What's all the fuss about piracy of PC games?

Most developers these days develop games exclusively for consoles, or else release crappy console ports on the PC after a significant delay. They claim the reason for this is rampant piracy of PC games. But really, its a fact that even console games are pirated quite a lot. Just visit any popular torent or warez site, and you'll come across loads of pirated XBOX 360 and Wii games (pirated PS3 games are also found on these sites, but significantly less than XBOX 360 or Wii games). So why do developers keep claiming that piracy is the reason for them to ignore the PC platform and concentrate on consoles? What is the REAL reason for most major developers sidelining the PC?

Justifying an escape to console land.

They'll make more money that way, regardless of what's happenning on PC.

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

You realize that the PC has amassive amount of developer support, right? Arguably, more than the consoles (look at the sheer number of released exclusives/multiplats this gen alone).

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

Obviously_Right

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

nameless12345

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

lostrib

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

nameless12345

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

[QUOTE="Obviously_Right"]

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

parkurtommo

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

nameless12345

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

Actually they shouldnt use always on DRM,etc because it turns out that the pirated version of Witcher 2 was the version with DRM. Many people pirate games because of DRM, such as ubisoft games. In addition, pirated games are not the same as a lost sale. It's actually been found that many pirates actually end up purchasing more games

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

Obviously_Right

[QUOTE="Obviously_Right"]

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

yellosnolvr

Console games also have a much higher overall cost to publisher/developer

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

nameless12345

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

Obviously_Right

Diablo 3 :)

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

nameless12345

Most probably that one was also for playing on an emulator on PC. >.>

[QUOTE="Obviously_Right"]

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

yellosnolvr

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

glez13

Most probably that one was also for playing on an emulator on PC. >.>

It indeed was :P

[QUOTE="yellosnolvr"][QUOTE="Obviously_Right"]

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

nameless12345

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

To the company buying a used game and pirating a game is the same because they didnt get any money

[QUOTE="yellosnolvr"][QUOTE="Obviously_Right"]

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

nameless12345

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="yellosnolvr"] yeah. console gamers don't pirate at all. they don't buy used games and/or sell each other their games. they also don't rent games, either.lostrib

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

To the company buying a used game and pirating a game is the same because they didnt get any money

Doesn't matter. Piracy is illegal, used games are not.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

nameless12345

To the company buying a used game and pirating a game is the same because they didnt get any money

Doesn't matter. Piracy is illegal, used games are not.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

nameless12345

To the company buying a used game and pirating a game is the same because they didnt get any money

Doesn't matter. Piracy is illegal, used games are not.

We're not arguing about legality.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

To the company buying a used game and pirating a game is the same because they didnt get any money

parkurtommo

Doesn't matter. Piracy is illegal, used games are not.

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better retail games sales, lower the prices.

[QUOTE="parkurtommo"][QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Doesn't matter. Piracy is illegal, used games are not.

nameless12345

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better retail games sales, lower the prices.

Well the cost of creating and marketing a game have increased. So game companies want to cut out anything that may decrease their profits

[QUOTE="parkurtommo"][QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Doesn't matter. Piracy is illegal, used games are not.

nameless12345

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better original games sales, lower the prices.

Wasn't piracy there in the dawn also?

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="parkurtommo"] It does matter because the post you quoted wasn't about wether it's illegal or not.glez13

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better original games sales, lower the prices.

Wasn't piracy there in the dawn also?

Pretty much. Don't copy that floppy and all that.

Justifying an escape to console land.

They'll make more money that way, regardless of what's happenning on PC.

parkurtommo

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="parkurtommo"] It does matter because the post you quoted wasn't about wether it's illegal or not.glez13

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better original games sales, lower the prices.

Wasn't piracy there in the dawn also?

And on the seventh day God torrented

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

nameless12345

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

Obviously_Right

Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.[/quote

Console has piracy + used game dilemma, which result in PC still ending up with more game sales.

"Most developers these days develop games exclusively for consoles."

Wrong. The PC is the platform that most developers choose to develop games for. That's why we still have hundreds of upcoming exclusive games and the reason why PC gaming revenue is almost as big as all consoles and handhelds together.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="parkurtommo"] It does matter because the post you quoted wasn't about wether it's illegal or not.glez13

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better original games sales, lower the prices.

Wasn't piracy there in the dawn also?

The difference is that noone has benefit from piracy (except the pirates) while there exist a market for used games and there are provisions that go into the developer/publisher's pocked from the game rentals.

Used game market also keeps retrogaming alive.

[QUOTE="glez13"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Used games and game rentals were present since the dawn of gaming. Why should they be considered a "problem" all of the sudden?

If they want better original games sales, lower the prices.

nameless12345

Wasn't piracy there in the dawn also?

