Amazon is selling pirated digital copies of games

LewieP · Jul 15, 2018

I got my refund, and some 'answers' from the supervisor.

Can you please confirm whether you will be refunding all customers that you have sold pirated games?

Our technical team is working on this issue. Only based on updates we receive, we will take necessary actions. Until that, we do not have any information.

Can you please confirm whether you will be stopping selling pirated games?

I am sorry, we do not have any information regarding this.

Can you please confirm whether you will be publicly apologizing to the developers who's games you have sold pirated copies of?

I am sorry, I am unable to comment on this.

Can you please confirm whether you will be compensating financially the developers who's games you have sold pirated copies of?

I am sorry, we do not have any information regarding this.

Not unexpected, but it was worth asking at least.

I have asked them to put me in contact with someone who can answer my questions.

StraySheep · Jul 15, 2018

I had asked this before but do we think there is a chance that this Frostpunk game has a virus in it? I would want to at least use it to see if it runs before I eventually buy a legitimate copy.

Mhj · Jul 15, 2018

Lagamorph said:
DRM has proven to be worthless.

As has been pointed out in this thread there's nothing to stop someone doing the exact same thing with a non-GOG game by just packaging it up with a crack and then submitting that to Amazon.

Evolution of Metal said:
False.

DRM is a prevention tools, it doesn't give any legal protection. It is all about the terms and conditions when you purchase software, which both Steam and GOG have. As other pointed out, it is possible to crack and repack the game files even with DRM. Steam DRM is absolutely worthless as the game will be cracked on the launch day if it doesn't use additional measures.

DRM-free copies still need unique identification to access updates and online features.

I figured /s at end was redundant.

LewieP · Jul 15, 2018

StraySheep said:
I had asked this before but do we think there is a chance that this Frostpunk game has a virus in it? I would want to at least use it to see if it runs before I eventually buy a legitimate copy.

Entirely possible that if they're not checking if the developer is who they claim they are, they're not checking for malware. I wouldn't touch the download.

Hasney · Jul 15, 2018

StraySheep said:
I had asked this before but do we think there is a chance that this Frostpunk game has a virus in it? I would want to at least use it to see if it runs before I eventually buy a legitimate copy.

I mean, if they've got the lack or morals to upload it like that and sell it, would you want to risk it?

We know for a fact it doesn't uninstall cleanly or update with GOG patches either way. So they've done some modifications.

Illusionary · Jul 15, 2018

StraySheep said:
I had asked this before but do we think there is a chance that this Frostpunk game has a virus in it? I would want to at least use it to see if it runs before I eventually buy a legitimate copy.

If you buy from Steam and find that it doesn't run on your computer, you can refund it.

Deleted member 26526 · Jul 15, 2018

Decided to send this to a few news outlets - no harm in it eh?

Mr.kookalamanza · Jul 15, 2018

If anyone listens to Podcasts, Reply All just did a good piece about aAmazon last Thursday.
It's called The Magic Store and is episode 124.
It details how Amazon are trying to compete with Alibaba and are allowing international and other sketchy sellers on their store to stay competitive.

I've noticed a definite drop in quality/ items being how they are described recently from them.

kin · Jul 15, 2018

So I finally got a refund even though the support staff member I got in contact with was very reluctant at first. He was claiming that "all keys or games sold through amazon are legit and brand new"...

I had to send the rep a few links that pointed out that these downloads/keys are fraudulent and pirated before he would agree to refund my purchases. Oh well, at least he agreed to refund the money in the end. Also told the rep to bring this up with his boss so they can avoid making similar mistakes in the future.

Clay · Jul 15, 2018

GeekyDad said:
* Someone buys car.
* Replaces various parts with aftermarket junk
* Resells it on eBay

Your last comment I can see being a real issue, but I think the industry's arguments about what does and does not constitute piracy is horseshit. Too much grey matter in my opinion.

And "legit resellers"? That's semantics of the worst kind.

