Pirated computer games seized

Hundreds of pieces of computer games such as Half-life, Counterstrike and Warcraft III were confiscated by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during simultaneous raids Friday in Manila and Makati City.

"This is just a start, more network gaming centers (NGCs) will follow suit if they continue to use these games illegally," warned lawyer Ramil Quinto, supervising agent of the NBI’s anti-graft division. There are at least 3,000 gaming shops in Metro Manila alone, but most of these establishments are not authorized to use these games, the NBI said.

Copyrighted games such as Half-life, Counterstrike and Warcraft III have become very popular among NGCs and Internet cafes.

Raided by Quinto and his men are the Dummies Computer Center located along Taft Ave., Malate, Manila and the PC Corner Shop at the Glorietta 3 in Ayala Center in Makati City.

"Being raided is quite serious. This may result in serious, if not permanent damage to their business. They better legalize the use of these games before we go after them," said Quinto.

The twin raids came after the Asian Media Development Group (AMDG), exclusive distributor of the branded PC games, filed a complaint before the NBI, against various network gaming centers operating in Metro Manila and using pirated computer games.

AMDG has been reminding all gaming centers to legalize their use of branded games through its sales force and paid advertisements. – Non Alquitran