Poll: Is it still pirating if you own a cop of the game-on another system?

[TheLefty]

A friend of mine mentioned that he wants to get the PC version of Fallout: New Vegas, but doesn't want to pay for it because he already owns the 360 version. Jokingly I called him a pirate, to which he responded (effectively) saying that it's not piracy if you already own a copy of the game. But I thought about this, you own a copy of the game, but it's on a different platform. So, is it different? Or does it still count?

The way I see this we need to decide if A) it's not piracy just because you/he/whoever already owns on copy, and B) if there's a difference between owning a 360 version and a PC version. To a lesser extend this could bring up the whole debate as to whether or not piracy is bad, but that's not really the point here.

So what do you think?

(Also, I'm not quite sure if this falls under "advocating piracy," or whatever the code of conduct says...so if it is, sorry about that)

 

[Sinclair Solutions]

Technically, it still is. He is taking a game he would have had to pay for and pretty much stealing it. It sucks that he would have to buy two copies, but that is how things are supposed to work. Support the company and buy both copies, or just stick the one he has.

 

[itsausernamewhatofit]

Yes it is still piracy, unfortunately whether you own a copy for a different system or not, piracy is piracy.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

Technically, yes it is piracy, and yes, it is very illegal.

Personally, I have absolutely no problem with it from a moral stand point because he's already paid the developers their dues. Also, I'm guessing that he'll basically be replacing his xbox 360 copy with the PC version of the game (I mean, why would you play the same game on different platforms at the same time?), in which case it's like he paid an extra $10 for the game anyway, since he got it for the xbox. Personally, I think it's all good so long as he doesn't try to pawn off/give away the other copy of the game.

 

[IzisviAziria]

Suppose it sort of depends... when you purchase a game, are you purchasing a physical item which you have ownership over and can then use? If so, then yes, it would still be pirating.

Or, when you purchase a game, are you thereby purchasing personal rights to be able to play said game? In that light, it's much closer to not being piracy (although could still be, if you want to consider technicalities such as purchasing the rights specifically to one console)

For a long time such differentiation wouldn't have mattered, but with the onset of digital purchases (for which, you will never actually own a physical copy of something you purchased) it's sort of valid.

For my part though, I would say that this is still technically pirating.

And if the overlords happened to catch you and decide to prosecute, I doubt that you would have any viable defense in the courtroom.

 

[ChildofGallifrey]

Actually, I'm pretty sure if you own a copy of a game then you're allowed to have a 'backup' of it. If you (or, in this case, your friend) physically own a copy that you paid for, then it's ok to have a backup of it. Not sure whether we start getting into murky territory if the backup copy becomes the primarily used one though, but it might be all the same since you still paid for the game ($10 extra if you play the PC version primarily). I'm not sure if things have changed with the advent of downloadable games being so prevalent though. I think that's just how it was before the internet became widespread on consoles.

Note: I am not a lawyer. This is what I was told by a close friend and fellow gamer who is halfway through law school, so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[boringanarchy]

Yes it's piracy in the eyes of the law. Probably won't get caught, but then, I'm sure he's probably run the risk before...

 

[Rabish Bini]

Downloading ROM's for emulators is legal if you actually own a physical copy, so I assume the same applies for this.

 

[biggskanz]

piracy: The practice of attacking and robbing ships at sea.

so... "No, it's not" I think the phrase you were looking for is..

copyright infringement: violation of the rights secured by a copyright.

 

[dyre]

Of course it's piracy. But is it morally wrong? I wouldn't say so.

 

[Anezay]

'Tis piracy, me matey. Yearrrrrrrgh.
Sorry about that. I couldn't help it.

 

[MisterShine]

piracy: The practice of attacking and robbing ships at sea.

so... "No, it's not" I think the phrase you were looking for is..

copyright infringement: violation of the rights secured by a copyright.

Downloading and personal use of copyrighted materials on the internet is often colloquially referred to as "internet piracy" or just "piracy". Happy to inform you.

OT: Legally? Yeah I'm pretty sure that's piracy.

Morally, in my book? As long as he doesn't sell the Xbox copy, give it away, or download any DLC he otherwise wouldn't have access to, I would say he is in the clear.

Edit: Wrong to.

 

[Ghost_Star]

Its the same as asking is it stealing if you don't pay for your bike because you already own a car from the same company?

(back to the game)Of course its stealing, but since Bethesda Softworks doesn't give you a discount for brand royalty i say f*** them. After all they always try to f*** you back.

 

[TheLoneBeet]

Yes it is. Just buy the game for PC if he wants to play it on PC. I've switched systems a few times with games. Occasionally they just play better. Sometimes there's better DLC (or modding for PC) on another system. As mentioned a second ago MODDING!?!?! is incredible and makes almost any game better.. It's often well-worth the money. Besides, can't he trade in his 360 copy once he gets a new PC copy?

 

[ZZoMBiE13]

Undeniably yes, yes it is. There is nothing to discuss. This isn't some out of print game he bought 10 years ago and can't go out and get a copy. It's not even a year old if memory serves.

I bought the 360 version. If I go to Gamestop and lift a copy for the PC or PS3 it doesn't make it a legitimate action just because I already purchased it for another platform.

 

[Flutterguy]

Although i can completely understand his point it is still indeed piracy, but as long as he bought the game new and the developers where given their due I have no problem with it.

 

[Triangulon]

Yes, absolutely it is piracy. It may not be as morally reprehensable as he has bought a copy, however he is still contributing to the overall problem.

 

[epialesofaergia]

What is colloquially referred to as piracy (at least in this case) is based on intellectual property, which is considerably different in regards to other systems since the "meat" of a game is in its programming. Different code, different copyright.