KEEP AWAY THE XMAS BLUES
Christmas is only a month away and gift shopping has begun in earnest. To ensure that everyone has a merry Christmas and is not disappointed by any of their presents, ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) has provided a simple buyers' guide for computer and video games.

By Benbik
Posted Wednesday, November 26, 2003

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KEEP AWAY THE XMAS BLUES
Don't buy counterfeit computer and video games

Tuesday 25th November 2003/... Christmas is only a month away and gift shopping has begun in earnest. To ensure that everyone has a merry Christmas and is not disappointed by any of their presents, ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) has provided a simple buyers' guide for computer and video games.

Roger Bennett, director general of ELSPA, says: "It's easy to get taken in by counterfeiters, who are criminals, offering a supposed bargain to make your Christmas budgets stretch further, but buyers should be wary of shopping outside the usual retail and online outlets."

Ten top tips for avoiding Christmas heartache:
DON'T:

Buy unboxed games from market stalls or individuals – they may be counterfeit and pirated software can cause damage to PCs and consoles.

Be taken in by unbelievably cheap prices – counterfeit games are very often incomplete and have key elements missing.

Buy a number of different games from different companies on one disc – 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 age rating – age ratings are provided to give the purchaser essential information on the suitability of that game for the intended user.

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 the user's computer or console – it is frustrating to open up that much-wanted game and then to realise you can't play it because your PC's not up to it or 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 they won't give you one, it's definitely dodgy product.

Report suspected counterfeiting – call the ELSPA Piracy Hotline in confidence on 08705 133405.

Bennett added: "Hopefully, these tips will help to ensure that no-one is disappointed with their Christmas gifts and that kids and adults alike have a fun-filled festive season playing their favourite computer and video games."