technically i pirate every game i purchase and more, i always test my system for compatibility before i purchase a new game whenever possible, i'll also test the game and see rather or not it's what i was hoping for. i know there are sites i can test my system for games but those aren't always correct, and with many games rushed out before they are ready(and occasionally never propperly fixed) it's great to be able to test the game beforehand. but if i enjoy the game and decide it's worth playing i do purchase it. it's also convient since retailers such as ebgames won't trade or buy back open computer games(except for a copy of the same game) and if your system isn't up to par with the game requirments another copy of the game does you know good, $50 is an expensive drink coaster. other times disk become damaged or serial numbers get lost, now i don't think i should have to shell out again for a game i had already bought so yes, i'm not above pirating old favorites when i'm ready to return if need be. as for people complaining about the various protection schemes used, while they are annoying at times it's a necessary evil, if nothing else it slows down the time it takes to pirate a game and anyone that didn't purchase the game has no viable opinion in it, it's not an excuse to steal.