- At work the other day, I was killing time with my DS when a coworker asked me what I was playing. Since I'm not ashamed of my gaming habit, I let her know I was playing Puzzle Quest. She obviously didn't know what that was so she asked if I had heard of Animal Crossing. I asked if she was still in debt to Tom Nook which was enough for her open up about how she did tell me that she and her daughter were hooked on the game. Then, as the conversation wound down, she told me she was playing it on some "chip she bought from China" for ten dollars and that you can download all kinds of games from the internet for free. My only answer was "Huh," and I went back to my game.
- I shouldn't be surprised to hear how pervasive piracy is among people who I would not consider to be hardcore techies. There is a woman in the office who regularly sells copies of movie DVDs soon after they are released. I just shake my head at all the people who end up placing orders with her.
- In the core gaming community, there is the pervasive complaint about obtrusive DRM and ownership versus licensing the media we consume. We, the people who want to play great games and support the creators, continue to miss the point. If an average mid-30's mother of two doesn't think twice about stealing games or movies, the problem is bigger than we want to admit.
© 2010 Marty Runyon. All rights reserved.
Holy cow, you have a woman selling pirated DVDs where you work? That's crazy to me. Maybe I lead a sheltered existence . . .
ReplyDeleteWow. I used to pirate games and movies, even had a modded 360 at one point. But there came a time when I realized that I couldn't possibly play all the games I have downloaded, and I also have a job where I can afford these games that I really want.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say I haven't downloaded a game or movie in a long time, I even redringed my 360 to get a legit one!
@ Yeebo - My employer is not very picky about who they hire as long as you meet your numbers. :)
ReplyDelete@ Jayedub - I went through that phase when I was younger and poorer. I get the feeling it's all a function of money. I have some now, so I don't feel the need to dodge viruses and lawsuits just to get my media fix.
Agreed, Anjin, it's definitely a function of money versus time. When I was in college, I had a lot of time and no money, but now it's reversed. I'd rather pay for a movie or a game and get it quickly and conveniently than have to spent time finding a torrent or crack.
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