'Grand Theft' of intellectual property

A stolen copy of the latest sequel in one of the top-selling video game series of all time began circulating on the Web late Wednesday, the second high-profile game theft in a week.

Game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software confirmed that a purloined copy of "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," set for commercial release next week, is making the rounds of "warez" sites used to swap pirated software.

The publisher vowed in a statement to track down the thieves but said the piracy wouldn't affect the game's Oct. 26 retail debut.

"The proper authorities are investigating the theft and are continuing to investigate all possible leads to ensure there is no further dissemination of our creative content," according to the statement. "Downloading, possession and distribution of 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,' including making the game available on the Internet, is theft. We take the theft of our intellectual property very seriously, and we are and will continue to diligently and aggressively pursue this matter."

The "Grand Theft Auto" franchise has spawned four games, the most recent of which, "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," has sold more than 12 million copies and attracted ongoing criticism for its graphic portrayals of street crime and violence.

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entertainment

by pupil82 November 10, 2004 5:35 AM PST

entertainment

The game is rated M for 17+ audience so they can play the game. It does not promote theft it is a way of enteratainment and stress relief. Just like playing golf, watching an action movie, going to a firing range. If you aim at this one game you must aim at over 50% of the movies out there, television, 90% of news. You might as well shut off all media.

Like this

I remember the old dayzz

by nzamparello November 10, 2004 10:38 AM PST

I remember the old dayzz

Back in the days of bbses and npd and 0-30 warez days, pirates back then actually had a sense of ethics.. For instance.. Microsoft and EA were open turf because these companies just cared about the bottom line more so then the product.. So if they found a cool game from a smaller software house and found it on a npd bbs.. They'd usually request a takedown or a delayed post.. Also, it is a proven fact that piracy can function as a grassroots ad of sorts.. Hell... That's how I found the joys of xcom.. I d/led it ohh so many years ago.. Fell in love and bought it... Therefore supporting microprose.. I really disagree with pir8ing console stuff because of the cost vs. the return.. Companies like dna and bungie are literally 5 or 6 guys that work for years to make a great game and only survive on royalties that ms and sony give so little of to begin with.. Only to be snagged by some 14 yr old turd that can't mow a couple lawns or something to legitimately by the damn thing.. Very, Very sad...

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[pupil82]

entertainment

The game is rated M for 17+ audience so they can play the game. It does not promote theft it is a way of enteratainment and stress relief. Just like playing golf, watching an action movie, going to a firing range. If you aim at this one game you must aim at over 50% of the movies out there, television, 90% of news. You might as well shut off all media.

[nzamparello]

I remember the old dayzz

Back in the days of bbses and npd and 0-30 warez days, pirates back then actually had a sense of ethics.. For instance.. Microsoft and EA were open turf because these companies just cared about the bottom line more so then the product.. So if they found a cool game from a smaller software house and found it on a npd bbs.. They'd usually request a takedown or a delayed post.. Also, it is a proven fact that piracy can function as a grassroots ad of sorts.. Hell... That's how I found the joys of xcom.. I d/led it ohh so many years ago.. Fell in love and bought it... Therefore supporting microprose.. I really disagree with pir8ing console stuff because of the cost vs. the return.. Companies like dna and bungie are literally 5 or 6 guys that work for years to make a great game and only survive on royalties that ms and sony give so little of to begin with.. Only to be snagged by some 14 yr old turd that can't mow a couple lawns or something to legitimately by the damn thing.. Very, Very sad...