DuckStation Creator Changes PS1 Emulator License and Threatens to Shut Down the Project

In recent days, the game emulation community was surprised by a potential crisis involving DuckStation, one of the most popular PlayStation 1 emulators. The software’s creator, known as Stenzek, made a significant change to the project’s license, sparking a series of discussions and concerns about the emulator’s future.

What Motivated the Change

The decision to change DuckStation’s license was made after the developer discovered that companies were using the emulator commercially without giving proper credit or contributing to the community, as required by open-source standards. Among the most notable cases is Arcade1Up, which used DuckStation in its arcade machines to run the game The Simpsons Bowling.

With the new license — a version of Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International — the use of DuckStation became more restricted. Now, modifying the code for commercial purposes is not allowed, aiming to prevent companies from profiting from the project without contributing to its development​.

Pressure on the Developer

In addition to the improper use by third parties, the developer has faced criticism and threats from the user community itself. In social media conversations, Stenzek stated that he was “fed up” with the situation and even suggested that he might shut down the project if the environment remains hostile​.

This is not the first time Stenzek has made such a decision. He is also the developer of AetherSX2, the already legendary PlayStation 2 emulator, a project he abandoned due to requests and even threats from the community. Rumors suggest that Stenzek and Tahlreth, the first developer of AetherSX2, are the same person.

The Future of DuckStation

Despite the statements, many users hope that DuckStation will continue in development. The emulator is widely considered one of the best options for running PS1 games, offering high accuracy and compatibility with various platforms, such as Windows, Android, and Xbox​.

However, the project’s continuation is threatened, and the closure of DuckStation could become a reality if the developer does not find a solution to the issues he faces. So far, the creator has not given a final date, but the community remains apprehensive about the emulator’s future.

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With information from Mr. Sujano