The Naked Robber

When it comes to the music industry my belief on pirating lies somewhere between ‘fuck the big record labels’ and ‘eat the rich’. We’ve all heard the argument that musicians make their money off shows (more accurately the merchandise sold at those shows).

Generally speaking, CD Sales make money for uncaring, soulless entities like Skynet, Innatech and Encom.

Another hard hitting, unbiased and factually correct article hot off the press

I’ve known bands who wanted their music to be pirated in the hopes of free publicity (which is awesome, although I am not endorsing this Robin hood-esque mentality). However, swinging your way onto the decks of the Black ship EA and stealing away with their cargo of mediocre rehashed titles benefits no one. Instead it ultimately hurts you as a gamer.

But unlike the backdrop experience music has on our lives, games take a significant investment of our time. The more you as a gamer become involved in the story, challenge or franchise the more you can draw out of it and consequently the more valid opinion you have on the direction of the game in the future.

From fond memories of tea bagging an opponent’s face to the painful muscle strains you’re left with when violently throwing your controller (after accidentally making Mario jump down a pit) you’re getting as much from your game as you’re willing to put in.

Pirating a game means you have no real investment in the game. No matter how much you love it, want to change it, or crave for more your opinions are mute because no one designs games for pirates. That would be like opening a bank exclusively for robbers.

Unfortunately the video game world is not like the music industry. You can’t go give the developers money at live shows where they program on stage and you reach out to touch their sweaty arms (then get all horny). Whether you methodically enjoy your games or rush through them like a crack addicted prostitute sorting loose change, you have to buy the game before you give the developer a valid reason to listen.

On the vast seas of the entertainment world good games are a rare sight (like a fat chick taking the stairs). If you want to see a sequel, bonus content, or improved game play don’t swing on the designers decks to plunder their games.

Go buy the game, giving yourself an investment in the designer’s products. Then rightfully bitch up your usual nerdy storm. This time, you’ll have the sharp rapier of customer relations backing your opinions.