Who are software pirates HURTING? Does pirating kill, sicken, or offend anyone? And what about jobs? When's the last time EA or Microsoft cut back because of a slim turn in the previous quarter?
Well, people like me are affected by software piracy. I'm not a big developer, I just did some artwork for an educational game that was released here in Australia several years ago. For a few years I had royalties coming in from that work which, while not immense, were significant to me at least (artists/writers welcome any and all income with open arms). It sickens me to think that people might have been using illegal copies of my software without paying for it.
No matter what you think of game developers, the truth is that they are real people with real needs like you and me and many of them are *not* rich by anyone's standards. For the most part developers put far more time into their work than they ever get paid for because it is a labour of love for them, and I think it is only proper that they be compensated for it.
I used to be into the torrent scene, but over the past year or two have decided to pull out. Now if I want a game, then I either buy it or go without. I'm even buying copies of games that I used to have illegal versions of (many of which are in the bargin bin at EB). I have grown to accept the simple fact of life that if I can't afford something, then I can't have it. I find this way much more rewarding and whole-heartedly recommend that others make similar moves.
http://www.davidcsimon.com