Global devs team up to fight online game piracy

A group of MMO developers from across the globe have ganged up to protect their games from piracy via the formation of the Online Games Alliance Against Piracy (OGAAP).

Growing Chinese firm CDC Games, EVE Online developer CCP from Iceland, Korea’s Sonokong, Ons On Soft, and T3 (the developer of Audition) are amongst those hoping to help put a stop to piracy in online games – specifically that which goes on in China.

The group is targeting "operators who have set up private servers and macro programs that mimic some of the most popular online games".

CDC’s OPTIC Communications division has already helped the Chinese government successfully prosecute cheaters on its Mir III game, with offenders receiving prison sentences or fines.

OGAAP will be HQ’d in Beijing but is actively recruiting developers around the world to join its cause.

 “At CDC Games, we have long recognized the potential severity of illicit piracy activities, and have achieved success in individual campaigns against piracy,” said Peter Yip, CEO of CDC Games.

“The formation of OGAAP is a milestone achievement for the online game industry and will seek to leverage the combined power, experience and efforts of many key industry players. Like other segments in the entertainment industry, we have experienced an increase in piracy, especially with some of our more popular online games. Our primary objective is to reduce, and if possible, eliminate these piracy challenges so our industry can continue its vibrant growth throughout China. This alliance and the recent successful convictions of illegal operators are major steps in achieving our objectives.”