The Constable on October 10th, 2008
Even though it’s still over two weeks away from an actual retail release, Bethesda’s much-anticipated new entry in the Fallout series has already made its way onto several torrents and into the hands of happy pirates everywhere.
Although it just hit the torrents, the pirated version of the game has reportedly been downloaded over 2,000 times already.  Of course this is expected to increase substantially (especially now that news about its availability on the torrents has been hitting), although it is unlikely to see anything like the levels of piracy Spore saw (even in spite of its much-maligned DRM), since a(n illegally) modified Xbox360 is required to play it.
Thanks to Gamesindustry.biz for the heads-up.
The Constable on September 22nd, 2008
Activision, the publisher behind the Guitar Hero and Call of Duty games, are taking the battle over piracy to the courtroom, reports Edge.
Court filings uncovered by the European news organization allege that New Yorker James R. Strickland has “violated Plaintiff’s exclusive rights of reproduction and distribution” by illicitly copying and distributing Activision’s titles — an act that the firm characterizes as “willful and intentional.”
read more | digg story
The Constable on September 8th, 2008
Spore just came out yesterday, and already it is receiving a major backlash from users due to its DRM which allows users to only install the game three times before they have to call Electronic Arts’ customer support. However, unlike usual gamer complaints, this time the complaints are going where they are most likely to have a real effect on the general population (including “casual” gamers) - Amazon.com’s listing of the game.
As of this writing, Spore has 338 reviews, and only an average score of 1.5. Amazon customer, Brian Fox said:
DRM is a show stopper. I doubt this game will work for me after a few years given my habit of new hardware purchases and system snapshots. Like others have said, this game is for rent not sale.
The EA Spore DRM is a bit reminiscent of the Sony root kit. It installs software that you definitely don’t want or need. That software can work in superuser space, meaning it can do whatever it wants on your system. And there is no uninstall for it. In other words, by installing Spore, you install a piggy back Big Brother.
Please don’t support this product. Great game. Lousy distributor.”
Personally, between this mess and the fact that the game itself has been getting less than stellar reviews, I’m happy I cancelled my pre-order. Since I wasn’t sure if I was going to play it on my laptop or desktop, I would have opted to install on both and figure out which one would win my time… and then I’d be down to one install left, which means if the game were any good I’d have to be very picky about when I upgrade my computer and use my last install.
Thanks to Destructoid for the heads-up.
The Constable on August 27th, 2008
Yeah… I’m lazy on this one and am just copying the press release about the news.
A Bristol man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to a total of 23 offences relating to the possessing for sale of illegally copied games, films, music and pornography on recordable discs. He also requested that a further 144 offences be taken into consideration and was ordered to pay £12,000 towards prosecution costs. Gary Boulter, 51, of 15 Knapp Road, Thornbury, Bristol, appeared before Bristol Crown Court on August 26 to be sentenced for offences under the Trade Marks Act (1994) and the Video Recordings Act (1985) as a result of a prosecution brought by South Gloucestershire Trading Standards. In addition to this, a confiscation order for £10,500 was made under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002), requiring that the outstanding money be paid within six months or he would be face a further nine months in prison.
Boulter was origionally investigated by South Gloucestershire Trading Standards following a tip-off alleging that he was involved in running a copying factory from his premises. A warrant was subsequently executed in December 2005 involving Avon and Somerset Police, Trading Standards, ELSPA (the Entertainment & Leisure Publishers Association) undercover investigators and representatives of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), which revealed that Boulter had a room dedicated to copying games, film, music and pornography.
Several computers and copying equipment was seized, as well as over 2300 copied discs including PlayStation®2 and Xbox® games, feature films, music and pornographic films. In addition, nearly 500 blank DVD-R discs and 173 copied inlays were removed.
The legitimate market value of the detained games, films and music is estimated to be in excess of £50,000.
Forensic examination of his computer established that Boulter was copying in response to orders that were being regularly placed with him by friends and contacts. During interview Boulter claimed that he did the copying as a hobby and gave the discs to friends and family at no cost despite the fact that it was costing him to do so. However, evidence retrieved from his computer clearly demonstrated that he was receiving payment for his efforts.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for offences under the Trade Marks Act is an unlimited fine and/or up to 10 years imprisonment.
In passing sentence, Judge Darwall-Smith commented that Boulter’s operation was a large commercial venture and that his illegal use of trademarks debases the industries affected.
Michael Rawlinson, managing director of ELSPA, said: “ I congratulate South Gloucestershire Trading Standards and local Police for successfully shutting down Gary Boulter’s criminal operation. ELSPA would like to thank the efforts of everyone concerned in their attempts to protect legitimate local traders and remove illegal products from the marketplace.”
Neil Derrick, Senior Enforcement Officer for South Gloucestershire Trading Standards, said: “ Mr Boulter has been dealt with severely by the court and this should stand as a stern warning to others who are tempted to engage in this type of activity. He has not only lost his liberty, but now also has to pay significant sums of money in costs and under the confiscation order, as well as having all of his discs and associated equipment forfeited. He obviously had no regard for the local retailers whose businesses are badly affected by counterfeiting and he was supplying pornographic films, which are age restricted and the content of which means they should only be sold by a licensed sex shop.”
The Constable on August 21st, 2008
No, this has nothing to do with Sid Meier.
According to the Times Online, several publishers, including Atari, Codemaster, Techland and others are going to be serving notice on 25,000 individuals who they believe have downloaded their intellectual property illegally. Each of these people will have the option of settling out of court for just over $550, but they will be choosing 500 of the individuals who don’t respond and directly taking legal action against them.
Strangely, EA games is the one company who is speaking out against this action. EA Sports president Peter Moore told gamesindustry.biz:
“I’m not a huge fan of trying to punish your consumer … Albeit these people have clearly stolen intellectual property, I think there are better ways of resolving this within our power as developers and publishers.”
