John Koller: Piracy is 'trending down right now'
by Alan Tsang 
{ Nov 25th 2008 at 2:00PM }
John Koller, SCEA's director of hardware marketing, told MTV Multiplayer last week that he sees piracy on the PSP receding in recent months. "It's trending down right now, we've seen the piracy not be as such prevalent in the last month to two months. But it has been a problem for us."
Sony keeps track the various video game piracy discussions around the web, according to Koller "We've noticed there's kind of a 'good vs. evil' battle that we track on many of the forums and many of the pirated web sites," There are even people who stand up for Sony on these websites, notes Koller. "It's kind of been nice to see other consumers going and help and fight the battle for us."
Can you guys think of a reason why piracy would be slowing down in the last two months? Could it be due to the lack of titles that pirates are interested in?
Sony keeps track the various video game piracy discussions around the web, according to Koller "We've noticed there's kind of a 'good vs. evil' battle that we track on many of the forums and many of the pirated web sites," There are even people who stand up for Sony on these websites, notes Koller. "It's kind of been nice to see other consumers going and help and fight the battle for us."
Can you guys think of a reason why piracy would be slowing down in the last two months? Could it be due to the lack of titles that pirates are interested in?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Saffie @ Nov 25th 2008 2:20PM
wait until Dissidia Final Fantasy for PSP comes out...
GoBob @ Nov 25th 2008 2:13PM
There's nothing but garbage lately.
"wait until Dissidia Final Fantasy for PSP comes out..."
Yeah...
F0REM4N @ Nov 25th 2008 7:18PM
I'd have to say the offer of downloadable title for purchase actually commits with piracy. I am a reformed psp pirate. As soon as they gave me the option to pay for downloadable content, I took advantage of it.
I hope someday soon that they do this for EVERY game. I hate keeping track of UMDs. No chance of losing a download unless the company stops support. I am confident Sony and Microsoft will be in the gaming bizz for many many years.
pixelator @ Nov 26th 2008 2:02PM
It's all bullshit, anyway. There's no way to accurately track piracy on the PSP, nor is there any evidence piracy on PSP is more prevalent than it has been on the DS, GBA or iPhone.
Sony blaming piracy for their poor sales performance in the USA is like George Bush blaming the Euro for the US Dollar being so weak. We need look no further than our own Federal Treasury as to why our currency is worthless right now.
GoBob @ Nov 26th 2008 2:06PM
@pixelator
You're absolutely right. The director of Hostel 2 blame poor box office sales on piracy and not that it was a poorly reviewed pile of garbage. Once quality games start coming out outside of Japan(where sales are great, despite piracy), these piracy excuses will disappear. The problem is that SCEJ supports the PSP and gives it much love, while the SCEA and SCEE basically ignore it.
Wrathbringer @ Nov 25th 2008 2:17PM
Hands down because there's nothing good to pirate for them. They're also the reason WHY there isn't anything good out. I wonder if those morons can put 2 and 2 together...
emirabal @ Nov 25th 2008 4:57PM
Agreed
murph @ Nov 25th 2008 2:33PM
my PSP is collecting more dust than my PS3. neither of them have been turned on this month.
Axe99 @ Nov 25th 2008 4:16PM
Heh - leaving your PS3 off in the month that LBP, Motorstorm:PR, CoD:WAW, R2 and more released - I think that says more about you than the PS3!
murph @ Nov 25th 2008 4:18PM
too busy playing RB2, GOW2, and Left4Dead on my X360!
Axe99 @ Nov 25th 2008 4:24PM
That'll do it to ya! I keep thinking about picking up a 360, but then realise I'll never get through all the games I want to play on the PS3, let alone all I'd want to play on both - so if I had both I realised I'd always be neglecting one! Enjoy, they sound like great games - I'm guessing we'll see you back on the PS3 early next year (no pressure of course - but I'm guessing if you're hanging around a site like PS3 fanboy, you've still got some interest) ;).
p-diddy @ Nov 25th 2008 2:36PM
OK, call me naive, but I think it's because they are finally offering a legitimate alternative to downloading pirated games: the PS Online Store.
