Is it wrong to pirate a game you own 2 copies of?

[Rawrimabear]

I've been having problems with patching D2D version of Civ4 BTS on my windows 7 computer and I asked a friend about what to do, he said that if I pirated it, there's a very good chance that it would work. (His does and he's got the same windows 7U that I do) I already own 2 copies of Civ4 and 1 copy of BTS and warlords.

Would you say it's okay to pirate or torrent or should I not even bother asking?

http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=384679 - My thread on the Tech&Support.

 

[revengeofmakno]

If you bought it fair and square, I think you are entitled to have something that works on your computer by any means that are available to you.

 

[G-Max]

In my opinion, it's morally okay to pirate something that you own 0 copies of...

 

[none]

In my opinion, it's morally okay to pirate something that you own 0 copies of...

It's your opinion but that is just wrong.

@Rawrimabear: if you already own a copy of the game the best thing would be to make it work without resorting to cracks or pirated copies but if it doesn't and you already own the game then I guess it's more of a grey area... Clearly piracy is wrong and morally indefensible. So it's wrong but at the same time you should be entitled to play a game you've lawfully bought.

If you resort to piracy then you're breaking the law. That's pretty much it.

 

[karadoc]

I've downloaded no-cd cracks for a few games that I own, just because having the cd in the drive is an annoying restriction; so I guess that's pretty much the same.

If I was in your position, I'd contact D2D for help before looking for a pirated copy though; and I don't expect that the pirated copy would be easier to manage. Usually patches are the weakness of pirated games. Typically you need a new crack for every new version, and sometimes it can be hard to find the crack you are looking for. But the bottom line is that I wouldn't object to pirating a game that you already own. In fact, I'm not even sure that's illegal in the USA, is it? (I think it is illegal in Australia, which is where I live.)

 

[Torrello]

BTS with the 3.13 patch doesn't even require the disk
I was shocked to find that out, as it's an official patch, but really happy as it allows me and my daughter to play at the same time without peeing about with disks

 

[Lithuanian!]

If you have one original copy, you can spam as many copies as you want if you will use it for your self only. I buy original music, games and moves. But there is some illegal stuff in my HDD.

 

[Skwink]

You guys better hope no Cops are members here. If you pirate it, even if you have bought it twice, it's still stealing.

 

[Fistleaf]

Just remember to keep the purchase receipts to prove that you bought the game in the first place.

Piracy is about depriving the content-developer of his possible earnings. Well, he already got the money when you first bought it.

 

[NorthNovas]

BTS with the 3.13 patch doesn't even require the disk
I was shocked to find that out, as it's an official patch, but really happy as it allows me and my daughter to play at the same time without peeing about with disks

Yes I was just as surprised! I have a recent Steam version and the old disc that I used on the laptop where I didn't want to load Steam because its not a gaming laptop. I tried it just last week and it worked without the cd; a BONUS not to have to use a cd once installed.

To OP I would contact D2D support if that is the version you have there should be no issue running the game on Win 7.

 

[TheWilltoAct]

Some great suggestions here, but a forum like this really can't condone piracy. I wouldn't be surprised to see the thread closed.

 

[May Day 10]

Morally, I would think not.

Legally, yes

 

[Lord Monkey]

It's your opinion but that is just wrong.

...Clearly piracy is wrong and morally indefensible...

You're confusing morality with legality. They are not the same.

 

[ParadigmShifter]

How is it moral to steal money from game developers (like myself)?

 

[Ignorant Teacher]

How is it moral to steal money from game developers (like myself)?

The guy has already bought the game. In fact, he has bought it twice, but none of his disks work. His question was not: "I don't feel like buying the game, should I pirate it?"

 

[ParadigmShifter]

In my opinion, it's morally okay to pirate something that you own 0 copies of...

none was replying to this post...

 

[Ignorant Teacher]

none was replying to this post...

My bad then. In that case, I agree with you.

 

[Lord Monkey]

How is it moral to steal money from game developers (like myself)?

Because morals are user-defined, like it or not. Ultimately they stem from the concept of social contracts. You agree not to murder me, I agree not to murder you. Over time, we both begin to accept murder as "immoral" because the most people benefit when everyone agrees not to kill one another.

Then you get a sociopath, who recognizes the ability to lie and break that social contract for personal gain. To him, the moral reprehensibility isn't even a question in the face of the benefit he receives.

Laws are defined by a body of legislature. They recognize the ability of man to overlook "morality" when he chooses, and instead establish a consequence in an attempt to offset the draw of committing a crime for personal gain.

And I wasn't aware game developers are paid on commission.

 

[ParadigmShifter]

Game dev companies are often paid based on amount of units sold or royalties. They pay my salary.

You sound like a libertarian though, so it's no use having an intelligent conversation

 

[danjuno]

Here's a better idea. Complain to Firaxis. If they can't help, buy five more disks, and if they all fail, call your lawyer and have fun in court.