Pirated and licensed games: pros, cons, and real costs for gamers

Pirated games: why are they still popular?

Pirated games are cracked versions of officially purchased games that can be downloaded for free from various torrent trackers or file-sharing sites. Hackers break the game's security, remove the license verification system, and make the files publicly available.

Sounds like the perfect solution for those who don't want to pay for games, right? But the reality is much more complicated.

• Torrent trackers
• Suspicious file-sharing sites
• Forums with «free» games
• Telegram channels with giveaways

Cracked versions work like this: hackers bypass security (for example, Denuvo), remove the required authorization through Steam or the Epic Games Store, and create an installer that can be installed without a license key. It seems convenient, but is it safe?

Pros of pirated games

Let's be honest, pirated games have their obvious advantages, which is why they remain popular:

1. Free access. No need to pay 1000-2000 UAH for a new game. Just download and play.
2. The opportunity to try the game. If you're open to playing a new PC game but aren't sure how you'll like it, a pirated version gives you the opportunity to test the gameplay before purchasing.

Cons of pirated games

But free games come at a price — often much higher than you might think:

1. Viruses and malware. Most illegal copies are distributed through dubious sources. Along with the game, you might download a Trojan that steals credit card passwords or a miner that uses your computer to mine cryptocurrency.
2. Lack of updates and support. Licensed PC games regularly receive patches that fix bugs, improve graphics, and add new content. Pirated versions stop at the crack — no DLC (Download Content), no critical bug fixes.
3. No online play. Want to play multiplayer with friends? Forget it. Most pirated games don't have access to official servers. Sometimes there are pirated servers, but they have few players and a lot of cheaters.
4. Risk of data and account loss. If Steam or PlayStation Network detects that you're using cracked software, your account may be permanently banned — along with all previously purchased games.

Licensed games — security, quality, and support

A licensed game is a product officially purchased on legal platforms. You pay once, and the game is permanently linked to your account.

1. You purchase the game from the official store.
2. The game is added to your library.
3. Updates are downloaded automatically.
4. You gain access to all online modes and DLC.

Pros of licensed games

1. Complete security for PCs and consoles. No viruses, Trojans, or spyware. Files are verified by developers and platforms.
2. Online modes and multiplayer. Play with friends, participate in tournaments, and chat — all available only with licensed copies.
3. DLC, patches, and developer support. Regular updates improve graphics, fix bugs, and add new locations. And your money supports game developers in creating new products.
4. Support for Ukrainian localization. When Ukrainians buy licensed games en masse, developers see this in statistics. This means foreign companies understand that Ukrainians are willing to pay rather than download pirated games, as is the case in neighboring countries. This significantly increases the chances that future games from these companies will have Ukrainian localizations upon release.
5. Cloud saves. If you lose your computer or upgrade to a new PC, your saves remain in the Steam or PlayStation Plus cloud.
6. Online support from the developer. If owners of licensed copies encounter any issues or questions with the game, they can contact the developer's official support team and receive expert assistance. Pirated users don't have this option, so they must search for solutions on forums themselves.

Cons of licensed games

1. The cost of new releases. New AAA games cost 1,500-2,500 UAH. That's really quite a lot.
2. The need for a high-speed Internet connection for downloading. Downloading a game from Steam or the PlayStation Store requires a stable connection. This is where high-speed Internet from Maxnet comes in.

Where can I buy licensed games in Ukraine, and are they really expensive?

Depending on the platform you play on, various official stores and services are available for purchase.

Licensed PC games

For PC gamers, there are several major digital platforms where they can securely purchase official copies of games:

• Steam is the most popular platform for licensed PC games. It offers over 50,000 games, regular discounts, and cloud saves.
• Epic Games Store is a newer platform with free giveaways and exclusives.
• GOG is a store from CD Projekt, where games are sold without DRM protection (playable offline, even without Internet).

Licensed games on PlayStation

If you use a PlayStation console, you should pay attention to the official channels for purchasing games for this platform:

• PlayStation Store is the official store for PS4 and PS5. Digital versions of games that download directly to the console.
• Official Ukrainian retailers are the stores that sell physical licensed copies on discs.

An analysis of the actual prices of computer video games in Ukraine reveals a much more stable market than it initially appears.

