> If that 90% figure is accurate, that's really fucking depressing.
I think the focus needs to shift from, "This sucks," to, "This is what it is, how can we deal with it?" Like a lot of other industries, games are going to need to evolve.
Server-side data and good online connecting is a way. Platforms like Steam that take the hassle out of online buying is a way. Alternative monetizing might be a way. Tasteful sponsorship and in-game advertising? At this point, piracy is what it is, and it's not going away. Time to start thinking about ways to monetize those pirates.
Machinarium is actually available on Steam. I guess I'd like to think that for a lot of people piracy is simply easier than the legal alternatives - this is true for a lot of people outside the US for movies, for example. If I want to watch movies at home I either have to buy them or walk 15 mins to a video store to get a scratched DVD from a lousy selection. I'm pretty staunch about not pirating but it tests my patience when with bittorrent I'd be watching anything I like in far less time.
However due to being on Steam buying this game can't get much easier and people still pirate it. I agree the focus has to change but it is still a shame, this game is beautiful. I think the amnesty sale is a great way to draw attention to the issue (and the game too).
IMHO, bums me out about it is that it looks like a really creative, artistic game from an obviously talented team. And while I don't play many games anymore, I used to play a lot of games like that, and I hate to see the art form die out. And IMHO, it will die out if the developers aren't making any money. Or at least, become so damn rare as to be all but extinct.
I think the focus needs to shift from, "This sucks," to, "This is what it is, how can we deal with it?" Like a lot of other industries, games are going to need to evolve.
Server-side data and good online connecting is a way. Platforms like Steam that take the hassle out of online buying is a way. Alternative monetizing might be a way. Tasteful sponsorship and in-game advertising? At this point, piracy is what it is, and it's not going away. Time to start thinking about ways to monetize those pirates.