I have a confession...

[Benny Jackdaw]

I've been making this game in RPG maker, and I'd like to show it off... but I can't. I'm using pirated software.

*Sigh* Long ago I downloaded a lot of products because I didn't think about the consequences of downloading pirated items. But one day, my internet provider shut me off for doing so. Since then I've been trying to turn a new leaf: No more video game roms, no more free music, and no more pirated software. And I've used quite a few RPG Makers for long enough that I've well exhausted their prices in use. And right now I ultimately want to make things right and buy the products I wrongfully stole long ago. But...

I don't know how. I don't know what the easiest way of doing so is. I do not have a checking account, so I don't know if I can use money online, and I don't think I can just mail you the money, but I feel bad knowing I ripped you guys off and the fact I cannot show my RPG maker here, and I just want to know if there's anything I can do to make it right. Again, I'm very sorry. Please don't be angry.

 

[umbralshadows]

Do ya have steam? Have someone gift it to ya an then pay em back in real life?? (I think ya can gift it not sure)

 

[anonamix]

Prepaid visa or paypal card thingy? Good on you for making the legal switch.

 

[bgillisp]

What we would recommend is that you go to a store and purchase a steam card, then use that card to buy it on Steam. We do have to ask that once you do this, please send proof of the purchase (you can PM it to me), otherwise we'll have to enforce our anti-piracy rules on you. Please do this within a week.

 

[UgyBoogie]

Well, excuse my strict view on this, but I think you should face legal consequences. Pirating is the same as stealing. And to simply apologize and give back the stolen goods (aka buying the maker for real) just isn't enough. Of course this isn't my call and we'll have to see how the guys behind RPGM react to this.
Again, I don't want to be mean against you personally, I just think this is really not cool, and by no means a small offence.

 

[djDarkX]

@UgyBoogie while I agree with your sentiment, I can't really agree with the punishment. Thing is, the current western following of RPG Maker grew from the pirated and translated versions of older RM titles like 2000 and 2003. I was a part of that crowd too once long ago. Honestly, if it hadn't been for the Russian user Don Miguel translating and offering RPG Maker 2000 to the western audience, it may never have gotten the following it does now outside of Japan. Even in Japan it's more niche than it is around the world.

Pirating is wrong. We all know that, but the fact he's willing to own up to his mistake and try to better the situation is admirable.

I mean, if someone downloaded an MP3 and they were put into jail and then made to pay an exuberant amount of money for one file, would that really be necessary? I'm an old pirate that used to use eMule, Napster, WinMX and a few other services, but those days are long behind me. I guess I just see this situation as someone that had a lapse in judgment and seeks to redeem himself and should be given the opportunity at a second chance, which everyone deserves. It'd be a different story if he didn't care and simply posted his work here anyway.

 

[UgyBoogie]

@djDarkX I do agree with you in some way. It does take a lot of courage to post here and tell the truth. Especially if you think about all the people who pirate it and will never tell the truth. But it just doesn't make things right. I'm pretty biased when it comes to things like this, since my father is a prosecutor. But again, this isn't my call anyways, just my opinion.

 

[djDarkX]

I completely understand that. I really do. I'm letting you know the mindset of this community and how it was basically founded. The one thing that most people don't know, which is quite interesting even if wrong, is that pirated things in the past and even now have generated a lot of real customers for products that would never have otherwise been known. There are developers out there that could never get their product marketed and thus it would fall into obscurity, but because pirates were passionate enough to make it available for a larger audience, it created a following and thus legitimate customers were brought into the fold.

Again, still wrong, but piracy is, sometimes, a necessary evil. I basically am always looking in the gray areas because I know people who've been there before. Either way, you're right. Not our call, but let's see what happens and how this will be properly resolved.

