MCV Wants your opinion (again)
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Topic started: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 17:34Log-in or register to post to this topic.
Wed, 20 Oct 2004 19:38
DoctorDee wrote:
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
Nope. Haven't got the ability to do it on most systems, nor do I have the inclination.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
If you can use the internet and have reasonable knowledge of the filesharing systems available, easy as pie. PC, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, even Dreamcast stuff still pops up regularly.
GBA games are so widely pirated it's unreal - the emulator is good, the ROMs are small, and you can put it on a real GBA via flash cart. Dreamcast stuff is the easiest after that - new games from Japan are often ripped within a few days, and can be downloaded and will run on a totally unmodded DC. On Gamecube, you really need to know what you're doing - a specific exploit involving Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 and a broadband adaptor. As such, Gamecube piracy isn't really so hot. On PS2, you're after a chip and then you can download and burn to your heart's content. It's even easier on Xbox - chip, stick a bigger hard drive in it and store all your pirated games on that. I don't really think I even need to address the PC piracy issue too much.
All sorts of methods are used, too - FTP, newsgroups, Direct Connect, BitTorrent, and more. Seemingly, market stalls with dodgy copies are on the decrease - the internet is quicker, cheaper, and has pretty much any game you could want.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
The tempting factors are price, availability and release dates.
Games are often felt to be too expensive at £40 a pop. Someone can legitimately buy a few games month, or download using a fast internet connection for free and never miss another game they want again. It's the easiest way to experience the most games.
It's sometimes hard to find older or more obscure games - I could easily see someone pirating Rez out of sheer frustration. Also, particularly in Europe, people are downloading games that won't come out in the region for a long time, or possibly at all. I know some people went specifically for Animal Crossing as time went by. It's the easiest way to get overseas and obscure releases.
Release dates can do it, too. Full rips of Sonic Heroes and Sonic Advance 3 hit the internet before the games hit the shops. Doom 3, Half Life 2 and Halo 2 are pretty well documented now, I'd guess. Put simply, games reach the internet before they reach shop shelves. To some people, that will be appealing. It's the easiest way to get to the popular titles first.
Wed, 20 Oct 2004 21:49
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
When I had a PS2 it most certainly was, but no more since I sold it. I still download the odd PC game to try, but if I really play a game, I buy it.
If so, on which formats?
Playstation, Dreamcast and PS2. Out of these consoles I only have a DC left now though.
Oh, and PC too.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Easy, and getting easier all the time.
10 years ago it was swapping floppy discs with mates for PC games, now it's burning DVDRs of PS2 and XBOX games that you've downloaded in a matter of hours.
The advent of bittorrent has has a huge effect on downloading games with many many more being readily available, much easier than it was when I actually used to do it.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
years ago when I was a student it was only PC games, and then it was purely financial reasons, that, and the fact it was a norm amongst my peers. Once I grew up, got a job, I eventually bought all my fave PC games, and more, hence the pile of oversized boxes still sticking out like a sore thumb in the corner of my living room.
I began getting copied Playstation games too eventually, but found that I never really played them anyway, and if I did play a game so much and really enjoyed it, I just went out and bought it. When I had my PS2 chipped I still downloaded pirated games, but purely to try out, like extended demos if you will. It's the only way to try imports, weird and obscure games, without shelling out for them, but still, if the game got played, it got bought. Having a chipped PS2 with easy access to any game from any region, downloadable in a short space of time, meant that I bought more games than I would have otherwise, because I knew beforehand what I was buying.
Thu, 21 Oct 2004 01:16
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
It's very easy to be tempted by this in the internet age. I will admit to partaking in some old GB and arcade game roms, but all of which I looked for have been games never released outside of japan. A big case of access denied, but what drove me was what had I missed out on? Some suit decided Game X wasn't good enough for me to buy, physically and legally over here.
I think especially in the case of old software like GB, game roms etc, no one would have a problem paying to download them legally, but it's strange no one has bothered doing this so far. There is also no database of these old games kept for the public to access when needed, kind of like a museum of games but in code form. This needs to be sorted out somehow. I'd love to be able to access old roms from my local library, the same way I might an old book, and play them on a legal PC emulator or something. A pipedream perhaps, you decide but don't tell me it's not possible.
