I’ve stopped copying content, mainly.
I’ve stopped copying content, mainly.
Back then I was just a beginner without much interest in gaming. I played any AAA titles on my old laptop for fun and dreamed of getting an Alienware. Most of those games were illegally shared. Finding legitimate options was difficult because physical stores weren't available nearby and online purchases felt risky given the unstable internet in Nigeria. Two years ago, I discovered Steam, Humble Bundle, and basic PC knowledge beyond gaming rigs. That helped me stop pirating and started supporting myself through gaming. Although my lifestyle changed—less time on big games, losing some weight—I take pride in my decision.
I no longer have confidence in the game creators, often releasing incomplete titles and so forth. I’ve burned myself by making a few pre-orders, now I only buy games if I can test them firsthand. Usually I get them at friends’ houses or through online reviews, reading comments before deciding. Back then it was straightforward: the developer shares a free demo, I try it out and buy if it meets my needs. Now I understand why demos aren’t released—most games fall short and the budget is spent on marketing rather than improving quality.
Essentially, if I’m unsure about running the game, I’ll admit I might try to steal it and test it, hoping it works (usually I can, though some games have problems). If I do pirate it, the game already has my interest, but if I can’t play it in a fun way, then there’s no real reason to buy or play it.
I usually stick around. I spend money on games because I only buy a few titles and my job isn’t great. Still, I can’t afford to pay for every film... Hate that, but I appreciate the free streaming sites.