way to accommodate RetroArch at this time.

mruns and KilleDragon like this
Los Angeles, CA, USA

@roopert83 I see, didn't ignore that on purpose! :P

KilleDragon likes this
Game stats
Followers
8,551
Runs
9,872
Players
2,012
Latest news
SNES9x Ban

Effective immediately, any submissions using the SNES9x emulator will not be verified. The SMB1 mod team has concerns about its integrity due to its ability to overclock and remove lag frames, which may not be easily detectable. Additionally, we request that all BizHawk submissions avoid using the S

3 months ago
Latest threads
Posted 11 months ago
30 replies
Posted 6 years ago
1 reply
Posted 39 minutes ago