So on that question for very old 2D games that no one wants to play, especially in this 3D age, I stand a little guilty. But with regard to recent and brand new game like Doom, Halo 2 and Half Life 2, I don't agree with that, and that's a big fat no. Double standards some might cry, but some standard are better than none. I don't download any these games for any of my consoles or pc. Strictly retro on that front.
I'd never spend money on dodge software because I like walking into games stores and buying games. I also don't like the idea of funding potential criminals and terrorists. Even with a illegal rom download no money is exchanged and I know it's all about the games, I bloody well hope so anyway.
If so, on which formats?
Just old arcade gems from my youth, games I never got a chance to play on the coach trip to Great Yarmouth years ago. Old Game Gear, Lynx, GB games that are forgotten and perhaps unknown by many.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Not to sure about physically since the crackdown on pirated games in the PSone era, there might be no more market stalls selling them in your town, but that just drove the whole thing underground and online. With the internet you are dealing with the whole planet, and while there are sources and places they are always changing when one place is shut down. It's like trying to hunt a yeti. In code form it's easier I think though.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
With the downloading bit it would be to track down niche 2D titles no one wants to release or play anymore. After that there's the nostalgia factor of simple gaming without all the crap that plagues todays games like camera angles and polygon counts etc. Also for my personal consumption and fun only.
If my knowledge is correct Sega are the only ones bold enough, having set up a download service for their old MD and I think MS games for a price in Japan. Not sure if it's still active but it's an attempt to meet retro gamers half way. Why on earth is there not a similar service outside of japan? I can't answer that one, find someone who can. Though illegal, emulators and roms will plug this niche retro gap til there is a suitable legal alternative. Who will be our champion? Anyone?
For the future I hope Nintendo exploit the downloadable option to the full with the DS, same with PSP if it can. Paying for and downloading a game demo would be like topping up your phone credit, simple and easy. As for the piracy problem I think each console having media storage like GC or PSPs UMD would be the best option. Though GC hasn't done better than Sony in the long run, it has in the anti-piracy stakes done superbly, with piracy being very low. Sony and MS on the other hand are still drowning in the problem because of the DVD format option. A double edged DVD sword bringing worldwide success and big piracy failure. You wanna beat piracy, design the media for your console only, and most of the piracy would disappear. I'll be watching closely to see if Sony and MS repeat the same mistakes and fuel piracy even more.
You would have thought that Sony of all people would have learned from the PSone piracy problem, to not take the easy way out, but they didn't and chose DVD film sales to make more PS2 money. With Xbox also opting for DVD format, it too is feeling the pain. I feel sorry Bungie, Valve and id over their games being available online. It's the media thing, the closer a console is to PC in software or hardware the easier it will be to crack open games.
There are some smart people with PC knowledge in the world, so make things hard for them to crack and reproduce. Even if they can upload a GC game to the net, it makes no sense without the GC 8cm disks. Specially adapted hexagonal or octagonal Xbox2 DVD media, only available from MS? Surely this is the answer to the piracy question. I suppose getting games out at the same time worldwide, or closer to each together would also help stamp the pirates out.
Lastly I'd much rather buy an official or even imported copy, safe in the knowledge that the developers are getting their cut, than any dodgy market cheddar or downloaded copy of any game.
It's very easy to be tempted by this in the internet age. I will admit to partaking in some old GB and arcade game roms, but all of which I looked for have been games never released outside of japan. A big case of access denied, but what drove me was what had I missed out on? Some suit decided Game X wasn't good enough for me to buy, physically and legally over here.
I think especially in the case of old software like GB, game roms etc, no one would have a problem paying to download them legally, but it's strange no one has bothered doing this so far. There is also no database of these old games kept for the public to access when needed, kind of like a museum of games but in code form. This needs to be sorted out somehow. I'd love to be able to access old roms from my local library, the same way I might an old book, and play them on a legal PC emulator or something. A pipedream perhaps, you decide but don't tell me it's not possible.
