A few words about pirate-copying Civ-3

[Ralf]

Most of us have occasionally bought full-price games on impulse, just to realise the mistake afterwards. I have at least 2-3 relatively fresh games on my harddisk, that I only have played a few couple of sessions. Now, what about Civ-3?

Well, a few "fans", after waiting 5 long years, now angrily declares that if way are forced to wait yet another few short couple of months after the SP-release, in order to get their hands on the MP-feature, then they had it!!!
They threaten to pirate-copy the SP-game (because they refuse to pay for a "truncated" game) - then they probably follow that up by pirated expansion-pack/MP bundle as well (because they refuse to "pay twice").

See the loopholed logic? I think thats pretty pathetic arguing.

As I see it: No other strategy-game have made such an long-lasting impact on me, as Civ-1 & 2 have. I think I have bought at least 3 legal Civ-1 copies alone (first to Amiga, then to Mac, and finally to PC), and at least 3 legal Civ-2 copies (first the original release, then an expansion-pack and after selling it all, I bought the Ultimate classic collection bundle again, 2-3 years later).
I have enjoyed other games, yes. But Civ is special (although I admit; the old Civ-versions have now been played-to-death, beyond recovery).

Most core-fans have also contributed hundreds, yes thousands of replies (with fun overshadowing the work) in this and other forums. Now, near "the end of the tunnel" - shall we reward it all by rambling about cheapskate pirate-copies of Civilization III? The updated version of a game, once rewarded "Best game of all times"?

I dont thinks so! I have spent too many hours thinking around and about this damn game-update. It certainly wouldnt feel right at all. I will buy fully legal copies of Civ-3 and its expected expansion-pack also. Being cautious and reading the reviews first, is one thing. But If you want to play it - play it legaly.

[Robert]

I live in europe, thus as soon as it's released in the US I'll try to download it from a warez server.
Then I'll buy it when it'll be available overhere.

I did the same with CtP and CtP II and SMaC.

I downloaded ToT from a warez site, and reported it to Microprose, then they sent me a free copy to say thanks for informing them about the leak

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by CyberShy
I downloaded ToT from a warez site, and reported it to Microprose, then they sent me a free copy to say thanks for informing them about the leak

Heh, maybe that's why they went under.

[Bay Skipjack]

Ralf, you are so correct!

There are no acceptable reasons to not pay for the game once it becomes available, either online or in the stores. This means those residing outside the U.S. are put in a bit of an ethical dilemma, since official release is invariably later for the rest of the world. This is somewhat unfair, but would be difficult to amend, logistics and all. Hopefully Infogames can get off their tushes and get official copies released quickly.

ANYONE ANYONE who dosen't purchase the game is just a common thief IMO.

[Shadowstrike]

So if were out of cash and dont buy the game, or download it, we become thieves? This logic is most puzzling.

[Mahdimael]

As a matter of fact, yes! When you take something that doesn't belong to you or that you haven't paid for, you actually are stealing!

I don't have enough cash to buy that corvette I want...fortunately, I can just take it and drive it until I do have enough money for it.

[Bay Skipjack]

Your right Shadowstrike, I wasn't clear enough

ANYONE who deliberately choses to play a pirated copy of a game, rather than actually purchase it, is a common thief

I gather from the tone of your post you were joking, but all joking aside, this topic IS kinda' important, don't you think

[red_jon]

If it is released here more than 3 weeks to a month after the US, I suggest the Europeans download it

[General Ludd]

It isn't theft, it's just ripping Firaxis and Infrogames off. Software isn't a physical object that you can steal from someone. If you download it, you aren't taking it away from anyone, you are just geting it with no cost to you or the company.

As an example, say we had the replicators from Star Trek you'd be able to get an infinate amount of food from it, does that mean that you are stealing from Farmers, simply because they are no longer geting paid?

But, that would of course lead to farmers becoming obsolete and the public being stuck with the same ol' replicator gunk.

[tniem]

How about the rules of fair use and evaluation purposes?

I believe it is legal to download a full game and play it for up to 24 hours as evaluation. Without a demo it might be important for people in the community to give it a try.

[Provost Harrison]

3 weeks RJ? More like 3 hours for me. I will buy it when it becomes available, but I will have the game as close to it's first release day as I can, one way or another. And if an MP costs extra money to add on, I will download that too, unless it comes on a pack with considerable additions to the original game (new civs, etc, etc)

[Deity Dude]

"ANYONE who deliberately choses to play a pirated copy of a game, rather than actually purchase it, is a common thief "

Agreed. But, would you agree with the following statement:

"ANYONE who takes money under false pretenses is a common thief"

If so, then Firaxis is a common thief. I have no interest in playing SP. I read articles talking about how MP was going to be an integral part of the new game. Based on this info, I pre-bought 2 copies of the game and had them next-day air shipped to myself and a friend as a present. Total cost - over $120.00.

I will feel totally cheated if this rumor is true. Someone made a comment about a Corvette. Well I just paid for a Corvette and got a Chevette.

[Ralf]

Originally posted by tniem
I believe it is legal to download a full game and play it for up to 24 hours as evaluation. Without a demo it might be important for people in the community to give it a try.

Nobody can stop you from downloding a warez-copy, if you know where to find those. But treat it as a temporary Civ-3 demo only. Then go out and buy yourself that grand Limited Edition. You get that manual + designers notes (Im really curious what they have to say for themselves) + other cool stuff. You have invested almost 1200 replies on the Civ-subject, so I believe you dont look at Civ-3 as just another game-update. If it can deliver - then a legal Civ-3 is worth the money, many times over. Dont you agree?

[Bay Skipjack]

Oswald-
You even admit it's "ripping" Firaxis and Infogames off! Would you agree that the information on your hard drive can't be stolen? It isn't an object, can't be held, essentially occupies no space, has no real mass.

Diety Dude-
If I were you I'd be pissed too, but nobody ever promised that MP would be included, though I think we all agree that it most defiantly should be - that's why we all assumed it would be. You know what they say about assuming - it makes an a** out of u and me As to the Chevette, at least your insurance rates will be way lower

[d_dudy]

if they'd give us a demo they'd have a lot less to worry about from pirating