can you recognise a counterfeit/pirate games CD?
This guide can help you...
The counterfeiting or illegal copying of leisure software is of growing concern. This guide takes a brief look at the type of software you may come across and how to identify the counterfeit from the genuine.
Recordable CDs and DVDs
These are branded "blank" CD’s used by the counterfeiters for illegally copying software by use of a CD writer.
No genuine product is released on recordable CDs or DVDs. However, they can be used to copy any software including PC, Playstation, Game Cube or X-Box games.
These recordable discs are easy to recognise. They will usually cost £3 - £10, the title may be hand-written or printed on a CD size sticker, they will not have an instruction manual and are often sold without a jewell case.
Silver CD ROMs
CD ROM’s (read only memory) are mass-produced by pressing plants mainly in the Far East. Genuine silver CDs come in jewel cases, have instruction manuals, printed inlay sleeves and are often packed inside a glossy printed cardboard box
Counterfeit Silver CDs have poor quality printing and no manuals or boxes, although some do come in jewel cases or plastic wallets. You may occasionally get counterfeit silver CD’s that look more "professional" than this.
A genuine silver CD retails at £30 - £40, with budget titles costing around £15. Illegal copies cost from £5 - £30.
Console Games
Playstation CDs are made of black polycarbonate, so genuine CDs are always black in colour on the recorded side. Genuine games are printed on the front face, come with printed inlay sleeves, instruction manuals and are packaged in a jewell case with a hologram.
Playstation 2 CD games are blue on the back and DVD games are silver. Both types have six holographic images around the centre hole of the disc - 3 x "Playstation 2"and 3 x Playstation Logo.
X- box games have holograms of " Microsoft X- Box" words around the centre hole of the disc.
Game Cube discs are currently produced on mini- discs.
Cartridge Games
Some games are released on a cartridge format, e.g. Nintendo Game Boy Advance.
These appear as single titles on one cartridge, with coloured, printed adhesive labels, with manuals and packaging. Counterfeit cartridges may have multiple titles on one cartridge, are made in the Far East, poor quality printing on sleeves and packaging, no manuals and may be partly in a foreign language.
Compilation CD’s
Pirates often create their own CD’s and give them titles such as "Blobby", "Dragon", "Sporty". These CD’s contain a number of different games & utilities that have been illegally copied.
Compilation CDs always appear on recordable CDs or DVDs. These cost around £5 - £20 and have a hand-written title on the face of the CD and/or the jewel case. Where an inlay sleeve is present this will be a poor quality colour print or photocopy.
Where to find illegal software
- Car Boot Sales and markets
- The Internet
- Free Ads section in newspapers
- Mail Order Ads and Trade Press (pirate traders often masquerade as vendors of cheap imports).
- Retail Outlets
- Street Traders
