"Stand away from the DVD writer!"
After the leak of Halo 2, last Friday's news that GTA San Andreas had fallen into the hands of pirates and file-sharers struck us as quite shocking. For the year’s 2 biggest games to be in illegal circulation ahead of the official release date is a problematic frustration for publishers, developers and law-abiding gamers. Quite apart from the financial implications, there’s the risk that the game’s plot will be spoiled by over-zealous internet gossipers: which would be a shame for those patiently awaiting October 29th, with sweaty mitts gripping tightly to their pre-order receipts.
In response, Rockstar has issued an official statement: “The proper authorities are investigating the theft and are continuing to investigate all possible leads.” This has been underlined with the emphatic remark, “We take the theft of our intellectual property very seriously.” One thing’s sure, we wouldn’t want to be in the perpetrator’s shoes when Rockstar’s manhunt closes in.
There’s a hint of irony in the fact that Grand Theft Auto is being thieved, in a grand manner, via automatic downloads; nevertheless, it is hoped that this leak doesn’t spoil Rockstar’s launch plans – it’s still all happening next week. And when the game does officially hit the shelves, you can expect large-scale bean spilling of GTA’s full content anyway.
In response, Rockstar has issued an official statement: “The proper authorities are investigating the theft and are continuing to investigate all possible leads.” This has been underlined with the emphatic remark, “We take the theft of our intellectual property very seriously.” One thing’s sure, we wouldn’t want to be in the perpetrator’s shoes when Rockstar’s manhunt closes in.
There’s a hint of irony in the fact that Grand Theft Auto is being thieved, in a grand manner, via automatic downloads; nevertheless, it is hoped that this leak doesn’t spoil Rockstar’s launch plans – it’s still all happening next week. And when the game does officially hit the shelves, you can expect large-scale bean spilling of GTA’s full content anyway.
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Comments
ohms 21 Oct 2004 13:16
1/2
Not too much of a big deal since the game is out next week.
Although, didn't the ad campaign for GTA2 tell people to 'steal this game' ?
That is kinda askin for it. :)
Joji 21 Oct 2004 13:59
2/2
There is a danger lurking that if it doesn't stop we'll end up being sued like what's happened to music file sharing.
DVDs are easy to create these days so don't act so surprised.
DVDs are easy to create these days so don't act so surprised.