New AAA releases typically cost 1,500-2,500 UAH immediately after release. However, within 3-6 months of release, the price of such games often drops by 30-50%, especially during seasonal sales.

Games that are 2-3 years old can be purchased significantly cheaper, ranging from 200-800 UAH, while still being full-fledged, high-quality titles that remain relevant. A separate niche is occupied by indie games, typically priced between 100 and 500 UAH, but for this price, players often get original gameplay and fresh ideas.

Steam, Epic Games, and PlayStation often set lower prices in Ukraine than in Europe or the US. For example, a $60 game in the US might cost around 1,200 UAH in Ukraine instead of 2,400 UAH.

Seasoned gamers know a few secrets for buying games cheaper:

• Sales on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the PlayStation Store. Several times a year (winter, summer, and fall sales), discounts reach 50-90%. You can buy licensed PC games at five times the price.
• Free games and giveaways. The Epic Games Store gives away one or two free games every week. You can build a collection worth several thousand hryvnias in a year — legally and safely.
• Subscriptions: PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, EA Play. For 200-400 hryvnias per month, you get access to hundreds of games. It's like Netflix, but for gamers.

The dangers of piracy: what gamers should know

Piracy seems safe until something bad happens. Some of the real risks include:

1. Viruses, Trojans, and miners. You download a game, but it's actually malware. Your computer slows down, the fans run at maximum speed (the miner is mining cryptocurrency), and your antivirus software doesn't notice.
2. Password and banking data theft. Some pirated installers contain keyloggers — programs that record everything you type. Passwords, card numbers, and personal information — all of this can end up in the hands of criminals.
3. Steam or PlayStation Network account bans. If the platform detects that you used cracked software to bypass security, your account may be banned. All officially purchased products in your library will become inaccessible.

Why is buying games still unpopular in Ukraine?

Despite all the advantages of licensed games, many Ukrainian gamers continue to download pirated versions. There are a number of reasons for this:

1. The legacy of free content.In the 2000s, licensed copies were unavailable: there were no official stores, international cards, or convenient services. As a result, piracy became the norm.
2. Income level. A computer game for 2,000 UAH is a significant sum for many Ukrainians. It's easier to download for free than to spend a month's budget on entertainment.
3. Distrust of online payments. The older generation of gamers is still wary of entering card details online, even though Steam and the PlayStation Store have the highest security standards.

But in recent years, the situation has been changing for the better. Younger gamers have become accustomed to buying games legally, using subscriptions, and appreciating the support of developers. GameDev in Ukraine is growing, and we are becoming part of the industry.

Should you choose pirated or licensed games?

Let's summarize the pros and cons of using licensed games versus illegally distributed copies:

At first glance, piracy may seem profitable. But in reality, it's not. Sure, you might save 2,000 UAH on a game at first, but a month later you'll have to spend 5,000 UAH on virus removal and data recovery. Or your Steam account might be blocked, and you'll lose access to 50 previously purchased games. Savings turn into expenses.

A licensed game guarantees that your computer is protected, your data is safe, and you'll always have access to the latest versions and can play with friends online. This is comfort and security worth paying for.

Why is fast Internet important for licensed games?

Licensed video games are becoming increasingly accessible: sales, subscriptions, and free giveaways offer numerous ways to play legally without breaking the bank. And considering the risks of piracy (viruses, data loss, account bans), the choice becomes clear.

And for today's Ukrainian gamers, a fast and stable Internet connection isn't just a convenience, it's a necessity. Modern games weigh 50-150 GB. Imagine buying a long-awaited new game, only to have it take two days to download due to a slow Internet connection. Disappointment guaranteed.

Maxnet subscribers enjoy speeds up to 1 Gbps, meaning downloading a AAA game takes less time than cooking dinner. A stable connection ensures comfortable gaming even in the most intense online battles.

With gigabit Internet from Maxnet, you can:

• Download large files quickly. A 100GB game will download in 15-20 minutes instead of 24 hours.
• Play online without lag. A stable connection is the difference between winning and losing in multiplayer. A ping of 10-20 ms instead of 100+ makes gameplay smooth.
• Don't miss regular updates. Patches are released weekly. With fast Internet, you won't waste hours waiting.

With reliable, high-speed Internet, gaming becomes the way it should be — fast, secure, and comfortable.