MAMEWorld Forums - EmuChat - R. Belmont’s M1: questions and suggestions

Hi guys,

First of all, sorry if these issues have been discussed a million times before on this forum. I haven’t really hung out here for years. (I was a regular on the original Mame forums around 10 years ago.)

Also, I realise I could have sent all this directly to R. Belmont himself, but I wanted to see if others had any opinions.

First of all, I was wondering if M1 is still being supported and will ever be updated?

Also I’m a bit confused about the definitions/xml file, which some Japanese person is keeping updated (http://www.e2j.net/downloads.html). What is this file for? Does it affect which games will run, or allow new games to work? If not, what does it do? Does simply updating the definitions file mean M1 no longer needs developing?

I also have a couple of suggestions for R. Belmont:

First, I REALLY think the M1 homepage should have a FAQ, because I find M1 quite mysterious and confusing. Suggestions for the FAQ include:

1. What exactly does M1 do? (Basic info)
2. Who made it and why? (Basic info)
3. Does M1 require MAME to run?
4. How do I run it? (Information about BridgeM1)
5. What are the “lists” files for and where do I get them?
6. What is the definitions file and where do I get it?
7. Can I contribute to the list and definitions file?
8. Is M1 still in development/does it need further development?
9. Are there any alternatives/other programs like it?
10. How come some games are not supported, even though MAME supports them?
11. How likely is it that [x unsupported game] will eventually be supported?
12. How come there are so many music emulators for games consoles, but only one for arcade games, developed occasionally by one person?
13. Can I help/support M1?

My second suggestion is that R. Belmont change the name of M1, for the following reasons:

1. Mainly because it’s absolutely impossible to search for. No one outside this community is ever going to hear about it or be able to find it! (Or is that the intention?)
2. Secondly, “M1” is a totally non-descriptive name.
3. Finally, to me M1 doesn’t do justice to how awesome, powerful, fun and exciting the software is—not to mention the fact that it’s totally unique.

Personally I’d call it something like “Emusician - the arcade music player”.

I should also ask if R. Belmont requires a logo for the program? I’m a graphic designer and I think everything should have a logo!

Jamie