So on that question for very old 2D games that no one wants to play, especially in this 3D age, I stand a little guilty. But with regard to recent and brand new game like Doom, Halo 2 and Half Life 2, I don't agree with that, and that's a big fat no. Double standards some might cry, but some standard are better than none. I don't download any these games for any of my consoles or pc. Strictly retro on that front.
I'd never spend money on dodge software because I like walking into games stores and buying games. I also don't like the idea of funding potential criminals and terrorists. Even with a illegal rom download no money is exchanged and I know it's all about the games, I bloody well hope so anyway.
If so, on which formats?
Just old arcade gems from my youth, games I never got a chance to play on the coach trip to Great Yarmouth years ago. Old Game Gear, Lynx, GB games that are forgotten and perhaps unknown by many.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Not to sure about physically since the crackdown on pirated games in the PSone era, there might be no more market stalls selling them in your town, but that just drove the whole thing underground and online. With the internet you are dealing with the whole planet, and while there are sources and places they are always changing when one place is shut down. It's like trying to hunt a yeti. In code form it's easier I think though.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
With the downloading bit it would be to track down niche 2D titles no one wants to release or play anymore. After that there's the nostalgia factor of simple gaming without all the crap that plagues todays games like camera angles and polygon counts etc. Also for my personal consumption and fun only.
If my knowledge is correct Sega are the only ones bold enough, having set up a download service for their old MD and I think MS games for a price in Japan. Not sure if it's still active but it's an attempt to meet retro gamers half way. Why on earth is there not a similar service outside of japan? I can't answer that one, find someone who can. Though illegal, emulators and roms will plug this niche retro gap til there is a suitable legal alternative. Who will be our champion? Anyone?
For the future I hope Nintendo exploit the downloadable option to the full with the DS, same with PSP if it can. Paying for and downloading a game demo would be like topping up your phone credit, simple and easy. As for the piracy problem I think each console having media storage like GC or PSPs UMD would be the best option. Though GC hasn't done better than Sony in the long run, it has in the anti-piracy stakes done superbly, with piracy being very low. Sony and MS on the other hand are still drowning in the problem because of the DVD format option. A double edged DVD sword bringing worldwide success and big piracy failure. You wanna beat piracy, design the media for your console only, and most of the piracy would disappear. I'll be watching closely to see if Sony and MS repeat the same mistakes and fuel piracy even more.
You would have thought that Sony of all people would have learned from the PSone piracy problem, to not take the easy way out, but they didn't and chose DVD film sales to make more PS2 money. With Xbox also opting for DVD format, it too is feeling the pain. I feel sorry Bungie, Valve and id over their games being available online. It's the media thing, the closer a console is to PC in software or hardware the easier it will be to crack open games.
There are some smart people with PC knowledge in the world, so make things hard for them to crack and reproduce. Even if they can upload a GC game to the net, it makes no sense without the GC 8cm disks. Specially adapted hexagonal or octagonal Xbox2 DVD media, only available from MS? Surely this is the answer to the piracy question. I suppose getting games out at the same time worldwide, or closer to each together would also help stamp the pirates out.
Lastly I'd much rather buy an official or even imported copy, safe in the knowledge that the developers are getting their cut, than any dodgy market cheddar or downloaded copy of any game.
Thu, 21 Oct 2004 08:55
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
I occasionally download - yes. But I never purchase pirated software - people selling stuff they had no part in creating are even bigger crooks than the software publishers.
But when a game warrants it, and I think I'll give it repeated play, I pay for it. The industry is REALLY not losing any sales from me, I don't download things I would have bought. I would not have bought things I download. All those "the industry is losing $50Trillion a year" claims are total scare tactics based on if EVERY game downloaded had been bought instead. The industry should concentrate on making good games rather than painting their market as crooks.
If so, on which formats?
Most. It's possible to do it on pretty much all of them really.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Dude - just get BitTorrent and google for it.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Morally - Because the software publishers are corrupt, controlling corporate bastards who care only about profit, and not at all about games or gamers. They release too much crap that doesn't warrant the purchase price.
