Is Piracy Killing the PC Gaming Industry ?
Written by Jai on May 8, 2008 – 6:40 am - 2,129 views
I have been a PC gamer for the past fifteen years. I play a lot of games on my PC in my free time, not only to unwind, but also to satiate the hardcore gamer inside me. Off lately, I have been following many gaming forums and websites which are talking about the downfall of the PC gaming scene because of the increasing piracy of the games. This fact is really disturbing for me as I have been an avid gamer and do not want to lose one of my most passionate hobbies.
The downfall is evident from the fact that most of the popular game titles are being released for the consoles even before they make their appearance on the PC, or even a declaration is made that they will be available for the PC. Popular games like GTA (Grand Theft Auto) which were exclusive for the PC in the past years, are now being launched for the consoles first (take the example of the latest GTA IV which has been already released for PS3 and XBOX360) rather than the PC. The foremost reason would be the falling sales figures of the PC titles and the rapid increase in the piracy of games. And because of this reason, major game publishers are switching to the consoles arena where the piracy element is much less. Although some companies are adopting new methods for game distribution like Valve which sells their titles through their online distributor (Steam) which allows you to download all the game content after you have purchased it online. Some game publishers also use strict copy-protection techniques, but then again, these methods install extra software into your computers and totally kill the experience for the gamers.
So, why do you think people pirate games? Is it because they cannot buy them? I really don’t agree with that because if you can buy fuel for your car every time you want to drive, or buy food when you are hungry, so is the case for buying anything that entertains you. The main reason for piracy is that the PC games are easily available for download from the Internet, P2P networks, Torrents etc. Just think how many times have you downloaded a game and then only played it for a short while before deleting it from your hard drive. I am sure this has happened many times. Would you have done the same if you had bought that game? No, I don’t think so. If you ever decided to buy a popular game title, you would have first made sure that you read all the available reviews on the Internet about that particular game, asked your gamer friends about their experiences, and finally based on those opinions, you would have gone out and purchased the game.
Some people also stick to the rule that if they like a game after pirating it, they go out and buy it from the market to support the publishers. What if you like most part of it and for the small part that you don’t like, you decide not to buy it? How many times have you done that? What i mean to imply here is the fact that such opinions cannot be always unbiased and true. If you want to support the gaming companies only after testing their products for 100% results, you are not playing fair. There are always game demos which you can play and try out these games to your heart’s content.
There is one more reason for the decreased number of people indulging in PC gaming. For playing all the new graphically intensive games on your PC, you need expensive hardware (graphics cards, processors, memory) which you have to upgrade regularly to match the latest games’ requirements, and it doesn’t stop there, you also need to be technically sound to patch your games, upgrade hardware etc. On the other hand, consoles are pretty simple. You buy a console system, pop in the DVD and start playing. That’s all there is to consoles. Personally, I do not prefer playing on a console as nothing beats the total control that I get using a keyboard and a mouse.
I think people who like PC gaming should really stand up and support the game publishers because this is the right time to do so. Or else, you can just keep waiting for quality game titles to be released for the PC and gradually watch the PC gaming industry die.
So, what is your take on this topic? Do let me know through the comments.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
16 Responses
to “Is Piracy Killing the PC Gaming Industry ?”
1 Trackback(s)
- May 12, 2008 : ??????????????.. » Linux Format ? iPhone
on May 8, 2008
I think you hit the nail on the head with your last point. People are too lazy and don’t have time to deal with upgrading their system and hardware regularly to stay up to speed with new PC games. Like you said, it’s just so much easier to put the game in the console and go.
I prefer a controller to a keyboard/mouse, but that’s just my personal preference.
on May 8, 2008
I don’t think it’s piracy that’s killing PC gaming. It’s Consoles and the fact that it’s cheaper to get a console then build a gaming machine plus the new console systems like xbox 360 and PS3 can handle games that use to only find on PC.
on May 8, 2008
The only PC games my husband and I really do are DnD based or the Sims/Sim City ones, unless they’re ones for our kids.
I prefer them on a console system for the simple fact that I can take the game itself anywhere, and play anywhere that has that console. I can’t do the same with a PC-game.
That, and with the add-ons that some game makers are putting onto the CD-roms for the games, it’s making people leery of using them, like EA/Maxis putting SecuRom onto their games, which, in some cases (a lot actually), the loss of the ability to use their CD/DVD burners. It’s safer to Torrent a copy of the game than to actually install it through a CD because of that.
on May 8, 2008
Right but wrong as well. There’s a huge uprising in the world of Bit Torrents and Newsgroups when it comes to downloading Console DVD’s. It’s very simple to download and burn an illegal copy for a console, almost as easy as for the PC. Now the console could be the NDS or a PS3… it’s so easy.
Now what am I trying to say?: It’s not that reason that the companies are switching over to consoles. It’s about the costs that are involved for the companies that create games. It’s cheaper to release for consoles than for PC’s. (well-known fact)
Now, what should happen to keep games fun and stop piracy? Think World of Warcraft… Buy an account and login each time you want to play. This should get the Companies to actually work on good products (EA Games isn’t really doing a great job) and it could work on any system. Yes, even if it’s a single player game. Times are changing and so should systems.
