I can finally stop pirating video games
Well, maybe. It feels good to have the disposable income to be a part of the industry. I know that may sound strange to people who are struggling to afford games, but I’ve been there. I’ve lived through layoffs and living paycheck to paycheck. I’m not saying my situation is comparable, but it’s nice to be in a position where I can support the hobby I enjoy.
It also feels nice to support indie games. I’ve always wanted to buy the small, unique games that I never knew existed until I started browsing Steam on sale, but I couldn’t afford them. Now, finally, I can.
“But what about when you have kids and can’t play anything?” Someone will probably comment. Well, right now, with my job and my responsibilities, I can’t play as much as I’d like to. It’s not even a matter of having enough time; it’s a matter of having enough free time. I’d love to spend hours on end in GTA V, but I need to earn money so I can afford to play GTA VI.
Piracy still exists, of course, but there’s a certain level of admission that comes with the admission that you can, in fact, buy games. Some of the replies I got were, “well, I still pirate games because [insert excuse here].” Others are, “I support developers by buying games.”
Personally, I feel that piracy is a bit like theft, but I also understand that it’s also a means of demoing games. I’ve bought games after pirating them hundreds of hours, and I’ve pirated games because they’re so expensive or because I don’t want to support the publishers. I understand the morality of it, but I also know that it’s the way it is.
I’m also pretty glad that I can support the developers who supported me. I spent so many years pirating games because I couldn’t afford them, but when I finally got a job, I supported the hobby that helped me get through so many difficult times. I think it’s important to recognize the hard work put into creating something that we all enjoy, whether we can afford it or not.
Piracy is still a touchy subject, and it’s clear that there’s a divide in opinions on the matter. Some see it as theft, while others defend it as a way to try games before buying or because of the issues with launchers. One thing I do know, however, is that many of you pirates bought games after playing them for years.
Nevertheless, let’s have a look at some of the comments:
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Reddit thread without someone making a humorous side comment about pirating from “greedy developers.”
“It feels good to finally be able to buy games”
There’s a lot of support and encouragement for the original poster as they earn the ability to support their hobby.
“I previously pirated games but bought them to support devs”
“I support devs but buy games I’ve pirated for a long time”
“Capitalism encourages innovation in gaming”
“Capitalism is flawed, and gaming companies are greedy”
“I pirated games because I didn’t have the time”
“I’ve stopped pirating because I can finally afford games”
“I still pirate because games are too expensive”
“I still pirate games because they’re outdated or prices are too high”
The original poster mentions how they hope to contribute to the developers they previously pirated games from. Other users express their disagreement with the practice of pirating games.
“I still pirate because of limited time”
“I just bought a game that I pirated for hundreds of hours”
“I still pirate because some games are too expensive”
“I’m glad that I can finally afford games, but I’m frustrated that I can’t”
“I support the devs but I can’t play their games”
The original poster shares their experience of returning to buy a game they had previously pirated because they wanted to show their support for the developers. Another user shares that they bought a game after pirating it for hundreds and hundreds of hours.
“I support devs but still pirate because I can’t afford games”
“I still pirate games because of limited time”
“I support devs but still pirate due to high prices”
“I can finally afford games, but I can’t play them”
The original poster is congratulated on their progress and ability to support the hobby they enjoy. Other users express their enjoyment of the ability to pirate games.
“I used to pirate games but now I support devs”
One user shares their struggles with losing income and resorting to piracy during difficult times. Another user mentions that they stopped pirating games because they’re too expensive.
“I support devs but I still pirate due to high prices”
“I still pirate because I can’t afford games”
“I support devs but I pirate because of limited time”
“I still pirate because of outdated releases”
“I support devs but I still pirate for demo purposes”
“I support devs but I still pirate because of high prices”
“I support devs but I still pirate because of outdated releases”
“I support devs but I still pirate because of launcher issues”
“I support devs but I still pirate because of high prices”
“I support devs but I still pirate because of outdated releases”
“I support devs but I still pirate because of launcher issues”
