How to combat piracy is easier then people think
You need to make a compelling product that has graphically, aesthetically pleasing to the senses. Like combining Crysis like graphical prowess with Limbo grim and mysterious aesthetics. You'll have on hell of a game on your hands that'll scare the shit out people. Don't forget There's a need for solid and appropriate gameplay. What I mean by that is make the gameplay fun, let it have that classic feeling of mindless adventure. Next add in some deep, compelling features that'll make people's gameplay experience slightly and or completely different that works with their play style. yet don't make it too complex that'll it confuse them. With gameplay you have to make sure many people as possible can play the way they choose too. If they want to enjoy single player only let'em. Add local Co-Op, LAN, and or online Multiplayer options if it works within the game's story and gameplay mechanics. Don't forget refining the single player experience comes first. Then there's honest, quality and direct Public Relations. People want to see, understand the people that are working on the product that want to buy. When they ask them questions they want direct answers, no beating around the bush or out right lying to the customer base to cover their own asses. If they see that behind the software is an hard working group of skilled workers they'll be more likely to buy their product instead of pirate it.
Overall a quality product, openness of the creators to the community, shareholders, and consumers is what companies need to do to combat piracy. Instead of out right punishing everybody in a way that'll make the former consumer think "I'll just pirate this game they don't deserve my money"