Now I am a gamer as well and I live by the saying: ‘A Game a day keeps the Daystar Away!’ And I hate to see that such solutions take place… but lately it’s quite a pain in the butt. We are in the stores to actually buy a copy while others just go to the stores to see which game they can download because the box looks interesting to them.
So either ban Torrent and Newsgroup Sites completely from the internet, or we have to live with the fact that things are changing for the worse. We can say many things about this subject.. I guess I just did.. hehehe.
on May 8, 2008
Console constructors (except nintendo maybe) are to blame: they are stealing harcore gamers from PCs.
Pc game editors are to lazy to adapt with new trends. just look at Wow or Trackmania, these are good examples of adaptation to the market.
on May 8, 2008
Hey, just to give you a heads up.. I just looked up GTA3 and I noticed it arrived Oct 22, 2001 on the PS2 and May 22, 2002 on the PC. Correct me if I’m wrong (I didn’t check the other releases just the GTA3)
Eitherway, WoW has a HUGE market.. billions of people - I’m sure those billions of people used to be big/semi-big PC gamers who devote all their time to just a simple monthly fee which ends up being cheaper than buying new games. Which, not to mention for some reason WoW players seem to devote their entire life to JUST WoW..
@Carel - Lately, they’ve been cracking down on torrents (at least on my IP) and I’ve gotten numerous emails about download various things over torrents. I’m not sure if they’re going to try and attack anyone (if they can) and sue, but I hope it doesn’t turn out to be like that. Also: “We are in the stores to actually buy a copy while others just go to the stores to see which game they can download because the box looks interesting to them.” do people SERIOUSLY do this?? I’ve never even pondered about wasting my time in a store to look at a box that I think looks interesting, usually I’ll see a review or some game play and download it if it interests me, the box NEVER sells a game for me - ever.
I think people have learned when they install stuff on their PC it seems to go slower.. (I for one know I don’t play any games, even though my system is excellent, just simply because I feel it bogs down my system sometimes and it’s a waste of space usually)
My Xbox 360 almost never freezes, and when it does (rarely ever) it can restart and be back to the same point very fast.
Oh yeah, let’s NOT forget - YOU CAN RENT CONSOLE GAMES AND NOT PC GAMES.
How many rental stores are out there? A LOT, and I don’t think any of them at all carry PC games, that’s gotta be a big chunk. If I could possibly RENT my PC games that would be a different story.
I hate being forced to buy something with just a review or two along with some pictures. I want to play it, I download it and in all honesty I haven’t bought a new PC game since The Sims 2. NOR have I downloaded any games, because there simply aren’t any that interest me that AREN’T already on a console.
*phew, ranting is done*
on May 14, 2008
@ Krazy:
— ” I think people have learned when they install stuff on their PC it seems to go slower.. (I for one know I don’t play any games, even though my system is excellent, just simply because I feel it bogs down my system sometimes and it’s a waste of space usually) ” —
Go to my site (click my name) and read how to solve this issue in the Install XP section. I have many games installed (paid for, yes) and still no problem.
About the Store part: Yes, because people need to get outside to enjoy the light of the Daystar as well, and complain about the real life graphics.
They’ll see the Game store and enter it, look around for a game and then don’t buy it. Really, it happens. Sometimes it’s easier this way because you can actually touch the box.
IP Tracking on Torrents… this is something we, luckily, don’t have in the Netherlands. Downloading is legal here if, and only if, it’s for private use and not resale or rent or whatsoever. Uploading is illegal here though. I gather you’re from the USA… where things are a bit more strict than here. Perhaps you should find out if Usenet is a better solution for you?! That’s not really P2P.
on May 16, 2008
Well, people do tend to pirate more games on the pc due to the various ways you can do it.
Basically, a PC is the ultimate pirating software and you can play pretty much every game there is out there. Maybe thats why the PC game industry is dying out.
But consoles can be pirated as well you know? The only hack-proof console right now is the ps3 with its blu-ray disc feature but…I fear that it will not last very long.
on May 19, 2008
I totally agree. Personally, I think the P2P networks (torrents) are the main cause of piracy.
If one visits any torrent portal and does a search for games, one can find all that latest games for every platform out there. Given the advent of broadband, most people would not think twice downloading a pirated game off the torrent network. This stand true to other content like Movies, Music, Software etc.
The only way this piracy trouble can be controlled is either:
A. Reduce the prices of games (subsidize it with in game ads or some other way). Reduced prizes will definitely boost sales.
B. Try to find a super secure way of encrypting game CDs/DVDs. This is always futile, but it might atleast help reducing the number of people pirating games.
Its definitely disheartening for the game developers to see all their hardwork get into pirates hands. Without a decent profit, nobody can invest in further R&D for new games which are better in all ways.
