Videogameauctions.co.uk tackles piracy head on

12/07/05 - Fledgling videogame auction site, www.videogameauctions.co.uk (VGA) is upping its battle against the sale of pirated or illegal gaming goods on its website, following expert advice from industry body, ELSPA

In six weeks since launching, the UK based games auction portal VGA now has had almost 30,000 visits from gamers across the globe and a growing number of members already signed up. Individual sellers and a growing number of independent retail stores have now put more than 1300 items up for auction on the site. Items have been sold to traders in other countries including America, Japan, Spain, Italy, Canada and France. The runaway success of VGA, now over one million page views, has been tempered by a sharp rise in attempts to post counterfeit games- a trend which the site has quickly sought to quash.

Having launched with a strong anti-piracy stance, a number of items have already been removed from VGA. Site administrators have removed fake Gameboy Advance cartridges, bootleg arcade boards with 400 games and illegal discs packed with full games for the Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and alarmingly, the PSP - not even released in Europe.

Aiming to offer its dedicated network of users the best possible advice on how to avoid purchasing pirated goods and keep its administration team updated on what to look out for -VGA approached ELSPA to obtain the latest practical advice and guidance for auction sites that sell videogaming items. ELSPA's information has been added to the FAQ section of VGA and will also be mailed to those who have illegal goods removed from the site.

Proprietor of VGA, Steve Lucas said:

"Piracy is a problem that all four corners of our industry should be fighting. VGA stated from day one that illegal goods and pirates weren't welcome on our site, and we've done an excellent job so far in keeping these items and unscrupulous traders away from our members. ELSPA's sterling advice has helped clarify what we can and can't sell on the site, and has enabled us to put out a very clear message to the increasing number of visitors and regular traders on our site."

Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA, said:

"Games pirates operate under the misapprehension that auction sites are an easy route to market but, as recent cases being brought to court prove, this is not the case. We encourage auction sites to work closely with ELSPA to combat counterfeiters and provide them with materials and support to aid in this activity."

Alongside VGA's newly updated piracy and counterfeit goods policy, the website has also listened to comments and requests from users to produce new software with more than 50 improvements. Members now have the ability to ask sellers questions about their goods, and enables sellers to take offers on items that haven't reached their reserve price at close of auction.

Join the quiet revolution in dedicated gaming auctions today at www.videogameauctions.co.uk .

ENDS

About Video Game Auctions

Videogameauctions.co.uk is a brand-new online auction portal planning to revolutionise the state of online videogame auctions. Tired of seeing copies of games incorrectly listed as 'ultra rare' or the increasing number of bootlegs and pirated goods - VGA tackles games auctions in a new way, with a raft of value added listings and a competitive pricing structure.

For more information:

Will Guyatt - Public Relations - press@videogameauctions.co.uk - 07747 568968.

About Elspa - http:///www.elspa.com

ELSPA (The Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) was founded in 1989 to establish a specific and collective identity for the computer and video games industry. Membership includes almost all companies concerned with the publishing and distribution of interactive leisure software in the UK.

ELSPA's activities include: Official Chart and Industry Reports, Anti-Piracy UK and EU, PR and Communication, Events. More information on all these activities can be found at http://www.elspa.com.

About Software Piracy and its negative impact on both consumers and industry

Piracy/counterfeiting is illegal and punishable by fines and jail sentences. The illegal copying of software poses the very real threat of criminal prosecution and a criminal record, as well as the risk of massive personal financial loss under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Consumers have no recourse under law for faulty pirated games, which can damage hardware. Counterfeited/pirated games are often mixed with obscene or pornographic material. Local and national jobs are lost as result of pirate operations. Proven links exist between many organised counterfeiting organisations and dealers in drugs and pornography.