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NEWS
Cecil: Piracy is nature’s way of telling us games are too expensive The games industry must learn from iTunes to diminish the effects of piracy, says Doctor Who developer by James Batchelor REVOLUTION Software’s Charles Cecil has claimed that the rampant piracy currently testing the industry is the natural consequence of gaming’s current business and distribution model. The legendary developer warned that prices are too
they are distributed is not ideal,” Cecil told MCV. “Yes, we can pressure internet service providers and take any number of anti-piracy measures. But ultimately iTunes has shown that if you make the means of distribution easy and the price compelling, you will build the respect of your audience.
iTunes has shown that if you make distribution easy and the price compelling, you will build the respect of your audience.
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Charles Cecil, Revolution Software
high and distribution is still not accessible enough to prevent illegal downloads from being a threat to publishers. “Personally, I think that the level of piracy we have is nature’s way of turning around and saying games are too expensive and the way that
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“And while this won’t eradicate piracy completely, it won’t become such a serious issue anymore.” Cecil is currently working with Sumo Digital on Doctor Who: The Adventure Games, a BBC project that will see retail quality games based on the
TALKING ABOUT A REVOLUTION: Charles Cecil from Revolution Software says lower prices and better distribution can slow piracy
Secret pact to safeguard DRM THE EUROPEAN Commission has revealed details of the AntiCounterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), which is designed to help combat piracy. The act has been shrouded in secrecy for years, but finally the European Commission has revealed a draft following threats of court action from the European Parliament. ACTA features several measures to prevent the sale of pirated games, but also suggests laws to help protect IP rights in the digital space. Most significantly for the games industry, is that ACTA would make digital rights management (DRM)
enforceable by law, with each country having to impose legal restrictions on people that try and circumvent DRM. The trade agreement also allows rights holders to get injunctions with the court if they feel copyright infringement will be imminent, rather than actually happening. “The anti-counterfeiting trade agreement has been dealt with in an incredibly secretive way,” said Harbottle and Lewis solicitor Paul Groves. “Normally there would be very public consultation, but this has been done behind closed doors. No-one has been aware what has been happening until the European
Parliament threatened to take the European Commission to court. It is all very bizarre. “The US is the driving force behind this, with the EU and about ten other countries in negotiations. Once this has been agreed we would have about a year to change English law so we can meet the minimum levels.” The ACTA law is also set to see whether online service providers – such as YouTube – should be held accountable for user generated content that is made available on their sites. This could potentially have an impact on the casual gaming space, including titles on social networking site Facebook.
popular sci-fi show distributed digitally for free via PC. He believes that if this new model should prove to be successful, it will open new avenues for game-makers that could go some way to diminishing the effects of piracy in the industry. “What’s great about what we’re doing here is we’re creating games that are free for download and in doing so I hope we’re expanding the market,” said Cecil. “Hopefully, if we can prove that this model can work, that will create new opportunities for other people. “But it’s a challenge because until now a few companies have made a success of episodic gaming.” The first episode of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games – City of the Daleks – will be released on June 6th as a digital download for PC.
Licensed PlayStation merchandise revealed PERIPHERALS specialist Impact Global Solutions has revealed its officially licensed range of LittleBigPlanet, Buzz and Ratchet and Clank products. These include LittleBigPlanet plush toys, beanies, collectable keyrings, wobbleheads, mugs and a selection of bags, which will be available in June. Buzz fans can also get their hands on figurines based on the game show host and the star contestants, while Ratchet and Clank nuts can pick up beanies,
rucksacks, keyrings and wobbleheads this autumn. “Our focus on game-related gifts has enabled us to secure partnerships with many high profile companies in particular with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe,” said IGS sales director Chris Malone. “These gift items offer retailers a fantastic opportunity to earn extra margin.” All pictures are pending final licensor approval. IGS: 0845 600 1676