Operationally - Because some games are not released at all (or in a time fashion) in the area of the world I happen to be at the time of release. This who region coding and non-simultaneous release thing is a bunch of horsecrap. Monkey-see monkey-want, if their playing a game in Japan or the States, I want it, and I want it NOW!
Financially - Games are too expensive. There are many reasons for this: games industry PR are overpaid coke-snorting assholes, the companies are focussed too heavily on shareholder value, and not enough on creating good, original games. As listed company, they are afriad to take risk, as corporate entities they have suits and not "kids" in creative control.
I occasionally download - yes. But I never purchase pirated software - people selling stuff they had no part in creating are even bigger crooks than the software publishers.
But when a game warrants it, and I think I'll give it repeated play, I pay for it. The industry is REALLY not losing any sales from me, I don't download things I would have bought. I would not have bought things I download. All those "the industry is losing $50Trillion a year" claims are total scare tactics based on if EVERY game downloaded had been bought instead. The industry should concentrate on making good games rather than painting their market as crooks.
If so, on which formats?
Most. It's possible to do it on pretty much all of them really.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Dude - just get BitTorrent and google for it.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Morally - Because the software publishers are corrupt, controlling corporate bastards who care only about profit, and not at all about games or gamers. They release too much crap that doesn't warrant the purchase price.
Operationally - Because some games are not released at all (or in a time fashion) in the area of the world I happen to be at the time of release. This who region coding and non-simultaneous release thing is a bunch of horsecrap. Monkey-see monkey-want, if their playing a game in Japan or the States, I want it, and I want it NOW!
Financially - Games are too expensive. There are many reasons for this: games industry PR are overpaid coke-snorting assholes, the companies are focussed too heavily on shareholder value, and not enough on creating good, original games. As listed company, they are afriad to take risk, as corporate entities they have suits and not "kids" in creative control.
Thu, 21 Oct 2004 11:12
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
I would never purchase pirated software. I might occasionally be tempted to download though.
If so, on which formats?
Dreamcast, PS2 and Xbox are all quite scummer-friendly.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Downloading is notoriously easy if you're set up with a DVD burner etc. Thankfully, the open sale of pirated material seems to be diminishing. I remember Ingleston market in Edinburgh and the Sunday market at Hackney Dogs Stadium being particularly cluttered with blagged material. But the police have closed the net on these bigger scale pirate markets - hopefully it will continue to get harder.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
If it wasn't actually available in my territory. There were alot of Dreamcast games never released outside Japan that just seemed to scream, 'go on, download me, I'm unusual and free...'. Also, emulated games not re-released in anthologies etc might stand out as obvious targets.
I would never purchase pirated software. I might occasionally be tempted to download though.
If so, on which formats?
Dreamcast, PS2 and Xbox are all quite scummer-friendly.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Downloading is notoriously easy if you're set up with a DVD burner etc. Thankfully, the open sale of pirated material seems to be diminishing. I remember Ingleston market in Edinburgh and the Sunday market at Hackney Dogs Stadium being particularly cluttered with blagged material. But the police have closed the net on these bigger scale pirate markets - hopefully it will continue to get harder.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
If it wasn't actually available in my territory. There were alot of Dreamcast games never released outside Japan that just seemed to scream, 'go on, download me, I'm unusual and free...'. Also, emulated games not re-released in anthologies etc might stand out as obvious targets.
Thu, 21 Oct 2004 12:47
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
Have used pirate software since the 8-bit era but rarely do these days.
If so, on which formats?
Speccy, Amiga, SNES, PSX, N64, DC, PC
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
It's a piece of piss
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Don't really do it now but in the past the main reason has always been down to the financial aspect. Getting hold of something before it's released over here is also a motive.
Have used pirate software since the 8-bit era but rarely do these days.
If so, on which formats?
Speccy, Amiga, SNES, PSX, N64, DC, PC
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
It's a piece of piss
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Don't really do it now but in the past the main reason has always been down to the financial aspect. Getting hold of something before it's released over here is also a motive.
