The Most Video Game Pirates Are in Western Europe

Piracy has always been a very prominent problem for quite a lot of countries. Video game pirates believe that because of the restrictive DRM (Digital Rights Management) software with which a lot of games come bundled is something illegal and, by pirating the title, can keep their own computer safe and teach the companies a lesson.

Of course, such a train of though isn't normal, as the main reason why DRM software, like the infamous SecuROM, are bundled with video games is because of the growing phenomenon of piracy. Organizations such as the ESA (Entertainment Software Association) that represents the interests of North American companies against piracy, are holding various anti-piracy raids, in order to confiscate and deter criminals who benefit from infringing copyright laws.

The ESA has recently revealed a study that unveils some pretty interesting conclusions regarding the European countries where piracy has gone rampant, both in terms of software and video games. The results have actually disproved the popular belief that piracy is mostly popular in Eastern Europe, showing that countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland or Israel reveal the biggest number of pirates. In terms of software used to deliver this illegal content, peer-to-peer networks, BitTorrent and eDonkey have been the most popular, both in terms of programs and video games.

“Piracy is the single greatest threat to the innovation, artistic commitment and technological advancements enjoyed by millions of consumers worldwide,” Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, said. “Piracy is a job killer that the world economy cannot afford in these difficult economic times. Countries that skirt obligations to combat piracy need to understand the unacceptable damage they are facilitating – and those countries that invest in protecting intellectual property rights and ensure that piracy is not tolerated at any level should be lauded.”

Pirates need to learn, especially in these hard times, that if they enjoy a video game or program, the right thing to do is to pay for it because that translates into more support for said piece of software and success for the company that makes it.