Ask HN: How to detect if app is pirated?

Re:Ask HN: How to detect if app is pirated? by amitm on Friday May 08, 2009 @06:36PM (#600367)

I would agree with the don't worry about it comment. I make a MMORPG for the iPhone called Epic Pet Wars. Our paid versions are getting pirated at a rate of about 2:1, but I strongly believe that these users would not pay for the app anyway.

We are making enough money with the pirates and we have other ways to monetize these users like direct payments on our sit. Also, the pirates seem to be heavily active on the game.

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Re:Ask HN: How to detect if app is pirated? by barry-cotter on Friday May 08, 2009 @07:04PM (#600420)

Sorry if I'm being obtuse but are you making a profit from the average pirate? If you are making money despite them i'd imagine you'd be less sanguine, but if you're making money even from the pirates wouldn't it be in your long term interest to switch to free distribution to grow your user base much, much faster? Obviously the timing is an issue particularly if it'd leave you without much cushion, but shouldn't it be part of your strategy, because otherwise someone else will get there first in that niche and have the fast growth that could otherwise be yours (not necessarily sustainable but fast)

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Re:Ask HN: How to detect if app is pirated? by amitm on Friday May 08, 2009 @07:08PM (#600426)

We have a free distribution model. We give away the application and charge (our app is #22 in top free apps) We monetize through character unlocks and virtual goods using paid versions in the app store. These versions are being pirated quite a bit, but yes we are making good money despite of it so we dont mind.

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