Thu, 21 Oct 2004 18:38
Joji wrote:
If my knowledge is correct Sega are the only ones bold enough, having set up a download service for their old MD and I think MS games for a price in Japan. Not sure if it's still active but it's an attempt to meet retro gamers half way. Why on earth is there not a similar service outside of japan? I can't answer that one, find someone who can. Though illegal, emulators and roms will plug this niche retro gap til there is a suitable legal alternative. Who will be our champion? Anyone?
http://sega-gamehompo.jp/ is the service you're referring to. They also offered a service called DreamLibrary in Japan for DC, which allowed users to download Mega Drive and, thanks to an agreement with NEC, PC Engine games.
The service they currently run is fantastic, as it allows the user to download the cream of the crop. Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles are all present, as are both Ecco the Dolphin games, all three Streets of Rage titles, a couple of Phantasy Star games, Dynamite Headdy, Gunstar Heroes, Alien Soldier, the Wonderboy games, Shinobi 3 and a personal favourite, Crying (known as Bio-Hazard Battle in the West). They also offer some rarities - Sonic Eraser (originally only obtainable via use of the Mega Drive modem), Comix Zone and The Ooze.
It's something I wish Sega Europe and Sega of America would implement. I don't hold hopes out for Nintendo, as they'd evidently rather re-release older titles for £15 a pop.
EDIT: I just found out that they also offer the games stand-alone on CDs at roughly £10 each.
Fri, 22 Oct 2004 03:18
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
Why? Just because I happen to have Halo 2 in French? You can't judge me! You don't know me!
If so, on which formats?
I just picked up some awesome Colecovision killer aps. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that the game may or may not be a sequel to something that has to do with "defending"!
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Easier than it is to get hold of non-pirated software, it having a price tag and locked behind glass and all.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
It being labled, "H0tt LezBian Porn".
Why? Just because I happen to have Halo 2 in French? You can't judge me! You don't know me!
If so, on which formats?
I just picked up some awesome Colecovision killer aps. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that the game may or may not be a sequel to something that has to do with "defending"!
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
Easier than it is to get hold of non-pirated software, it having a price tag and locked behind glass and all.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
It being labled, "H0tt LezBian Porn".
Fri, 22 Oct 2004 07:50
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
The download or purchase of pirated software is both illegal and unconstitutional. It removes the right of god-fearing hard-working American corporations to effectively stamp on the rights and destroy the quality of life of ordinary people. And to make them poorer. It also gives the proletar.. proole... poor people the ability to have fun without some rich person getting a cut, and that has to be wrong.
If so, on which formats?
Piracy on any format is wrong. Some people believe that "forgotten" and "abandoned" formats are fair game for the illegal terrorist activity of "downloading". This is obviously a communist myth. These crap old games are going to make some rich people even richer when they start to appear on your mobile phone.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
I can't possibly say. But my friends and running dogs at the CIA, FBA and NSA are doing their best to make it damned near impossible. My good (but impartial) friedns in Texas and Florida are tabling a motion to make it ilegal to even think about downloading software. They're also planning to cut the peckers off people who look at porn, but that's a different issue.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Any warez or pr0n you might find on the computer in the oval office was undoubably left be a previous occupant.
The download or purchase of pirated software is both illegal and unconstitutional. It removes the right of god-fearing hard-working American corporations to effectively stamp on the rights and destroy the quality of life of ordinary people. And to make them poorer. It also gives the proletar.. proole... poor people the ability to have fun without some rich person getting a cut, and that has to be wrong.
If so, on which formats?
Piracy on any format is wrong. Some people believe that "forgotten" and "abandoned" formats are fair game for the illegal terrorist activity of "downloading". This is obviously a communist myth. These crap old games are going to make some rich people even richer when they start to appear on your mobile phone.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
I can't possibly say. But my friends and running dogs at the CIA, FBA and NSA are doing their best to make it damned near impossible. My good (but impartial) friedns in Texas and Florida are tabling a motion to make it ilegal to even think about downloading software. They're also planning to cut the peckers off people who look at porn, but that's a different issue.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Any warez or pr0n you might find on the computer in the oval office was undoubably left be a previous occupant.
