10 Genius Ways Video Games Fought Pirates
7. Complete Pixelation - The Sims 4
Canadian musician Devin Townsend may enjoy getting pixelated, but for those who inhabit the world of 2014’s The Sims 4, it’s an absolute nightmare. Nevertheless, that fate awaits the virtual citizens, possessions, and environments of anyone who unlawfully acquires the latest main entry of gamers’ favorite social simulation.
When The Sims 4 notices that it’s a duplicate, it will cover the entire screen in the opaque squares that are usually only used to block the private areas of residents when they shower, use a toilet, or swap attire. Needless to say, having a blurry mess covering every inch of your monitor is a less-than-desirable way to play The Sims 4.
Given that thousands of people obtained the game via torrent sites during its debut week alone, there’s no denying how necessary the anti-piracy method was.
Sure, culprits quickly figured out how to bypass it, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a laudably sly bit of revenge all the same - especially since many of the perpetrators outed themselves beforehand by asking about the supposed glitch on various message boards.