The difference is that noone has benefit from piracy (except the pirates) while there exist a market for used games and there are provisions that go into the developer/publisher's pocked from the game rentals.

Used game market also keeps retrogaming alive.

That still doesn't explain the logic you used in your previous post.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

The Witcher 2 sold about 1.7 million in total, 500k or so copies on 360, the rest PC. From that, there were atleast 4.5 million attempted downloads of the PC version, as stated by the developers themselves. Numbers and statistics don't lie and not even the biggest hermits can deny it (they ususally resort to saying "but there's piracy on consoles too" and "used games hurt developers too"). Sure, there's piracy on consoles too, but not as much as on the PC.

nameless12345

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

cain006

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

[QUOTE="cain006"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

lightleggy

For all we know the same happens with PC so what's the point?

Also for all we know most console pirating that isn't 360 or PS3 will most likely end up in the PC tally because it will be for playing with an emulator on PC. So what's the point on calling out something that isn't even certain?

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

That isnt true. 4.5 million was not an actual statistic. It was speculation by the developer. The Witcher 2 isnt even listed in the most pirated games of 2011

cain006

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

a lot of companies fail to realize that many poorer countries sell pirated copies of console games like hotcakes out on the street and in legit stores.

Also to add to this discussion, good games sell, and bad ones don't. They also don't sell when you enforce poor DRM practices and always online features...unless your name is Blizzard, then you can do it, get 6mil copies sold, and then have your fanbase complain anyways

[QUOTE="yellosnolvr"][QUOTE="Obviously_Right"]

More money to be made on Consoles.

Console Gamers actually buy games, after all.

nameless12345

Used games are not illegal. The European Union even voted that downloadable games can be resold. People who compare piracy to used games (or even lending) are morons.

[QUOTE="cain006"]

[QUOTE="nameless12345"]

Regardless, the most pirated PC game in 2011 (Crysis 2) was pirated a lot more than the most pirated console game (Mario Galaxy 2).

Piracy on PC just happens to be a lot easier and PC gamers are, in general, more knowledgable about it.

So enforced DRM and constant internet updates is really the only way PC devs should go (see Diablo 3's success for example).

Sony did a good job on preventing piracy on the PS3 too with their blu-ray drive.

lightleggy

PC (Microsoft Windows) is heaven for pirates and developers know this. To many developers, the PC is a system where people almost always download its games for free regardless if they are committing a crime.

You could use the same logic for PC games :|senses_fail_06

Yep. In essence, we should take piracy numbers with a grain of saltfor all systems. They are not accurate, and could in fact be completely off (either above or below).

a lot of companies fail to realize that many poorer countries sell pirated copies of console games like hotcakes out on the street and in legit stores.

Also to add to this discussion, good games sell, and bad ones don't. They also don't sell when you enforce poor DRM practices and always online features...unless your name is Blizzard, then you can do it, get 6mil copies sold, and then have your fanbase complain anyways

wis3boi

You're absolutely right. I live in India, which is a VERY poor and backward country. Here, pirated console games are sold for as less as Rupees 50 per game, which is roughly equal to US $1. There are big shops in markets, used to exclusively sell pirated console games. A few people with terrific internet connections download these games, burn it on to disks, and distribute it to the owners of shops for a price. These owners sell the games to customers with a profit. Piracy is actually an organized business here.

PC (Microsoft Windows) is heaven for pirates and developers know this. To many developers, the PC is a system where people almost always download its games for free regardless if they are committing a crime.

Click_Clock

And yet PC is growing

Good games sell and you cant stop piracy on any platform, so its best to make good games and dont use piracy as a crutch. Heil68

[QUOTE="Click_Clock"]

PC (Microsoft Windows) is heaven for pirates and developers know this. To many developers, the PC is a system where people almost always download its games for free regardless if they are committing a crime.

lostrib

And yet PC is growing

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="Click_Clock"]

PC (Microsoft Windows) is heaven for pirates and developers know this. To many developers, the PC is a system where people almost always download its games for free regardless if they are committing a crime.

Click_Clock

And yet PC is growing

Right, so the same thing could happen to consoles as well. And they are easier to replace since they lack any additional abilities outside of games

[QUOTE="lightleggy"][QUOTE="cain006"]I don't even get how they come up with those numbers. First of all, someone downloading the torrent doesn't mean that they actually finished the download for the game. And what about people who download it once and make multiple copies? This happens a lot with console games, they sell them for like a few bucks in some countries.

glez13

For all we know the same happens with PC so what's the point?

Also for all we know most console pirating that isn't 360 or PS3 will most likely end up in the PC tally because it will be for playing with an emulator on PC. So what's the point on calling out something that isn't even certain?