Fri, 22 Oct 2004 07:52
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
I wouldn't purchase "pirated" software as I believe the developers of games and applications deserve my money, not those that copy the bulk of the software and possibly only alter copy protection routines. I have in the past swapped or downloaded illegal copies of software, but I haven't purchased it.
On another note, the term "piracy" is perhaps a little extreme for the act. The word "pirate" brings bloodthirsty slaughter and theivery to mind. A little extreme for copyright infringement don't you think?
No-one has been illegally deprived of goods (the very definition of theft) someone has copied a digital asset without the consent of the copyright holder. Admittedly that copying has potentially deprived the copyright holder of some revenue and is still illegal, but not quite as violent as "pirate" would have us believe.
Sort of like calling a flasher a rapist.
If so, on which formats?
I have previously copied software for the C64, Amiga and PC. I don't do it now that I have gainful employment and can afford the few games and applications that I do buy. Moving my home PC over to Linux has helped on the applications front too.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
From my limited knowledge of P2P software networks it seems that just about anything is available for download, as long as you have a CD-burner (who doesn't these days) you can get anything you want. If you're after console software then you also need to have your console chipped, but that seems to be just as easy to accomplish.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
If I were to aquire illegal copies of software I think the main factor would be cost. There are a lot of pieces of software, not games but applications, that cost a serious amount of money. If I was dipping my toe into a hobby or pursuit that required such software, I may be tempted to download a copy to try it out. I would purchase the software afterwards if I found it to my liking, deleteing the illegal copies at the same time.
There is no system in place for trying out software applications. Books, DVDs and games all have borrowing or renting systems in place that allow you to try them out before or instead of buying them outright.
With applications you need to go on reviews in magazines or hearsay. Magazine reviews are dubious as they are reviewing products by the same companies that advertise in those magazines. Hearsay, if from friends or trusted acquaintances, is a better way of obtaining information, but how do they know what to purchase in the first place?
I wouldn't purchase "pirated" software as I believe the developers of games and applications deserve my money, not those that copy the bulk of the software and possibly only alter copy protection routines. I have in the past swapped or downloaded illegal copies of software, but I haven't purchased it.
On another note, the term "piracy" is perhaps a little extreme for the act. The word "pirate" brings bloodthirsty slaughter and theivery to mind. A little extreme for copyright infringement don't you think?
No-one has been illegally deprived of goods (the very definition of theft) someone has copied a digital asset without the consent of the copyright holder. Admittedly that copying has potentially deprived the copyright holder of some revenue and is still illegal, but not quite as violent as "pirate" would have us believe.
Sort of like calling a flasher a rapist.
If so, on which formats?
I have previously copied software for the C64, Amiga and PC. I don't do it now that I have gainful employment and can afford the few games and applications that I do buy. Moving my home PC over to Linux has helped on the applications front too.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
From my limited knowledge of P2P software networks it seems that just about anything is available for download, as long as you have a CD-burner (who doesn't these days) you can get anything you want. If you're after console software then you also need to have your console chipped, but that seems to be just as easy to accomplish.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
If I were to aquire illegal copies of software I think the main factor would be cost. There are a lot of pieces of software, not games but applications, that cost a serious amount of money. If I was dipping my toe into a hobby or pursuit that required such software, I may be tempted to download a copy to try it out. I would purchase the software afterwards if I found it to my liking, deleteing the illegal copies at the same time.
There is no system in place for trying out software applications. Books, DVDs and games all have borrowing or renting systems in place that allow you to try them out before or instead of buying them outright.
With applications you need to go on reviews in magazines or hearsay. Magazine reviews are dubious as they are reviewing products by the same companies that advertise in those magazines. Hearsay, if from friends or trusted acquaintances, is a better way of obtaining information, but how do they know what to purchase in the first place?
Fri, 22 Oct 2004 08:17
Joji wrote:
If my knowledge is correct Sega are the only ones bold enough, having set up a download service for their old MD and I think MS games for a price in Japan.
But you have to bear in mind that Japan is one of the most honest cultures on the planet. People there regularly leave their doors unlocked - even today. And not just in little villages in the highlands, but in the major cities.