 

[HexMozart88]

Hmm. If you have Steam gift cards it's helpful, Visa gift cards pass too. I think you can use your debit card to pay for it. Probably misunderstanding this, but since when can you use cheques online?
Anyway, Ace is usually on sale for pretty cheap, so you can check that out. Like the others said, there's the option of gifting too. If you can get someone willing to do so.
@UgyBoogie See, I'm somewhat well informed of the law, but I'm extremely lenient with it too, (reasons why I'll never be a judge) and I think if the person wants to change their ways, they shouldn't be punished for it. But, as was said, can't pass judgement.

 

[Diretooth]

Just buy some Steam cards, buy the games, and post your proof of purchase, just like bgilisp said. The only way to make reparations for stealing is to either return the product (if it is physically in your hand), or to buy it properly.
By acknowledging you did wrong, and publicly admitting that you did this, you've already gone pretty far in making things right. Not many people do that.
As far as punishments go, losing the privilege to publish a game with RPG Maker after a week without having purchased the software and having proof of purchase is fair enough. It's plenty of time for you to fix your mistake.
On the topic of whether or not piracy is a necessary evil or not, sure, a person could pirate a game and then buy it, but that doesn't excuse the fact that it was stolen in the first place. Pirating games isn't something that should be tolerated or be considered good. Any further discussion should take place elsewhere, probably not on these forums.

 

[Shaz]

Well, excuse my strict view on this, but I think you should face legal consequences. Pirating is the same as stealing. And to simply apologize and give back the stolen goods (aka buying the maker for real) just isn't enough. Of course this isn't my call and we'll have to see how the guys behind RPGM react to this.
Again, I don't want to be mean against you personally, I just think this is really not cool, and by no means a small offence.

Given that a moderator replied immediately above your post, you can already see how "the guys behind RPGM" have already reacted.

No, it's not cool, but he wants to do the right thing. Personally, I think PMing a moderator/admin would have been more appropriate than posting it openly in the forum. But you've still got the response from the mods.

 

[Benny Jackdaw]

I don't know if I can do it within a week, but by my next paycheck next Thursday I will see what I can do and if I can find steam cards. I'll try to pay for all the products I illegally downloaded when I can.

Speaking of potential customers, I have to say I am stoked that the states are finally getting a handheld release on the 3DS, and I do plan on moving that up into my 3DS priority buy list. I really do love these programs because they're simple and easy to use.

On the topic of whether or not piracy is a necessary evil or not, sure, a person could pirate a game and then buy it, but that doesn't excuse the fact that it was stolen in the first place. Pirating games isn't something that should be tolerated or be considered good. Any further discussion should take place elsewhere, probably not on these forums.

I do agree it is wrong, though in the defense of pirating something like this, THEN paying for it is that at the very least... nah. I could say "Paying for it would undo the damage" but then again does it really?

Now that I think about it, I think I can swing getting it soon.

 

[Gamefall Team]

Hey man, you're really brave, It's very difficult to say the truth in front of a big community like this. Yeah, you have broken the law, but NO ONE who is not a court judge or interested parties has the right to say that you deserve a punishment. Studying this subject, I learned that, more or less, we break the law every day without having any idea on the moment and where. This way, everyone deserves punishment on a wrongful conduct taken. So, I believe that no one here has the right for judging what you deserve or not: we have the moderators that represents the RM interests and as you can see they have just said what should be done to solve the situation and They are the only ones here to hear, any other possible voice like "You're guilty bla bla bla" is useless. I'm sure you have learned a lot from this experience and I hope to see something made from you in RM as soon as possible.

 

[fiddlesticks]

that strange usualy people no confess just use it but stranger thing is how did you get caught.. ?

 

[Diretooth]

that strange usualy people no confess just use it but stranger thing is how did you get caught.. ?

That was almost English, which is surprising, given that it's listed as your first language
To answer your question, he got caught the moment he posted the freaking topic. the fact that he confessed shows that he has a strong enough conscience to do what is right, even when it is eventually.

 

[mlogan]

Please keep the topic civil. In fact, I think since it is being officially handled, I'm going to close this. @Benny Jackdaw you can communicate further on this matter with bgillisp through pm.