The Investigation Bureau To Sweep Game Console Modding.

Confronting the prevalence of video game piracy and console modding, the Investigation Bureau initiated a raid on 8 video game retailing stores, interrogating 7 retailers and also seizing more than 100 pieces of mod chips (Wasabi), more than 50 consoles, 2000 pieces of pirated game discs and relevant account books. 

Console modding has long stood as an unabated problem.  It is common that almost every kind of popular game console, after its commercial launch, is modified or has a circumvention device (mod chip) installed to be capable of playing pirated games without being restricted by the region code.

According to the investigators, there is always an easy way to modify a game console or even modding instruction provided online.  It is estimated that roughly several hundreds of video game retailing stores provide modding service and sell pirated game priced 10 times lower than the original price.  The act of modding is likely to violate the Copyright Act.  According to Article 80-2 of the Copyright Act, any person who manufactures, imports, or offers to the public any equipment or technology for disarming technological protection measures shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, detention, or in lieu thereof or in addition thereto a fine of not more than NTD20,000 and not less than NTD250,000.

Moreover, to keep pirated game from thriving in the market, the IPRP had between January and August 2008 uncovered 4 cases that involved the total value of infringement amounting to more than NTD10 million and seized a total of 15630 pieces of pirated game discs (including hand-held videogame).  Sales of pirated game discs is conducted by leaflets distribution, online auction, and display for sale at night market.

/CCS