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[this topic is NOT concerning gaming piracy and the 'morals' of buying illegitimate software, but about the policies employed by games shops, especially over the Christmas period]
It's reasonable to assume that almost all of us who use these forums are agreed on at least ONE major issue.
In general, it is universally agreed that piracy is completely unacceptable. Regardless of whether the prices of games in this day and age justify 'alternative' methods of acquiring software, most of us would agree that piracy is simply unacceptable because of;
a) the consequences on the market
and b) the vast majority of us are willing to pay for legitimate games, and feel somewhat cheated by those who persistently look for 'shortcuts' to save themselves money.
A simple glance throughout the SR forums will reveal a number of suggested ways to counter-act the problem of gaming piracy, but, where can the 'line' be drawn? What level can software/hardware companies go to in an effort to prevent gaming piracy? In theory, there will always be SOME way of 'cheating' the system, and the chances are we ALL know of, or HAVE known of, people who engage in piracy.
It's well known that many of us have the ability to pirate games (PS1 most notably) as MANY PC's are now sold with built in CD-Writing software. It's also highly likely that in the near future PS2 pirating will become much more popular, and before too long the sales of PS2 games will drop somewhat due to the increase in pirate software.
My point, however, is the policies employed by games shops, especially over the Christmas period.
You cannot fault the service from high-street retailers the likes of EB, Game, and HMV. At any stage of the year you can return any software for a full refund. It's great news for those of us who may from time to time want to legitimately return a game because of a duplicate birthday present, or because of a truly unacceptable game (as is my case with a Christmas present for my dad). It's sound business strategy, as it certainly influences me when deciding where to purchase my games. I know that I can buy a game knowing that I have the security of a full refund should I wish so.
However, how easy does this make piracy? ESPECIALLY, as during the Christmas period these policies are often extended until sometime in January. Once again, I fail to fault the service by all these companies, and as in my case it's great that I can return an awful game and get something a little better in it's place. What does this mean for piracy though? The ability to buy a game, create a pirate copy, and return it for a money-back refund!?
There's no way of changing this of course, because this sort of service is absolutely crucial to the success of major high-street retailers. Furthermore, why should we give up the opportunity to return unwanted gifts for those who persist to 'cheat' the system?
It's extremely unfortunate that the way games retailers work, tends to benefit gaming-pirates.
Of course it angers me that this sort of thing goes on continually, but then again... When you next visit your local game retailer and look through the bargain sections, it's a fair bet that a number of the games you see have been returned after being purchased for 'pirating' reasons.
But, a top quality new release, without any form of damage, for £25? No-one can complain about that. :-)
I may not agree with it, but I sure as hell make sure I benefit from the 'Christmas Rejects Syndrome'.
It's reasonable to assume that almost all of us who use these forums are agreed on at least ONE major issue.
In general, it is universally agreed that piracy is completely unacceptable. Regardless of whether the prices of games in this day and age justify 'alternative' methods of acquiring software, most of us would agree that piracy is simply unacceptable because of;
a) the consequences on the market
and b) the vast majority of us are willing to pay for legitimate games, and feel somewhat cheated by those who persistently look for 'shortcuts' to save themselves money.
A simple glance throughout the SR forums will reveal a number of suggested ways to counter-act the problem of gaming piracy, but, where can the 'line' be drawn? What level can software/hardware companies go to in an effort to prevent gaming piracy? In theory, there will always be SOME way of 'cheating' the system, and the chances are we ALL know of, or HAVE known of, people who engage in piracy.
It's well known that many of us have the ability to pirate games (PS1 most notably) as MANY PC's are now sold with built in CD-Writing software. It's also highly likely that in the near future PS2 pirating will become much more popular, and before too long the sales of PS2 games will drop somewhat due to the increase in pirate software.
My point, however, is the policies employed by games shops, especially over the Christmas period.
You cannot fault the service from high-street retailers the likes of EB, Game, and HMV. At any stage of the year you can return any software for a full refund. It's great news for those of us who may from time to time want to legitimately return a game because of a duplicate birthday present, or because of a truly unacceptable game (as is my case with a Christmas present for my dad). It's sound business strategy, as it certainly influences me when deciding where to purchase my games. I know that I can buy a game knowing that I have the security of a full refund should I wish so.
However, how easy does this make piracy? ESPECIALLY, as during the Christmas period these policies are often extended until sometime in January. Once again, I fail to fault the service by all these companies, and as in my case it's great that I can return an awful game and get something a little better in it's place. What does this mean for piracy though? The ability to buy a game, create a pirate copy, and return it for a money-back refund!?
There's no way of changing this of course, because this sort of service is absolutely crucial to the success of major high-street retailers. Furthermore, why should we give up the opportunity to return unwanted gifts for those who persist to 'cheat' the system?
It's extremely unfortunate that the way games retailers work, tends to benefit gaming-pirates.
