Give computer games away for free to combat piracy
A leading computer game creator is arguing for games to be released for free to combat video game piracy.
Computer games experts have devised a way to beat the pirates who cost their industry a fortune.
Manufacturers plan to give away their games for free.
The scheme was revealed by one of the industry’s leading entrepreneurs, Lisburn-born David Perry.
His best-known creations include Enter the Matrix, Earthworm Jim and Messiah.
“The next big thing will be free games,” he said.
Mr Perry said the plan “sounds crazy” but it had already proved successful in Asia.
“They had so much piracy that they decided to stop charging for the games. Instead, there’ll be a charge for things you might want to use in the game,” he said.
“Your character might have a plain white T-shirt. If you wanted a nicer one you could have it for a dollar. Or perhaps you could buy a magic sword for a knight for a dollar.”