EDIT: Questioning the status quo is NOT advocating piracy. Mods shouldn't be so trigger happy. This is a discussion forum, no? It's about discussing things. Not cheerleading.

You understand that when you sell a car you no longer have the car, right? Unless you're able to shoehorn in a way for the single car to be sold to multiple people this doesn't work as an analogy.

Also, as others had explained before you posted this, the pirated copies won't receive updates, so even if your analogy made sense the car would be a lemon. Do you understand why people would say that a car dealership knowingly selling faulty cars is not legit?

I'm not sure what status quo exactly you're meaning to question, but it seems pretty cut-and-dry that people shouldn't be profiting off broken copies of software they had no hand in creating.

Mr.kookalamanza said:
If anyone listens to Podcasts, Reply All just did a good piece about aAmazon last Thursday.
It's called The Magic Store and is episode 124.
It details how Amazon are trying to compete with Alibaba and are allowing international and other sketchy sellers on their store to stay competitive.

I've noticed a definite drop in quality/ items being how they are described recently from them.

I don't know that much about it personally but recently I told a friend who collects watches that I was looking at a few and he told me to avoid Amazon, apparently it's really easy to buy knockoffs from resellers even if they are "fulfilled by Amazon." It definitely feels like public perception of them is taking a dive recently, I can't imagine how much it would cost to set up a competing site but it seems like the time is right for someone to take a stab at becoming the Target to Amazon's Walmart.

DyslexicAlucard · Jul 15, 2018

Contacted Amazon and got my refund. Gotta run anti-malware software now.

The response from the rep was good though, as he indicated that the team has gotten number of complaints from it and is looking into it:

Here's a copy of the chat transcript you requested:

Initial Question: I found out this version of "Frostpunk" was not distributed with the consent of the game's developers or publishers. It is a pirated/copied version of the game taken from another online store, Good Old Games, and redistributed illegally. I'd like to get a refund as I was under the impression that this sale, distributed digitally by Amazon, would be legal and reputable.

05:33 AM PDT Jawed(Amazon): Hello, my name is Jawed. I'm here to help you today.
05:33 AM PDT Me: Hi there
05:33 AM PDT Jawed: I understand your issue and I will take your feedback and will alert the team.
As of now , I will issue refund for this order.
Give me a moment.
05:34 AM PDT Me: Okay, thank you.
05:34 AM PDT Jawed: [Alucard], I have issued full refund, you will get the refund within 3-5 business days.
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
05:34 AM PDT Me: Okay, thank you very much.
05:35 AM PDT Jawed: Have a great day ahead!
05:36 AM PDT Me: No, I think as long as you forwarded the issue to the proper department so it doesn't happen again (which you've already said you have) that will be fine.

Have a good day as well!
05:36 AM PDT Jawed: Yes [Alucard], we have received similar issue and our team is already working on this.
This will not happen again.
Thank you for contacting Amazon. Please click on the "End Chat" to close this window.

KratosEnergyDrink · Jul 15, 2018

Of such criminal people could sell pirated copies on amazon, it is not unlikely that they include some kind of virus/trojan horse as well.

mikezilla2 · Jul 15, 2018

seems like it will Probably Continue for some time

roughly how many Devs have been poached ?

X1 Two · Jul 15, 2018

Amazon is selling pirated everything. Shoes, clothes, entertainment products, it's not too surprising that digital games are there as well. To be specific: Those things are sold on Amazon, not by Amazon.

LewieP · Jul 15, 2018

The Chinese internet has picked up this story
http://www.3dmgame.com/news/201807/3740751.html

SapientWolf · Jul 15, 2018

GeekyDad said:
* Someone buys car.
* Replaces various parts with aftermarket junk
* Resells it on eBay

Your last comment I can see being a real issue, but I think the industry's arguments about what does and does not constitute piracy is horseshit. Too much grey matter in my opinion.

And "legit resellers"? That's semantics of the worst kind.

