Question about DuckStation LibRetro port

Libretro Cores
#1

Hello there,

I was going to build the DuckStation LIbretro port today. I know it’s name was changed to SwanStation, but I can’t find the SwanStation code on github.

I think I read somewhere that the DuckStation author was now maintaining the Libretro port himself, but maybe I am wrong: I looked at the upstream DuckStation code and there’s no sign of LibRetro support, except for some orphan build system stuff, but no complete support (unless I am missing something).

So, what’s the current situation? I know there were some problems with this core, so I don’t want to offend anybody, I just can’t find updated info on the current core situation.

Thanks!

EDIT: I seems to be a repo for it here: https://github.com/kivutar/swanstation So maybe it’s being maintained by mr Kivutar of Lakka fame?

#2

Duckstation core’s libretro-ization is closed-source, so it is indeed handled upstream.

Swanstation is a fork (one that the Duckstation author is not a fan of) that is indeed maintained by kivutar.

#3

Thanks as always for the updated information, mr Hunterk.

It’s a very strange situation: the Kivutar fork seems in good shape and updated regularly from upstream. So, isn’t that close-source libretro-ization a duplicate effort?

#4

It’s the author’s own work, so it’s their prerogative. And, as I said, they also don’t like the swanstation fork existing, at all. Kivutar works for a company and maintains the fork for their use, but the Duckstation author doesn’t like the idea of a company using their work (which I get; we were very resistant to companies using our work for a long time but eventually made peace with it as just a part of writing open source software).

We have tried to respect/support the Duckstation author’s wishes as much as possible without stepping on the rights of kivutar and his employer (as imparted by the license used for the rest of the code and the pre-closed libretro-ization). I sympathize with both parties :confused:

1 Like
#5

@hunterk I understan the dilemma and both parts (albeit I tend to sympathyze with the anti-company party!)

Thanks once again, it’s all clear now.

#6

So, in conclusion, is Duckstation more up to date than Swanstation? I don’t need both, just the one that’s closer to the standalone.

#7

Duckstation is made by upstream, so yes, it’s going to be the most reliably up-to-date.