Shop Safely This Christmas
Ten tips to ensure the only turkey you buy this year is the one that goes in the oven
ELSPA (the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) has compiled a list of ten tips to help you avoid buying a pirated or counterfeit game by mistake this Christmas shopping season. So, without any further ado, here’s what you need to know:
DON'T… • Be taken in by implausibly cheap prices – there is a good chance the games are incomplete and missing key elements. • Buy unboxed games from market stalls or individuals – they may be counterfeit and pirated software can potentially cause damage to your console. • Buy a number of different games from different companies on one disc or cartridge – these are highly likely to be counterfeit and may well not feature all the games stated. • Buy games that don't have an official PEGI or BBFC age rating – age ratings are provided to give the purchaser essential information on the suitability of that game for the intended user. Visit www.askaboutgames.com from the 7th of December to find out more.
DO… • Buy games from reputable high street stores or online retailers. • Buy games with the appropriate age rating for the user – an 18 rated game is not suitable for someone younger. • Make sure it's authentic – products that come without any documentation, manuals or have the title handwritten on a sleeve or CD label are very likely to be counterfeit. • Check that the game will work on your computer or console – it’s frustrating to open up that much-wanted game and then to realise you can't play it because it's for the wrong console. • Get a receipt – if you don't get one you can't take it back if there is anything wrong with it. If the shop won't give you one, it's almost guaranteed to be dodgy product. • Report suspected piracy by calling the ELSPA Piracy Hotline in confidence on 08705 133405.