Anti-piracy chief warns of in-store duplication risks

With retailers considering the option of offering in-store duplication facilities, anti-piracy chief Roger Bennett has warned of the danger that it could encourage consumers to buy pirate copies of games. WH Smith have already launched a PC and Mac in-store duplication trial in some stores, and HMV are considering offering a similar service.

"Anything that encourages people to make copies is a dangerous precedent," ELSPA's Roger Bennett told trade paper CTW. "It all depends on how it's done and the procedures that are followed. If straight gold discs were used we would be against it. There also needs to be ID on the CD that defines it as being legal, otherwise it risks muddying the waters. We need to take care that we are not perpetuating the notion that it is acceptable to rip off the media."

What do you think? Would such a service encourage people to buy cheaper versions at car boot sales and the like? Or is a means through which games can be sold at cheaper prices across the board? Opinions to the usual feedback address, please...