EDIT: Questioning the status quo is NOT advocating piracy. Mods shouldn't be so trigger happy. This is a discussion forum, no? It's about discussing things. Not cheerleading.

There's nothing remotely grey about this issue. And it's not semantics either. Legitimate resellers pay for a license intended for resale. They don't just copy a GoG install. It's not complicated.

TheIlliterati · Jul 15, 2018

I contacted them and the chat rep didn't know about the issue, but I told him the gist of what I read and he gave a refund. I'm glad I hadn't installed the game yet.

Dingotech · Jul 15, 2018

Wow I only just saw this thread after buying Surviving Mars the other day.

I'll be asking for a refund for sure.

What are some good links to use with the CSR?

Illusionary · Jul 15, 2018

Dingotech said:
Wow I only just saw this thread after buying Surviving Mars the other day.

I'll be asking for a refund for sure.

What are some good links to use with the CSR?

I wasn't asked for any links in the chat session and neither were many others who have posted logs here - you probably won't need any, just explain the situation.

Cels · Jul 15, 2018

I have bought cheap keys on amazon before but they were always legit steam (or other) codes. Didnt realize that these cheap amazon deals lately have been drm free versions. The dodgy source now makes sense to me

Syriel · Jul 15, 2018

LewieP said:
I got my refund, and some 'answers' from the supervisor.

Not unexpected, but it was worth asking at least.

I have asked them to put me in contact with someone who can answer my questions.

Amazon has allowed pirated games software to be sold for -years-. This isn't new.

What is new, is that it is usually older pirated/counterfeit software that is up for sale, not newer stuff.

KDR_11k · Jul 15, 2018

Do anti-fencing laws not trigger here?

Bluelote · Jul 15, 2018

gcwy said:
GOG would've been exploited to shit back in the 90s. Everyone would've been selling you CDs with GOG games.

so what? they can and could sell cracked copies anyway, it would only make a difference if the game was never cracked and the GOG version was the only that could be pirated, which I don't think is the case.

Dingotech · Jul 15, 2018

Illusionary said:
I wasn't asked for any links in the chat session and neither were many others who have posted logs here - you probably won't need any, just explain the situation.

Thanks I just got my refund.

My wife will be disappointed as it was for her, but I'm not supporting a pirate.

Deleted member 23368 · Jul 15, 2018

The funny thing is, hadn't this been brought to attention, Amazon would have slapped all your money back to mars and saying their games they sell are legit.. Oh what companies do for money.

I am sorry, Amazon will do next to nothing (besides offering some a refund), not even if a news outlet says something, they are too big and they have the lawyers of The Simpsons. They are like a super villain.

jediyoshi · Jul 15, 2018

Samus Aran said:
I am sorry, Amazon will do next to nothing (besides offering some a refund), not even if a news outlet says something, they are too big and they have the lawyers of The Simpsons. They are like a super villain.

Wut, the listing isn't even available to purchase anymore.

data · Jul 15, 2018

jediyoshi said:
Wut, the listing isn't even available to purchase anymore.

Isn't it still available in the eu? Someone posted it was still up in other regions

user__ · Jul 15, 2018

Just checked, Surviving Mars is also unavailable in UK now.

Laserplane · Jul 15, 2018

Who's going to regulate Amazon?

sangreal · Jul 15, 2018

Evolution of Metal said:
False.

DRM is a prevention tools, it doesn't give any legal protection.

It does in the US.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1204

Not that it matters to people willing to sell counterfeit copies of games on amazon.

oni_saru · Jul 15, 2018

Wow. First pirated books. Now pirated games. Damn Amazon, what is you doing? Smh

Lashley · Jul 16, 2018

I have to applaud the cheekiness of it.

The Great Khali · Jul 16, 2018

GeekyDad said:
* Someone buys car.
* Replaces various parts with aftermarket junk
* Resells it on eBay

Your last comment I can see being a real issue, but I think the industry's arguments about what does and does not constitute piracy is horseshit. Too much grey matter in my opinion.

