ICE targets video game copyright violators

ICE targets video game copyright violators    U.S. authorities last week launched the largest enforcement action against importers and distributors of pirated consoles for the video gaming industry.
   Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents executed 32 search warrants in 16 states as part of an investigation into the alleged sale and distribution of illegally modified chips and disc copyright circumvention devices, the agency said.
   The modification chips and circumvention devices allow users to play illegally obtained, pirated and/or counterfeit software on video game consoles including Sony’s Playstation 2, Microsoft’s XBOX and XBOX 360, and Nintendo’s Wii.
   The Entertainment Software Association, which represents game console makers and developers, says the industry has incurred billions of dollars in losses worldwide due to lost sales to counterfeit and pirated video games.
   The ESA is assisting the government in the investigation.