Navigating Piracy: Protecting Your Game on IGG Games
As a game developer, witnessing pirated copies of your game circulating on the internet is a challenging situation. However, it's important to understand that piracy can also serve as a powerful marketing tool if handled correctly. This guide will walk you through actionable steps to protect your intellectual property, mitigate piracy's impact, and turn it into a promotional opportunity.
Documenting Evidence
The first step in dealing with piracy is to document all evidence meticulously. Take screenshots and notes of the URLs where your game is being distributed illegally. Having a comprehensive record is crucial for any subsequent actions, such as contacting the website or sending a DMCA takedown notice.
Contacting the Website
Reach out to IGG Games or the website hosting the pirated content. Most legitimate platforms have well-established processes for reporting copyright infringement. Provide them with the evidence you have gathered. This communication can often lead to the removal of infringing content and accountability from the platform's side.
Sending a DMCA Takedown Notice
If the website does not respond, consider sending a DMCA Digital Millennium Copyright Act takedown notice. This formal request has legal standing and can compel the site to remove the infringing content. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer to ensure the notice is structured properly and legally binding.
Considering Legal Action
In cases where piracy significantly impacts your game's sales or reputation, consulting with a legal professional is crucial. Explore options for pursuing legal action against the infringers. This might include taking the case to court or utilizing cease and desist letters to stop the distribution of pirated content.
Increasing Awareness and Promoting Your Game
To leverage the exposure from piracy positively, promote your game through official channels to encourage legitimate purchases. Highlight the benefits of supporting developers, such as access to updates and customer support. Social media, blog posts, and press releases can all be effective in this regard.
Implementing Anti-Piracy Measures
Consider implementing anti-piracy measures in your game to deter unauthorized distribution. Online activation, regular updates, and other DRM (digital rights management) measures can make piracy less appealing for potential users. By improving the user experience for legitimate players, you can encourage them to purchase your game legally.
Engaging with Your Community
Foster a positive relationship with your player community. Engaged players are more likely to support you by purchasing your game rather than seeking pirated versions. Respond to feedback, organize events, and create a sense of community around your game. Engaging with your community can significantly reduce piracy and increase revenue.
While piracy can be disheartening, it can also provide an opportunity to grow your game's visibility. By taking proactive steps to protect your intellectual property and using the exposure as a marketing tool, you can mitigate the impacts of piracy and even turn it into a boon for your game's success.
Take my recommendation: Start updating your game with small patches every week. Players who have pirated the game will be motivated to purchase the game legally, as manually pirating new patches weekly is cumbersome. Make the official version the easier and better option, and watch as more players buy into your game. Good luck!