The Video Game Critic

It seems there's lots of topics criticizing online game codes, exclusive DLC, the need to always be online in order to play, etc. and see them as a way for companies to deter used game sales.  While that's part of it, another part is also piracy.  I know three people who each own Xbox 360's and one who owns a Wii and they all have their systems modded with about 50-100 games burned for each.  How can companies cut down on piracy in a way that also pleases the people who don't want to deal with having online codes and things of that nature?  I don't necessarily like way gaming is going with online, but at the same time I understand how frustrating it must be to know that X number of people are stealing their product.  And as more people get broadband and downloadable games move more towards the forefront, it's probably only going to get worse.

Well, I still believe that at least 95% of the gaming population are playing 'on the level' and not illegally downloading/pirating games. So if you ask me, I don't think it's worth punishing that rough 90% just because the presumed 10% can't fall in line.

But yeah. You start making things harder on that 90% and you are going to start seeing those numbers drop dramatically.

Typo: In that first line I meant 90% (not 95%).

Luke wrote:Typo: In that first line I meant 90% (not 95%).

FAKE STAT ALERT!

Wny not have a pirating roll call on this site? Everyone who stole Wii or 360 or PS3 games gets banned for life. Get rid of the real trolls.

If you stole games this generation, be man enough to own up to it.!

Here is The Mad Blogger's take on this.

Stealing is wrong.
It is not a slippery slope.
There is no "wiggle room" in this area.

If you have a CD of a Wii game or a PS3 game or any game, and you did not purchase this game through legal means, if you, as the original poster said, "have their systems modded with about 50-100 games burned for each," you are stealing.

Even if video game companies have ludicrous trends (for example, have a customer buying a video game and then having to pay an additional fee for a code or whatever perk you get by shelling out more money), it does not justify a person stealing games as a way to compensate.

However, what I do believe should happen is that video game ROMs after a period of time should be of public domain. Take the Atari 2600 ROMs, for example. There is a claim that if you own the game, you can download the ROM. Guess what? Most people do not own these games. So, what they are doing is stealing.

On the other hand, what about consumers who want to play these games, but they are not available? You can play Atari 2600 games on the PC or consoles, but you are limited in terms of which games you can play. Or, you can buy an external device that is of low quality. As an example, don't even get me started on the Flashback or Flashback 2.

So, my take of this is that if:

1. Games have been released for 20 years OR
2. The associated system is outdated by TWO versions or more OR
3. The game is not available for purchase on a current system (for example, Virtual Console)

The game should be available for download as part of public domain. Otherwise, if a person wants to play a game, they should purchase it.

The Mad Blogger> What about purchasing used games? The companies see none of that money either. Is that wrong?

I always laugh when the industry screams about piracy and theft. The whole damn industry is based on "borrowing" (i.e. stealing) the latest hot idea. I can't think of a better example than Street Fighter 2. Nearly every second game in 1995 was a blatant copy of SF2.

[quote= The Mad Blogger]Stealing is wrong.
It is not a slippery slope.
There is no "wiggle room" in this area.[/quote]

You say there is no wiggle room, then you suggest that games should become public domain after a period of time (which I agree with). Don't you see the contradiction there? Sorry, there is a sliding scale involved. There is a HUGE difference between copying the latest PS3/360 title versus a rare, obscure 2600 title that nobody remembers. I'm sure if I went to the police and told them I downloaded a 2600 game and am ready to face the consequences they would laugh in my face. 

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Chaser writes:

"Mad Blogger, what about purchasing used games? The companies see none of that money either. Is that wrong?"

Great question. If I buy a game, I paid for this game, and if I wish to sell that game, I can do so. That is capitalism, part of the free market. For example, when Toys R Us buy games from Nintendo, they sell them to the consumers at a profit.

However, there is a difference in selling a game you purchased legally and making copies of that game illegally.

Viper82 writes, "Mad Blogger, you say there is no wiggle room, then you suggest that games should become public domain after a period of time (which I agree with). Don't you see the contradiction there?"

The Mad Blogger can suggest anything. He sees the logic behind making games of a certain age or console to be part of public domain. Just like I can suggest that the protesters from Operation Wall Street go home.

The Mad Blogger can suggest anything, but that does not make it so. Until that happens, until we can change something, we have to go by is, not what we want it to be. And so, presently, if you are downloading a ROM illegally, even if it is an old Atari 2600 ROM, that is stealing. Remember, just because something CAN be done does not mean it SHOULD be done.

"Sorry, there is a sliding scale involved."

You can't be a little pregnant and you can't steal a little. As Yoda said, "Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."

"There is a HUGE difference between copying the latest PS3/360 title versus a rare, obscure 2600 title that nobody remembers."

Stealing is stealing. You can justify it all you want. You can also put as much powdered sugar on a pile of dog poop as you want, but it's not going to turn into a chocolate donut.

"I'm sure if I went to the police and told them I downloaded a 2600 game and am ready to face the consequences they would laugh in my face."

They would probably wonder what you are talking about. Again, even if you can get away with stealing does not make it right to steal.

The Mad Blogger has spoken.

Preview of Catch Phrase
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The Mad Blogger is the man who
...Shakes Things Up
[next line on Friday, November 4]
[final two lines on Monday, November 7]

I always laugh when the industry screams about piracy and theft. The whole damn industry is based on "borrowing" (i.e. stealing) the latest hot idea. I can't think of a better example than Street Fighter 2. Nearly every second game in 1995 was a blatant copy of SF2.

I always laugh when I see someone use about as "apples and oranges" of a comparison as I have ever seen to justify something to themselves.I'm sorry, but that was weak.  I'm not taking sides or anything, I'm just amazed that someone would publicly make such a weak comparison to try to make a point.  Those things are so dissimilar....