Online gamers want more original copies of video games

AVID video gamers are pushing for the availability of more original copies in the local market, where pirated films and music are rampant.

The Brunei Times spoke to several videogame shops in Gadong and discovered that most consumers buy pirated copies of games and modified consoles, but there are also many who buy original titles.

"Consumers tend to buy original games because they want to go and play online," said a salesperson, adding that when consumers play online with pirated copies of the games, the system could easily detect and even permanently shut down the console.

Retail original games costs around $50 to $120 for a single disc, while copies of games especially the PlayStation 2 sells for four discs at $10.

"Even then, consumers still think that it is expensive," said one local vendor who opened a videogame shop seven months ago.

He said that he would support the original game market, but consumers still prefer buying pirated copies.

"I support original games because it adds more quality to the product," said Hapidz Pg Metali, ETA Games Trading salesperson.

He said that some copied games have quality issues.

A website administrator from brugamers.com said that there is support from videogame vendors stocking up on the latest original titles and offering unmodified console games for gamers looking for an online thrill.

"Pirated games cheapens gamers experience," said the local website administrator, adding that the cheap prices do not justify the hardwork that game developers put into their games.

"Consumers' minds are set into buying cheap copy."

"They are already spoilt with relatively cheap games and DVDs from the start, and that is why people settle for cheaper games," he added.

Another sales representative said that a modified console would limit or even ban the person's online account especially for Microsoft's Xbox 360 console.

Pirated games are copies of the original game code put into a cheaper medium, which may result in incomplete versions of the game and the console lens easily damaged.

"It's like copying an idea from a friend," said the Brugamers administrator. The Brunei Times