Game Jackal

Infobox_Software
name = Game Jackal


caption = Screenshot of Game Jackal with Code Red skin, as of v2.8. Here the games folder is visible.
developer = SlySoft
latest_release_version = v3.0.1.6
latest_release_date = release date|2008|5|20
operating_system = Microsoft Windows
genre = CD/DVD emulation
license = Proprietary
website = [http://www.slysoft.com www.slysoft.com/]

Game Jackal is a PC application developed by Antiguan-based company SlySoft that allows users to play PC game titles without the need for the game's media to be in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The program functions similar to a virtual drive, however instead of making use of large disc images, Game Jackal uses a proprietary format which takes up considerable less storage space by working to only capture data the game requires to run.

Game Jackal is advertised to work with around 90% of games on the market, including some of today's newest titles such as Sid Meier's Railroads!, Neverwinter Nights 2 and Need For Speed Carbon. While the authors admit not every title is bound to work with Game Jackal, support is gradually improving and regular updates which combat various bugs and blacklisting, as well as expanded functionality in the building of its profiles.

Game Jackal works by establishing a game profile which is used to store all of the game's relevant data. At first, you are required to have an original copy of the game in order to perform an initial boot so Game Jackal can successfully 'capture' the game for use later. If a first attempt at capturing a profile does not succeed, it may be performed any time after and anything else Game Jackal picks up will simply be added to the profile.

Legality

The legality of the usage of Game Jackal is still constantly being discussed. Its authors claim that the program is completely within legal boundaries because:
*The profiles are designed to be created from original copies of game CDs.
*The profiles can not be publicly distributed.
*The program does not modify any of the game's contents or data.

As of January 2007, Jacal Consulting has stopped developing Game Jackal. In March 2007, Slysoft acquired Game Jackal.

Jacal Consulting have announced that Game Jackal is no longer available for sale due to circumstances beyond their control, and have closed the official website. According to several press releases, this was due to changes in Australian copyright legislation that came into effect on 1 Jan 2007. However, on 2 June 2007, Slysoft released their own version of the software, now named 'SlySoft GameJackal Pro'.

ee also

* Copy Protection
* Backup
* End User License Agreement

External links

* [http://www.slysoft.com/en/gamejackal.html Game Jackal Pro website]
* [http://www.buyitbuildituseit.com/BuyItBuildItUseIt/Extras/PCGameCopying/gamejackal.html Game Jackal Guide]
* [http://club.cdfreaks.com Club CD Freaks, a support forum.]
* [http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/Game-Jackal-2-The-Second-Coming/ Game Jackal 2.0 Review]
* [http://forum.slysoft.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54 SlySoft forums]