I started using IRC a while back as a couple friends of mine half-forced me to use it because they wanted to chat with me online. As a person who was not used to the idea of online chatting and disliked it, using IRC changed my views of online chatting as it can be quite convenient and interesting at times. Soon after starting using it, I noticed that there are many many channels available on various networks. As curious as I was, I started exploring around to see what’t out there. I especially was looking for Bishoujo games discussion channels as any heated discussion of one of my beloved hobbies is always welcomed.
OH BOY, DID THAT OPEN MY EYES?
I knew piracy is inevitable as long as there are people out there but I never knew how bad it actually is especially with Bishoujo Games, which is an already small industry. Here is my logic, I believed (notice the past tense?) most people who play English translated Bishoujo Games for a period of time should realize how small and fragile this industry is. Instead of pirating these Bishoujo Games which might be fatal to this relatively new industry, people should and would try to support it by buying their products. Yeah, I know, I know, stop your laughing and pointing. I was relatively naive when it comes to piracy.
After being exposed to that ugly reality, another big surprise hits me. SOME CHANNELS ON IRC HAVE THE PIRATED VERSIONS OF GAMES AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC WITHIN A WEEK after the games being released by the companies. The Pirated games that are circulating on the web are most likely from those channels as well.
Okay…Here comes my question. For those people who apparently place their orders RIGHT AFTER the games are released: WHY…oh WHY do you guys do that???
I really can’t understand that mentality. Don’t you wish the industry to grow bigger so more games are made available to us? Don’t you wish to have more companies releasing English translated Bishoujo Games so the games “might” cost cheaper than they already are in the future? WHY would you pirate the games and make them available to people whom you don’t even know and won’t even thank you (IRC language = leechers) after using your hard earned money to buy them? Why are you willing to waste your time and money to do this illegal task?
So many questions and no answers…Guess this is life.
[This message has been edited by Noirbo (edited 03-23-2004).]