How to Spot a Pirated Game

Top 10 Tips to Avoid Buying Pirated Games

1. Trust your instincts: Compare the price against the recommended retail price. If the price is very low, be suspicious.

2. Buy from established outlets: Game prices are highly competitive. Some markets, Internet and newspapers advertise pirated games.

3. Check the trademark symbol or hologram: When buying second hand games, check the box, disc and manual for clearly printed trademark symbols or certificates of authenticity.

4. Coloured discs and DVDR: Games publishers do not produce games on DVDR or coloured discs. These are likely to pirated games.

5. Spelling and grammar: Check packaging for misspellings and grammatical inaccuracies – pirated games often contain such errors.

6. Box covers: Ensure the game comes in a full cover retail box. Hand written labels, faded discs, plastic disc covers and photocopied inserts are likely to be pirated games.

7. Multiple games on one disc: Several games on a single disc with no genuine box cover are likely to be pirated games. Copyright owners rarely produce compilation discs.

8. Who are you buying from: If the seller won’t give you their contact details, a receipt or any information should the product be faulty, the game is likely to be pirated. Keep all documentation.

9. Do your homework: Keep informed about game piracy by visiting the iGEA website

10. Report piracy: If you are aware of any potential game piracy, register it in confidence by calling the iGEA Anti Piracy Hotline: 1800 20 40 19 or anti-piracy@igea.com.au.