Of course it angers me that this sort of thing goes on continually, but then again... When you next visit your local game retailer and look through the bargain sections, it's a fair bet that a number of the games you see have been returned after being purchased for 'pirating' reasons.
But, a top quality new release, without any form of damage, for £25? No-one can complain about that. :-)
I may not agree with it, but I sure as hell make sure I benefit from the 'Christmas Rejects Syndrome'.
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Grix Thraves wrote:
> pop
> pop
pop
I hate the way Harry Potter was the number one.
I am really starting to hate everything to do with simple minded children who buy anything with HP on it.
Infact today I will go to Wimbledon and stand in GAME, everytime I see someone approaching the HP game, I will tell them to get the hell away.... that will stop em. lil craps.
I am really starting to hate everything to do with simple minded children who buy anything with HP on it.
Infact today I will go to Wimbledon and stand in GAME, everytime I see someone approaching the HP game, I will tell them to get the hell away.... that will stop em. lil craps.
As I said, I think there'll always be some way of 'cheating the system' and it's somewhat unlikely that software piracy won't continue through this 'generation' or gaming, and 'generations' to come.
As long as there are people intent on finding a way to save money, it'll always happen. CD's/DVD's are simply too easy to pirate, and it'd seem cartridges are one of the few options currently available that would solve the problem.
Piracy is as big a problem now as it's ever been, and it's growing with each and every new release.
As long as there are people intent on finding a way to save money, it'll always happen. CD's/DVD's are simply too easy to pirate, and it'd seem cartridges are one of the few options currently available that would solve the problem.
Piracy is as big a problem now as it's ever been, and it's growing with each and every new release.
I also hate this piracy thing that's been going around. It was annoying to see how everyone thought they were cool by getting their PS's chipped and buying copied games, and I hope there's no way it'll catch onto the next-gen. consoles! I know someone with a CD re-writer who copies games and CD's, but he gives them away for free. I'm supirsed that with the amount he does he doesn't charge people. It may just be a sad attempt at getting more friends! I'm never gunna take up on pirate games! "AAAAAAARRRRRGGH!!!"
Agent_Under_Fire wrote:
> U boring boy!!!!!!How could u be bothered to rite all that stuff?I don't no wot
> its about but it can't be interesting cos i fell asleep on the 1st line.
Quick bit of info for you. You don't HAVE to reply to any topic you find too mentally challenging for you, expressing your 'boredom' with the post.
You telling us that you found the first line boring really didn't add anything to the conversation now did it?
> U boring boy!!!!!!How could u be bothered to rite all that stuff?I don't no wot
> its about but it can't be interesting cos i fell asleep on the 1st line.
Quick bit of info for you. You don't HAVE to reply to any topic you find too mentally challenging for you, expressing your 'boredom' with the post.
You telling us that you found the first line boring really didn't add anything to the conversation now did it?
Agent_Under_Fire wrote:
> U boring boy!!!!!!How could u be bothered to rite all that stuff?I don't no wot
> its about but it can't be interesting cos i fell asleep on the 1st line.
Quick bit of info for you. You don't HAVE to reply to any topic you find too mentally challenging for you, expressing your 'boredom' with the post.
You telling us that you found the first line boring really didn't add anything to the conversation now did it?
> U boring boy!!!!!!How could u be bothered to rite all that stuff?I don't no wot
> its about but it can't be interesting cos i fell asleep on the 1st line.
Quick bit of info for you. You don't HAVE to reply to any topic you find too mentally challenging for you, expressing your 'boredom' with the post.
You telling us that you found the first line boring really didn't add anything to the conversation now did it?
Agent_Under_Fire wrote:
> Sorry about the text speak i'm just to used to it.
thats ok, l8er
slik ~_~
> Sorry about the text speak i'm just to used to it.
thats ok, l8er
slik ~_~
Sorry about the text speak i'm just to used to it.
outlaw_uk2002 wrote:
> Agent_Under_Fire wrote:
> U boring boy!!!!!!How could u be bothered to rite
> all that stuff?I don't no wot
> its about but it can't be interesting cos i
> fell asleep on the 1st line.
We're simple folk in the forums, and we don't
> like text speek. You come from the big city with your fancy P.C and next
> generation consoles laughing at us with our 133mhz and Sega Saturns. Bah! Or
> I'll get Mystique to smash you with 'er stick!
in more ways than one! lol
slik ~_~
> Agent_Under_Fire wrote:
> U boring boy!!!!!!How could u be bothered to rite
> all that stuff?I don't no wot
> its about but it can't be interesting cos i
> fell asleep on the 1st line.
We're simple folk in the forums, and we don't
> like text speek. You come from the big city with your fancy P.C and next
> generation consoles laughing at us with our 133mhz and Sega Saturns. Bah! Or
> I'll get Mystique to smash you with 'er stick!
in more ways than one! lol
slik ~_~
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