I was in Japan a while ago, and I saw a woman struggling with many bags of shopping. She put them down in a shop window, and picked two up and walked off. A few minutes later, she returned, picked up two more and went off again. It was only when she retuned a third time that we realised she was ferrying the bags, two at a time, to her appartment - and leaving the others, stuffed with shopping at the side of a packed Tokyo (Ikebukuro, actually) shopping street - and no one was touching them. Imagine that in Birmingham?
So I'd guess the Japanese prolly aren't that into software theft. So the "risk" of a download service is far less than of running a similar service in the west. But I could be wrong!
Fri, 22 Oct 2004 08:21
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
Purchase no, never. I've downloaded games, tried them and bought them if they've been good. I like to finish games so if the first level is pants it's off the hard disk PDQ
If so, on which formats?
PC downloads only.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
With the plethora of file sharing apps its getting to a point where it's a joke. Code leaks happen all the time and this must becoming from the developers.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Try before you buy.
Purchase no, never. I've downloaded games, tried them and bought them if they've been good. I like to finish games so if the first level is pants it's off the hard disk PDQ
If so, on which formats?
PC downloads only.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
With the plethora of file sharing apps its getting to a point where it's a joke. Code leaks happen all the time and this must becoming from the developers.
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
Try before you buy.
Mon, 25 Oct 2004 11:50
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
sometimes. i used to pirate loads of amiga stuff because i couldn't afford the games but once i got a job that changed. my heavy-weight amiga piracy probably helped in the downfall of the platform (along with the managements ineptness!!!)
If so, on which formats?
now, pc only. i don't have a chipped ps2 else i might do that too.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
dead easy ... just go on to the internet and download it. all this rubbish about it taking an age to download its just propaganda from the publishers. i snatched halo while i was at work. came home ... installed it ... 'played'. man, that pc conversion is just dross ... exactly why i didnt want to buy it!!!
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
i only go for games of questionable quality. i buy all the stuff i know to be good or my taste. anythying thats borderline i will download. if it turns out to be up to par i will buy it. another reason is because im terminally lazy. if i go to bed on a friday night and can play the game when i get up it saves me a trip to the 'local' gaming outlet.
i never buy pirate copies.
if publishers offered legit way to download games i would buy a lot of games online ... possibly even some of the borderline games i download now. we need an 'itunes' for games. i guess this is what valves steam is all about. i will definately buy half life 2 online ... if my pc is up to the job!!!
sometimes. i used to pirate loads of amiga stuff because i couldn't afford the games but once i got a job that changed. my heavy-weight amiga piracy probably helped in the downfall of the platform (along with the managements ineptness!!!)
If so, on which formats?
now, pc only. i don't have a chipped ps2 else i might do that too.
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
dead easy ... just go on to the internet and download it. all this rubbish about it taking an age to download its just propaganda from the publishers. i snatched halo while i was at work. came home ... installed it ... 'played'. man, that pc conversion is just dross ... exactly why i didnt want to buy it!!!
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?
i only go for games of questionable quality. i buy all the stuff i know to be good or my taste. anythying thats borderline i will download. if it turns out to be up to par i will buy it. another reason is because im terminally lazy. if i go to bed on a friday night and can play the game when i get up it saves me a trip to the 'local' gaming outlet.
i never buy pirate copies.
if publishers offered legit way to download games i would buy a lot of games online ... possibly even some of the borderline games i download now. we need an 'itunes' for games. i guess this is what valves steam is all about. i will definately buy half life 2 online ... if my pc is up to the job!!!
Mon, 25 Oct 2004 11:59
Alan Is my first name wrote:
You don't know me!
And remember folks, if you don't know Alan by now... you will never, ever know him!
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2130 comments
They were impressed with the opinions given, and so they'd like to ask about your habits and attitudes with respect to piracy.
They'd like to know your answers to the questions below - your answers will be treated in complete confidence, your forum handles will NOT be printed in the magazine.
Is the purchase/download of pirated software something you partake in?
If so, on which formats?
How easy is it to get hold of pirated software?
What would be the main reason behind you buying or downloading illegal code?