Offering printable jewel/DVD case artwork: Nice perk or an aid to pirates?

[Ricardo C]

I've been thinking about offering printable artwork for my first title, so that users who buy it online can print it out and stick it in a CD/DVD case, if they so desire. My worry is this, living as I do in a country where pirates practically outsell legitimate outlets: By doing this, am I just making the pirates' work easier? Will I be walking down the street and seeing pirated copìes of my game decorated with the very artwork I designed?

I know this might seem like a silly thing for a rookie with no name recognition to worry about, but you would not believe what it's like over here. If it comes in disc form, they will pirate it.

I suppose that since this is a country with suchg a strong pirate presence, I shouldn't worry too much about local sales and just focus on how the availability of the artwork will be perceived in the markets where I will (hopefully) make the bulk of my sales, but still... It's the principle of the thing, dammit ;)

Do any of you offer downloadable, hi-res artwork for users to print? What are your experiences with it?

Thanks in advance :)

[Jim Buck]

Where is "here"?

Check out Chris Evans' site http://www.outsidetheboxsoftware.com - he's selling his game in physical form.

[ErikH2000]

I've been thinking about offering printable artwork for my first title, so that users who buy it online can print it out and stick it in a CD/DVD case, if they so desire. My worry is this, living as I do in a country where pirates practically outsell legitimate outlets: By doing this, am I just making the pirates' work easier? Will I be walking down the street and seeing pirated copìes of my game decorated with the very artwork I designed?
Perhaps you can find a way to make the printable artwork only available to people who have purchased the downloadable? It seems like that would serve as a small deterrant. Another tactic would be to not advertise the availability of the printable artwork except on locations where your more dedicated fans are, such as a mailing list or user forum. It could be different for you, but for my game it is mainly the hardcore players who pay attention to less-important announcements that care about having a "collectible" CD and jewel case.

I'm sure there will always be some risk no matter what you do, and it's just a question of minimizing it. In the end, if the pirates want to sell your game on CD, they will find a way to do it.

-Erik

[Sirrus]

Where is "here"?

Check out Chris Evans' site http://www.outsidetheboxsoftware.com - he's selling his game in physical form.

He's talking about releasing printable art for people to make their own at home - not physically shipping products with already printed labels...

I definately agree that if you decide to do it, give a download link to those who purchased the game or make a members area. Honestly though, I think it may do more bad than good...
Some people will appreciate it, but not sure its the best to put that sort of opportunity out there.

[Sillysoft]

I think it's a great idea and you should do it and advertise that you are doing it - to everyone both before (as a reason to buy bullet point) and after purchase. If you are selling all your copies online then don't worry about physical pirates in some places. I cannot go and buy such place in my 'here', but if I liked you game I could see myself printing out a CD case for it. There's much more money to be made in the non-pirate rampart places, so don't sweat the pirate places too much.

I think I'm going to do this for my game...

[NuriumGames]

Someone asked for BreakQuest box image in the forums, I replied with a link to a high res version of the box. Never publicited it but it is there if someone searches for it.

[Robert Cummings]

Hiya,

I think that the point of offering printable dvd and crystal box inlay files is a good one if you are selling the game yourself.

IMHO, it will not increase your conversion rates drastically, but it could be enough to bring people back. I know there is a particular type of customer who takes pride in his "collection". Older people are generally more physical about a product and like to put it on a shelf.

This could bring people back to your site, even if your game is sold in multiple locations. If it is only a day's work to make a nice box then what can be the harm? This topic has given me pause and I think I will do something like this.

-Rob

[Savant]

I think it's a great idea and you should do it and advertise that you are doing it - to everyone both before (as a reason to buy bullet point) and after purchase.
I agree. Be the first to do it and capitalize on it. That's the sort of thing that you can leverage into people remembering you. If nobody else is doing it, why not take the opportunity to do something remarkable?

Pirates are going to steal your game regardless. Don't worry about them.