In case you didn't know

[superart]

Edit:

[Hoopz]

From the Mame FAQ:

Can I play two-player games over the Internet?

Officially, no. Empirical evidence shows that network play tends to attract the wrong kind of people. Network play is also seen as a novelty feature with no development value, so none of the main developers are interested in implementing it.

Do not ask for such a feature to be implemented, and do not ask us for any support using 3rd party programs. Specifically, do not ask about a well-known but license violating build that starts with a 'K'. That such a build exists and openly flaunts their violation of the MAME license only serves to reinforce the assertion that this feature attracts the wrong crowd.

Edit for emphasis.

[Kajoq]

That is  completely wrong HooPZ.  I've used the peer to peer kaillera client quite a bit, as well as the basic server based kaillera client to play on MAME.

The p2p client is very good,  Good enough that very frame reliant fighters are worth playing. Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike (i've had people full parry supers against me before), etc.

Definitely check out the p2p client... The server based ones are alright, but the lag can get really bad

[CheffoJeffo]

Um, he quoted the MAME FAQ ... what exactly was wrong with what he said ?

RTFP

EDIT: In case you didn't know ... http://arcadecontrols.com/BYOAC-and-MAME.shtml

[superart]

Edit:

[Cakemeister]

FYI both of you sound like Tranq/shorthair.

If you are him, be careful lest you get banned again.

In any case, I would not mention K-------a on this board. It specifically goes against Saint's wishes. Look at the link Cheffo posted.

[superart]

edit

[Sir Auros]

Wouldn't certain frontends like GameEx go against it, too? Doesn't GameEx have some network support? Can't it remove the nagscreens upon startup?

Personally, I think their objections to netplay are absurd. Attract the wrong kind of people, indeed. 

[SavannahLion]

Personally, I think their objections to netplay are absurd. Attract the wrong kind of people, indeed. 

Personally I think a number of MAME's development policies are absurd or border on absurd. But who am I to say? I'm neither a developer for MAME or a member of whatever committee or cabal makes decisions about MAME.

For instance, there are a couple of branching projects that I think MAME really should take up and are well within their asserted goal, but alas, it appears to be contrary to their policies? 

Whatever. Let MAME preen itself all they want. As long as they don't force their project into a closed source project, I'll remain happy.

[CheffoJeffo]

Personally I think a number of MAME's development policies are absurd or border on absurd. But who am I to say?

Exactly right ... and by that I mean that I too disagree with the MAMEDevs from time to time, but it is their product, their butts and their time. And saint wants BYOAC to be friendly, so we are.

NOTE: I just reread this and, since it is not apparent from my phrasing, this is a reinforcement of SavannahLion's post, not a criticism.

* CheffoJeffo turns the bloody coffee maker on