We're normally pretty down on video game software piracy, especially when the games being plundered are totally DRM-free indie darlings. However, thanks to Machinarium's outrageously high piracy rate -- Amanita Design's Jakub Dvorsky estimates only 5 to 15 percent of players actually paid for the game -- the developer is holding a "Pirate Amnesty" sale for the point-and-click adventure game, temporarily marking its price down from $20 to $5.
So, because a ton of people obtained the game through illicit channels, we can grab it legitimately for 75 percent cheaper than usual? We're happy for the bargain, but that's setting an awfully bizarre precedent, guys.
Reader Comments (71)
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 6:32PM EvoHelix said
@Osnaz We're not talking about a tangible product here like shoes, this is something that is completely free to replicate. Whatever point you're trying to make is invalid.
Perhaps I should clarify, I'm an advocate for the "Pay what you want" business model for media distribution. If you like a product, then you support the company that produced it with your dollars.
Reply
Perhaps I should clarify, I'm an advocate for the "Pay what you want" business model for media distribution. If you like a product, then you support the company that produced it with your dollars.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 12:50PM PersonOfSorts said
I didn't pirate it, but am a sucker for a good sale.
Sold!
Sold!
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 1:14PM Tuxy79 said
I have purchased 3 digital copies (2 at full price). I just want the opportunity to buy a physical copy.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 1:16PM ScottG13 said
Great price. Kinda rather go through the Steam cloud, though. I think I'll wait. I'd rather pay $7 through Steam and let them get that cut.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 1:28PM Sleepyperson said
I'm still a bit confused on the whole $20 price level that indie devs put up for there games. I will personally only buy a indie game for $10 unless its something extremely fun or the game has great game play.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 2:17PM DaFreak said
Funny how some people jump on cleric and tell him he is what's wrong with the gaming industry...
Perhaps you guys should read his post again, he actually bought the game for 20. How does that justify calling him the end of this industry? You guys are paying 75% less and are calling him a pirate? I bet almost every one of us has experienced buying a game and later realizing that it wasn't worth the price you paid for it.
Perhaps you guys should read his post again, he actually bought the game for 20. How does that justify calling him the end of this industry? You guys are paying 75% less and are calling him a pirate? I bet almost every one of us has experienced buying a game and later realizing that it wasn't worth the price you paid for it.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 3:17PM pika2000 said
What makes them think the pirates will actually buy the game? If the pirates have finished playing the pirated game, they move on to other games, not looking back and "Oh, maybe I'll buy this one now." And $5? People are pirating 99cents iPhone apps. Heck, some are pirating free software. Solution: Port the game to iPhone/iPad. Even if they price the game for 99c on the app store, hey might make even more money. Or only distribute it via Steam.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 3:34PM TheMichaelJackson said
I don't know if I'll ever play this game, but I'm going to support the devs buy it anyways.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 4:14PM Jerkface Killah said
Purchased! I love game sales. I just wish it was on sale because it was selling so well, they could afford to give it away for cheap. Unfortunately it's pretty much the opposite.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 6:21PM EvoHelix said
@Osnaz We're not talking about a tangible product here like shoes, this is something that is completely free to replicate. Whatever point you're trying to make is invalid
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 7:23PM Scuffles said
Interestingly enough I apparently live on a cave on mars with my eyes closed and my fingers in my ears ..... because this is the first I have ever heard of this game.
Posted: Aug 7th 2010 8:28PM Suspiro said
I bought it on sale for $5 from Steam. How cheap can the bastard pirates be?
Posted: Aug 8th 2010 11:50AM ZooTV said
hmmmm i dont know, 5 bucks is still a lot of money for this game. i mean for that same 5 bucks i can buy 2, 40oz malt liquor beverages.
Posted: Aug 8th 2010 12:43PM WickedCobra03 said
Never got a chance to buy it during the last sale they had going for pay-whatever-you-want deal, mostly just because I was going to buy it, had order sheet up, had to go somewhere and then sale ended like 2 days later when I logged back onto my PC, lol.
Posted: Aug 8th 2010 9:13PM ch3burashka said
If a 20 dollar indie game was bought by only 10% of its audience, how low are the sales for AAA games?
Also, I already have the game. What I want to know is where I can purchase more of their art: it's effing fantastic!
Also, I already have the game. What I want to know is where I can purchase more of their art: it's effing fantastic!
Posted: Aug 9th 2010 8:39AM burn1n9m4n said
Did anyone else notice the obvious nod to The Pirate Bay within the pirate ship artwork? I had completely forgotten about this game until this article brought it up. Might have to check it out if the price is now $5.
Posted: Aug 12th 2010 5:54AM vdv2020 said
This piece of _art_ is well worth the money I have paid for it. I have paid less for GTAIV and that is also the right price for me :) (steam discounts).
Featured Stories
Super Joystiq Podcast 004: 38 Studios meltdown, Gravity Rush, Civilization 5: Gods & Kings, Dragon's Dogma
Posted on May 25th 2012 3:30PM




