animefreak_usa wrote...
I do see the hypocrisy of people complaining about 'supporting companies games' yet they have no problem stealing animu, mangos and dem dirty comics from the hard working Nipponese.
I personally like to use this rule set when it comes to piracy.
1) If the game is available legally in your language either through download or hardcopy you buy the game. From reputable sites for downloads, either e-shops or a website you trust (up to you, I can't fault you for being careful).
2) If the game is already announced to be localized or has a very high chance to be localized then you wait for the game and support it. Think say...the persona series will almost always be localized so you support it. If you really like a game then you should be 100% fine with getting the game so that they make sequels or DLC to extend your enjoyment of the game.
3) If the game has a precedent for not being localized or supported in your region and it definitely won't be localized then it is ok to pirate. Examples being New Loveplus, almost any galge or eroge, or some really really obscure Japanese game that simply will not be localized or translated. Go download a free english patch.
4) Exception: If the game is from a smaller developer who really isn't earning a lot of money and you REALLY enjoy the game just suck it up, import a copy, and find an english patch. There are no games in this category that I have personally been interested in.
The way I see it, if they don't bother to localize the game then they aren't willing to outreach to the market that is clearly there. And therefore it is ok to get the game illegally because they wouldn't have gotten the sale from you anyway as there was no place for you to buy it to begin with. They aren't losing money on the game being in regions they never bothered to translate for/localize for unless they do later decide to localize it. You likely don't read Japanese, and even if you do translating the whole game by yourself is kinda a pain even with voice overs. I realize that Pirating is a problem with 3DS but in that case you still have the option of importing a Jpn 3ds and game if you really must play the game, generally though I think that most of the games you would want to play are localized.
Just my thoughts. I feel it is fair enough. Be noted, this applies only to Video games and anime(cause dubs and localizing good anime almost never happens). Oh and FOR SHAME, that game is available in all regions the 3DS is available. Just buy the system and the game, if you choose to pirate a clearly accessible game then you deserve to have your console or handheld bricked.