Reflections about copyright infringement on personal computers
Reflections about copyright infringement on personal computers
I’m okay with downloading older titles that aren’t officially available from the creators or publishers. (I’m also fine with pirating even if it gets re-released on digital platforms when prices are too high for something that’s been out for years.) In my mind, the only games I’ve taken that way in the last five to ten years were the newest Deus Ex and L.A Noire. I bought both this year because I thought the prices were fair and hoped they supported the developers rather than resellers.
I also pirate music since I enjoy a lot of Japanese releases that are hard to find without going through endless loops. (Western music is a bit different—I do it mostly because I’m upset with the industry.) Regarding movies, I’d prefer more affordable options so I don’t end up spending $30 on a DVD or Blu-ray. It’s not perfect, and I don’t believe it’s a big issue, but it’s far from the negative behavior some people portray.
I used to purchase games I already knew I wanted to play, then resort to pirating where I wasn't certain and couldn't find demos. That situation shifted with Steam, allowing me to buy all my games or wait for sales. The Steam sale transformed my gaming experience. You can simply purchase it and try it out; if it doesn’t meet expectations, it’s just a low price. Still, a demo would be nice at times.
TV limits legal choices for most users globally. People expect to pay a premium for content typically accessed via an ad-supported service. It's normal that US audiences find it acceptable under such a model. Other regions may see piracy as justified, especially for one-time purchases. We're accustomed to paying for media because distribution has always been this way. Visiting a cinema remains distinct from downloading anything. Historically, getting content via iTunes or physical copies was significantly cheaper. Australian prices haven't kept up with inflation over the past decade, making piracy less appealing. Music platforms like Spotify and YouTube have largely eliminated piracy concerns. For games, especially PC titles, the situation is unclear—I'm not sure what you mean by "game piracy."
Avoid piracy and steer clear of complaints about Ubisoft's issues with PC users. Don't let it become a missed opportunity. Purchase the game if you wish to play, and skip it if you prefer not to.
There can be no justification for screwing over PC users. Piracy is just an excuse and they know it very well. I agree that you should just buy a game if you want to play it. If it's too expensive, wait for a sale... for the op: Piracy is basically stealing. There is no justification for it in any case, even if it is the only way to get something. I know people who couldn't buy certain games in their regions because of... reasons I guess? , so they pirated and I dont judge them.
I watch everything I can get my hands on since studios restrict content in theaters and on TV. Releasing things on DVD feels slow and costly to distribute.