I personally don't pirate games, but the idea of a disc-less game system is very appealing to me and I've begun ripping my UMD discs so I can have my whole library on a mem stick (and I'm considering getting a 16GB one). My UMDs aside, I bought echochrome via the store and at least 1 or 2 more and check it each week to see if there is something I'll consider even re-buying for the convenience because I want to have a library of games on my PSP without lugging around 10 or so UMDs.
My $0.02.
Oh, and I fully support CFW - not everyone that uses it is a pirate or trying to rip off Sony.
The Pirate @ Nov 25th 2008 2:41PM
Trust me when i say Pirates arnt all bad. Most pirates actually buy the good games (God of War, Final fantasy) and only pirate the crap games. The reason piracy was up a few months ago was because there were hundreds of crap games out...now we just have no games, that's why Piracy is "declining"
Axe99 @ Nov 25th 2008 4:21PM
You got stats on that? I forget the name of it, but a high-profile (and highly rated) but small studio PC release is getting 90-odd per cent piracy rate, which is leading them to reconsider future projects. Piracy is theft, pure and simple (particularly in this day and age when most of the better games already have demos), and there is no logical ethical justification for it that isn't based on an irrational, delusional self-centred view of the universe.
Even worse, it _does_ hurt developers - and for platforms like the PSP, PC and DS it hurts them a lot. Pirates who complain about the lack of games are complaining about how they're shafting themselves, which looks real bright.
lasersanchez @ Dec 28th 2008 4:16AM
God of War and Final Fantasy? Those are the big games. Personally, I'd be happier if they were the ones being pirated and the weirder games were bought instead. It'd even the playing field out a bit more and we'd get a larger selection and the big games would still be the big games (just not as big).
jalannom @ Nov 25th 2008 2:41PM
I don't know how you can leave your ps3 and psp off this past month. (maybe you're just busy to play them at all) I've been busy playing NBA 2k9, motor storm: pr, call of duty, and fifa. Theres tons of games on my wishlist to be bought. Although I have to agree that my PSP titles has been in the drought and forced me to use CFW to play some import for prinny, Locoroco 2 and some racing games. It's hard to believe what you're saying.
Jeremy @ Nov 25th 2008 4:34PM
Considering that you don't need CFW to play imports, only pirated games, I think you are a perfect example of why NA doesn't get releases anymore.
jalannom @ Nov 25th 2008 4:45PM
No.. it's the other way around. Thats exactly why I chose to hack my PSP. I spent 250 back then, I didnt buy it to play movies and music. If I did, I would've bought an itouch instead. They don't have to release anything for PSP for all i care. I got enough homebrewing and pirated materials to help me go through this drought. PSP is not going to get better any time soon.
Strike Man @ Nov 26th 2008 12:31AM
"PSP is not going to get better any time soon."
Gee, I can't imagine why...
TM @ Nov 25th 2008 2:40PM
so Sony is refusing to make quality games for psp so they can slow down or end piracy? lol
Conor @ Nov 25th 2008 2:45PM
Pirated my first game in 4 months there for the damn thing mainly because there's nothing worth pirating.
It was loco roco 2 if you're interested.
Roddy100 @ Nov 25th 2008 3:07PM
I'm enjoying LocoRoco 2. However, I'm proud to say I'm not a pirate - I bought the legitimate UMD copy.
I think the reason why there aren't many PSP releases lately is directly because of pirates such as yourself. The developers and publishers aren't getting enough of a reward for their hard work to make producing further games worthwhile.
Conor @ Nov 25th 2008 4:13PM
To be honest I wouldn't of ever bought Loco Roco 2 anyway....
I blame the economy!
Gurbinder @ Nov 25th 2008 6:59PM
I aint a big fan of locoroco either. But pirating it is a different story. Though YOU SHOULD IMPORT it, I dont think imports erally affect the developers that much. Though whats right is right, and I believe buying the copy is right.
