Maybe there even is a correlation between pirating and buying lots of games? As a poor student, I pirated occasionally, and bought games I really liked. I also was much more up to date with respect to new games coming out.
These days, I have no idea what games are coming up (except biggies like Starcraft 2 that make it to HN). Since I will only buy one or two games per year, it is not worth the effort of keeping up with the latest developments.
What I mean to say is: with the lower cost because of piracy, it is easier to keep an enthusiasm for gaming going, which could ultimately lead to more sales. Also take into account friends talking about games they might have pirated.
Not counting 3rd world countries, where people wouldn't be able to afford non-pirated games anyway.
These days, I have no idea what games are coming up (except biggies like Starcraft 2 that make it to HN). Since I will only buy one or two games per year, it is not worth the effort of keeping up with the latest developments.
What I mean to say is: with the lower cost because of piracy, it is easier to keep an enthusiasm for gaming going, which could ultimately lead to more sales. Also take into account friends talking about games they might have pirated.
Not counting 3rd world countries, where people wouldn't be able to afford non-pirated games anyway.