Valve: 'Pirates Are Underserved Customers'
"Pirates are underserved customers," said Holtman today during a speech at the Game Business Law summit, according to GameDaily.
"When you think about it that way, you think, 'Oh my gosh, I can do some interesting things and make some interesting money off of it.'"
Holtman used Valve's success in the Russian market as an example of how piracy can be reduced by simply selling the pirates what they want--when they want it.
Explained Holtman: "Russians are reading magazines and watching television--they say 'Man, I want to play that game so bad,' but the publishers respond, 'You can play that game in six months...maybe.' "
After ensuring that its products launch simultaneously in Russia, Holtman said that Valve's piracy rates in the territory "dropped off significantly."
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dantastic
replyi think the next issue, from what i've heard, is to have more reaslistic prices outside north america
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Yep. Its the publishers who set prices.
COD4 was priced at $50 USD when it came out on steam, and being an Australian during a time when the Aussie dollar was sitting in the high 90's, this was a good op compared to player over $100 retail. So imagine my irritation when Activiosn realised their 'mistake' and decided to put the Australian steam price in line with our retail price, a complete fucking rip off.
Needless to say, thats one game I won't get till it hits the bargain bins. -
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