And "legit resellers"? That's semantics of the worst kind.

EDIT: Questioning the status quo is NOT advocating piracy. Mods shouldn't be so trigger happy. This is a discussion forum, no? It's about discussing things. Not cheerleading.

Seems like this poster just straight up disappears after that comment lol.

Atleast man up and say my bad I was wrong.

Or respond to the posts that people in this thread have stated why his is piracy.

LiK · Jul 16, 2018

Glad I ignored this price error/sale. Priated movies used to be the main issue I had with Amazon's third-party sellers but I guess video games are now a thing.

Hella · Jul 16, 2018

Rock, Paper, Shotgun has posted an article about the issue, including a shoutout to ResetEra (and Reddit). It's a summary with no new information or response from Amazon (or devs), though it does go into Amazon's dodgy sales practices as a """platform""".

Rufus_11bitstudios · Jul 17, 2018

Hi there, everyone!

Rufus from 11 bit studios here, nice to meet you all.

I wanted to briefly share our perspective with you - bacause we always try to be as transparent as we can. So, we have contacted Amazon right after our community informed us about the proceder. Thus the whole thing was shut down pretty quickly (special thanks to Lewie P. for a quick reaction and for being very transparent about the whole thing as well!), preventing a huge number of sales. Currently we are working on a solution that will satisfy all parties, including the people who bought the game. Anyone who has done it, should reach us at [email protected] and we will do all we can to fix this.

Thank you for being vigilant and awesome! :)

Cheers!

shark97 · Jul 17, 2018

I feel like Amazon is definitely targeted here lately, not coincidentally since their supposed (since I havent seen any real evidence) dispute with Sony. Never seen so much Amazon hate in my life as the last couple threads about it here.

Also, I always find it funny that online gaming communities often tacitly defend piracy (any kind of DRM whatever being excoriated for example) or even try to propose it is a good thing (you get those posts about how piracy actually helps sales) and then suddenly when it fits the agenda, piracy is a great evil and the scourge of the earth again. Nope, cant have it both ways.

tyfon · Jul 17, 2018

LiK said:
Glad I ignored this price error/sale. Priated movies used to be the main issue I had with Amazon's third-party sellers but I guess video games are now a thing.

This is not a 3rd party though, it sold by Amazon directly.
Makes you wonder about all the free games they are giving out in the twitch client.
Anyone checked if they are humble bundle copies as well?

Zafir · Jul 17, 2018

shark97 said:
I feel like Amazon is definitely targeted here lately, not coincidentally since their supposed (since I havent seen any real evidence) dispute with Sony. Never seen so much Amazon hate in my life as the last couple threads about it here.

Also, I always find it funny that online gaming communities often tacitly defend piracy (any kind of DRM whatever being excoriated for example) or even try to propose it is a good thing (you get those posts about how piracy actually helps sales) and then suddenly when it fits the agenda, piracy is a great evil and the scourge of the earth again. Nope, cant have it both ways.

Please, people don't like Denuvo for other reasons, and it's not defending piracy.

Robin Friday · Jul 17, 2018

shark97 said:
I feel like Amazon is definitely targeted here lately, not coincidentally since their supposed (since I havent seen any real evidence) dispute with Sony. Never seen so much Amazon hate in my life as the last couple threads about it here.

Also, I always find it funny that online gaming communities often tacitly defend piracy (any kind of DRM whatever being excoriated for example) or even try to propose it is a good thing (you get those posts about how piracy actually helps sales) and then suddenly when it fits the agenda, piracy is a great evil and the scourge of the earth again. Nope, cant have it both ways.

People not liking certain DRM and Amazon acting like fucking Del Boy are not analogous in anyway.

Deleted member 1849 · Jul 17, 2018

shark97 said:
I feel like Amazon is definitely targeted here lately, not coincidentally since their supposed (since I havent seen any real evidence) dispute with Sony. Never seen so much Amazon hate in my life as the last couple threads about it here.