Livenudeswearing @ Nov 25th 2008 3:13PM
This whole piracy is slowing down is BS. I just got the new Gameboy Advance emulator from psp hacks and it runs awesome. Right now I'm putting tons of GBA games on there and looking up reviews of the best. I love free games on my psp. I use psp radio everynight to listen to shoutcast streams etc. This is just a press release so they can introduce apps like the iphone. Which will suck becuase you have to pay for them. Utter BS!
JM @ Nov 25th 2008 6:59PM
Exactly. Its a press release aimed at getting more development Look at mininova. I see no indication of any kind of slow down in piracy for any platform.
TM @ Nov 25th 2008 2:52PM
sony, start releasing betas on incoming games like resistance on the store
joeybeast @ Nov 25th 2008 2:54PM
My PSP is a MP3 player right now.
I bought GOW and Patapon this year and couple PSN games and nothing else on the PSP interested me.
Tom @ Nov 25th 2008 3:26PM
Wow I can not believe all the people that use the psp illegally. I would never do that.
PoisonWolf @ Nov 25th 2008 4:46PM
Guys,
It's the economy, stupid.
Cheers.
jalannom @ Nov 25th 2008 4:52PM
Explain to me why developers are still developing games for 360 and Wii when it's also hacked as well. If thats the case, shouldnt developers only make games for the PS3 since its the only console that hasnt been hacked? Yet, they still come up with new versions of the console, ie: dsi, psp brite only to bring in more angry users who will seek piracy to resolve their problem. If you're not using CFW.. man.. you're missing out alot.
blah @ Nov 25th 2008 5:39PM
why must shit like dead2rights ever be bought? just encourages the devs to make more shit!
blahg @ Nov 25th 2008 5:13PM
y should i spend a single cent on dung like dead2rights? it just encourages the devs to drop more dung!
beebop @ Nov 25th 2008 5:16PM
Of cousre pirates are to blame for the lack of games right now. This was an issue before the economy problems. Sure, not everyone that uses CFW is downloading illegal games but what your doing is still illegal.
pixelator @ Nov 27th 2008 4:11PM
Then why does the DS, iPhone and even GBA (still) sell so many games? Piracy is no less rampant on those platforms. No evidence exists that even implies that there's more piracy on the PSP.
Stop being an apologist for SCEE and SCEA all but abandoning the PSP and then blaming the CONSUMERS for their own failures.
andwhyisit @ Nov 25th 2008 5:56PM
Actually installing CFW isn't illegal, it just voids your warranty. Piracy is illegal. Basically saying that CFW is evil because it can be used for piracy is like saying that pillows are evil because you can suffocate people with them.
You have a pillow right? That must mean that you are a murderer. Unfortunately such flawed logic is usually applied to anyone who has CFW or psp homebrew itself, regardless of if piracy is involved or not. You can see how this can be annoying for people like me who do not pirate, but are somehow grouped with the pirates by most of the "piracy is killing the psp" crowd.
Why the f**k did Alan Tsang have to mention the word piracy anyway.
*sigh*
beebop @ Nov 25th 2008 6:22PM
Emm, I think you'll find that CFW IS illeagal.
Gurbinder @ Nov 25th 2008 7:02PM
and andwhyisit a better example would have been a fruit knife. You could use it to cut your fruits, vegetables, or whatever else food, or stab somebody. Thats PSP logic for ya
Gurbinder @ Nov 25th 2008 7:04PM
beebop custom firmware IS Legal. I dont know where your getting this information from but there is no law against custom firmware. ONLY PIRACY
Dr Haisook @ Nov 25th 2008 7:57PM
I've always thought CFW doesn't void the warranty.
andwhyisit @ Nov 25th 2008 7:58PM
Pillows can kill people too you know.
beebop @ Nov 25th 2008 10:05PM
From us.playstation.com
"You may not (i) use any unauthorized, illegal, counterfeit, or modified hardware or software in connection with the System Software, including use of such tool to bypass, disable, or circumvent any encryption, security, or authentication mechanism for the PSP™ system; (ii) violate any laws, regulations or statutes, or rights of SCE or third parties in connection with your access to or use of the System Software, including the access, use, or distribution of any software or hardware that you know or should have known to be infringing or pirated; (iii) use any hardware or software to cause the System Software to accept or use unauthorized, illegal, or pirated software or hardware; (iv) obtain the System Software in any manner other than through SCE's authorized distribution methods; or (v) exploit the System Software in any manner other than to use it in your PSP™ system in accordance with the accompanying documentation and with authorized software or hardware, including use of the System Software to design, develop, update, or distribute unauthorized software or hardware for use in connection with the PSP™ system for any reason. Any violation of these restrictions may void the PSP™ system's warranty and affect your ability to obtain warranty services and repair services from SCE."