Ultimately it is us, the end user, who has the ultimate power to change the scenario. Just like how we prefer a decent restaurant even though food at some dingy road stall will be cheap, same way we should consider paying for stuff that we enjoy.
on May 19, 2008
I felt compelled to chime in here as this is a pretty narrow view of things.
First: Game Consoles provide a package that is tested, verified and just works. You never have to wonder if that new printer driver somehow is interfering with your video performance.
Second: Game consoles are, in reality, computers. Therefore you can purchase a screaming console for a fraction of the price of an equivalent pc.
Third: The gaming industry is growing at a rate that is absolutely mind-boggling: over 40 percent growth for 2007 to a “record-shattering” $17.94 billion. What, exactly, indicates any loss of growth or revenue?
A game box IS a pc, its just a special purpose model. Digital cameras did not kill photography and elite consumers still use film for the capabilities that digital cameras don’t provide. Suggesting piracy is killing pc gaming is like suggesting internet video is killing tv.
on May 19, 2008
@rusty: Since you felt compelled, I feel compelled too, and therefore, I will differ on that too broad a view of yours. A console is not a PC and can never be, because if that happens, there will be no difference in the prices.
A PC is made for several other purposes including gaming. BTW, have you tried playing a strategy or a FPS game on a console??
on May 20, 2008
@rusty
Let me quote you first:
“Suggesting piracy is killing pc gaming is like suggesting internet video is killing tv.”
I seriously cannot believe you consider piracy is not an issue. You have mentioned a ’shattering’ statistic about gaming industry growth. Accepted. For a normal guy like me, 17 Billion is like unimaginable. But that is the gaming industry on the whole. Keep in mind that when this shattering growth is broken down into individual companies and compared to their annual growth predictions, you will get a different picture.
Even then, lets consider that the gaming industry is making huge profits. Does that make you or anyone eligible to just rip-off a game free of cost? Think about it. Wanting have a cake, eat it too and not pay a penny is not cool.
As I commented earlier, reducing the prices of games will be welcomed with much cheer and joy by one and all and will expand the gaming market and significantly reduce piracy.
on May 29, 2008
I imagine that people find it easier to pirate PC games because it is an all in one resource. You have the internet to find what you need, torrent sites to download the content itself and tutorials to get it the games up and running. You never have to leave your seat.
Publishers have tried all sorts to defeat the pirate and that has a knock on effect to the genuine user. I have avoided games that have Starforce or maybe wont let you install where Daemon is installed for example. I detest piracy but I equally detest being told I cannot run certain apps legitimately.
I tend to stick to online clan gaming where CD keys mean that most of the players are using original and properly bought games. I guess piracy is worse on single player.
on Jun 7, 2008
PC games can be made secure/less pirated. Steam, as you said, is the perfect example. Steam also allows you to buy games in the store or online. Great way to give your consumers a choice!!
I do disagree with your comment about buying games causing you to play them all the way through to get your money worth. If you buy a game that is not worth playing, you won’t play it much. Example, Quake Wars. It is interesting and alright, but over all not a great game. I bought it, and never really play it. A friend and I both heard good to okay things about it so we got it together to play online together and with others.
Consoles are easier for the average person. However, pirating is not as easy as using a console. Pirating games is also not as easy as installing a purchased game on your PC.
PC gaming is better is so many ways. Look at any strategy or FPS game. A controller is not the best way to aim a gun or command an army. End or that talk
I can see how some people could prefer the controller, it just requires too much practise to get it right. A mouse it aim and shoot. Also requires skill, but the granularity of aiming with a mouse is easier than an analog stick.
I have purchased more games this year than ever before in my life. I don’t own a seventh generation console. (I have an SNES, N64 and GameCube)
PC gaming is the way to do online. Who wants to chat in a game by typing on a controller??
Consoles could be better. They could become more like a PC and take over the market. I would be okay with that, but I will always have a PC anyway. Why not build it so it is good for games and enjoy it!
- Consoles need games like WoW to boost their popularity with PC games.
- Consoles need to accept keyboard an mouse or something like the Wiimote.
- Consoles need to stop charging for accessories like a headset. Include it, more people will have it, and it will make things better for everyone. Hell, bundle it and charge $10 more and let people choose if they want that bundle.
- Stop bundling games with the console, or make it so you can pick the games to be included (saw this with PSP recently)
My closing:
I like the new consoles, but I can’t justify buying one when I have a great PC sitting right here that can do everything a console can do and so much more. I would buy a Wii if there were more games I really wanted for it, or if it was on sale and they had it in stock. But that’s all because the Wii is not your typical console, and they really should be awarded for doing something great.
on Jun 13, 2008
I pirate PC games all the time - I love it!
Its easier to download a cracked copy, than it is to go to the shop, purchase and install. I just set the game downloading before I go to bed, then when I wake up - I have a brand new game to play!
Sometimes I even get them before they available in the shops.
I don’t care if piracy kills the scene - if that does happen, I will just buy a modded Xbox 360, then continue the piracy.
In a nutshell, I will never purchase a game again.