Also, I always find it funny that online gaming communities often tacitly defend piracy (any kind of DRM whatever being excoriated for example) or even try to propose it is a good thing (you get those posts about how piracy actually helps sales) and then suddenly when it fits the agenda, piracy is a great evil and the scourge of the earth again. Nope, cant have it both ways.

Please don't conflate people having problems with DRM with support for piracy.

They are fundamentally different things.

mattiewheels · Jul 17, 2018

Nappael said:
Please don't conflate people having problems with DRM with support for piracy.

They are fundamentally different things.

They also claim anybody who has an issue with Amazon is probably an angry Sony fan, so it's not a surprise their other opinions are ridiculous.

To those like LewieP , have you been contacted by journalists about this? I wonder if there are political reasons why stories like this aren't investigated regularly by at the very least the gaming press... I do see the RPS story.

LewieP · Jul 17, 2018

mattiewheels said:
They also claim anybody who has an issue with Amazon is probably an angry Sony fan, so it's not a surprise their other opinions are ridiculous.

To those like LewieP , have you been contacted by journalists about this? I wonder if there are political reasons why stories like this aren't investigated regularly by at the very least the gaming press... I do see the RPS story.

PCGamesN, IGN, RPS, Kotaku and a few others have ran the story. I think it was just slow to get going because it broke during the weekend.

The Sun have picked up the story now.

Illusionary · Jul 17, 2018

tyfon said:
This is not a 3rd party though, it sold by Amazon directly.
Makes you wonder about all the free games they are giving out in the twitch client.
Anyone checked if they are humble bundle copies as well?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's just that any digital games from Amazon show up that way - this doesn't mean that they don't still ultimately originate from a (potentially illegitimate) third party.

The Twitch offerings are somewhat different, and we know are 'officially' supplied, associated directly with Twitch a9dn hence, Amazon) - I'd be very surprised if these weren't legitimate.

Zeeman · Jul 18, 2018

An update, I'd previously gotten a refund for Battle Chasers, but I just got an email giving me a $10 gift card and apologizing. Weirdly, the email mentioned my purchase of Frostpunk, which I never bought, so it's probably a form letter that they're sending out to people

Deleted member 12379 · Jul 18, 2018

I just received a $10 Amazon gift card for purchasing 'Battle Chasers' but I never even bought that, I had bought Frostpunk at the time and got a refund for it.

/shrug

Chucker · Jul 18, 2018

I bought Battle Chasers, Frostpunk and Surviving Mars, got the credit.

LewieP · Jul 18, 2018

Yeah I got a $10 gift voucher, in addition to the $5 they sent me a while ago.

Wowfunhappy · Jul 18, 2018

Rufus_11bitstudios said:
I wanted to briefly share our perspective with you - bacause we always try to be as transparent as we can. So, we have contacted Amazon right after our community informed us about the proceder. Thus the whole thing was shut down pretty quickly (special thanks to Lewie P. for a quick reaction and for being very transparent about the whole thing as well!), preventing a huge number of sales. Currently we are working on a solution that will satisfy all parties, including the people who bought the game. Anyone who has done it, should reach us at [email protected] and we will do all we can to fix this.

I really hope you aren't giving official copies of your game to the people who bought pirated ones from Amazon. Because, I mean, that's really nice of you, but you shouldn't have to do that. Amazon screwed up and they should be the one refunding customers out of their own pockets, and not making you lose actual sales.

chronomac · Jul 18, 2018

Got a refund for Battle Chasers and a $10 gift card.

Amazon is selling pirated digital copies of games

Attempted to circumvent ban with alt account

One Winged Slayer

Using an alt account to circumvent a ban

User requested account closure

<<Tag Here>>

Community Manager at 11 bit studios

User requested account closure

User requested account closure

One Winged Slayer