10
Zippon @ Nov 25th 2008 8:31PM
Your pillow analogy is garbage. Why? Because you can use other items (guns, knives, etc) to also commit murder.
Let's tweak your example to more accurate. Let's say the *ONLY* way to murder someone is with a pillow. But at the same time, some people use pillows to sleep on. If we could completely abolish all murder, just by giving up our pillows, would it be worth it? THAT is the CFW issue, gentleman. Sad, but true.
The most important part of that article was: "But it has been a problem for us." So for everyone who says piracy doesn't matter---Sony just admitted that it does.
andwhyisit @ Nov 25th 2008 8:56PM
I love the way you wrote that.
I think the good part is that we are apparently dumping as much guilt and doubt onto pirates as possible.
Sadly pirates try to load their pistols and cannons with messages of self-justification like "I wouldn't have bought it anyway", "I am just trying the game out", "there isn't anything good on it anyway", etc.
Paulmichael @ Nov 25th 2008 6:05PM
I'm currently using CFW to play GTA 2 on my PSP. When (if) that game releases to the PSN, I will gladly pay for it, because this version doesn't have the radio stations...
Grooveless @ Nov 25th 2008 7:22PM
A lot of you say "Piracy is declining because there are no good games to pirate" and makes it sound like that's Sony's fault.
I think there are no good games to pirate because it there is a big chance it WILL BE PIRATED. Blame should be on those who pirate games.
If developers make a profit making games for the PSP, would they stop doing that?
Nezrou @ Nov 26th 2008 3:52AM
I think that psp simply didn't have big enough success to grab attention of developers and that's why not many games are released and piracy is slowing down. For few years after launch our beloved handheld had mainly ports of games from ps2, poorly executed too. Because of that and the fact that big N managed to sell many more units of their handheld with their 'target casual' strategy, psp is at this point. About a month ago I read that DarkAlex, the person who made CFW, announced that not many people downloaded CFW from his site, if i remember correctly less than half milion users, meaning that there are really not many pirates. I'm not defending pirates, but I think that psp simply haven't found a place on the market, so stop blaming piracy, because it's not as much of a threat, blame companies who at the first years of psp didn't make original and unique games for the system.
Shoyz @ Nov 25th 2008 7:22PM
I use CFW!
The sheer amount of homebrew that I love is amazing.
PSPTube, guys. PSPTube!
Also: Pirates don't do -anything- to the revenue. Chances are that if you're a pirate, even if you couldn't pirate games, you probably wouldn't buy them anyways. Pirating merely brings games to those who can't afford games, and alerts those who -do- buy games whether or not a game sucks before they buy them.
all in all, I support Piracy IF:
You wouldn't buy the games if you couldn't pirate them
You're testing them out to decide if you'll buy them or not
Jacksons @ Nov 25th 2008 8:17PM
Lucky for me, I didn't buy a PSP until the 2000 series came out, so I have a ton of games I'd still like to play. Most of which can be picked up for $20 or less new. I could definitely see people who have been there since the beginning running out of things to play, though. As for pirates, I bet the majority of them are kids. If not physically, then mentally.
aj @ Nov 25th 2008 11:25PM
Why do the kids have a 200$+ electronic toy to begin with?
If parents were told about piracy, and how easy it is, then *gasp* maybe parents would put the family computer in the living room and slap the crap out of their kids if they try to run bittorrent. But if parents play the "I'm over 30 and have a right to be an idiot because tech is scary" card, then who can blame the kids for being stupid?