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Platform Filters:   All Platforms   Xbox   GameCube   PlayStation 2   PC  Game Boy Advance   Site Sections:   Updates  News   Games   Publishers   Developers   Reviews   Previews   Release Dates   Editorials   Glossary   Contact Us		Latest News:       26th November 2005: Buy only one Turkey this Christmas  Beware of dodgy market stalls bearing gifts, some festive suggestions from your friendly people at ELSPA. Posted by John Grothier - Xbox,GameCube,PlayStation 2,PC,Game Boy Advance - UK and Europe With Christmas fast approaching the 'dos and don'ts' guide to buying computer and video games this Christmas is out now. With a month to go until Christmas day, the festive shopping season is in full swing. To ensure that everyone has a merry Christmas and is not disappointed by their presents ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) has provided a simple guide to buying computer and video games. Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA, said: "At Christmas in particular, people are looking for a bargain to stretch their gift budget further. Buying counterfeit and pirated goods, however, is a false economy as many of these items are shoddy imitations or poor quality, which will only lead to disappointment on Christmas morning. ELSPA advises buyers to stick to shopping at their usual shops or trusted websites." The ten top tips for avoiding Christmas disappointment: Don't be taken in by implausibly cheap prices – there is a good chance the games are incomplete and missing key elements. Dont't buy unboxed games from market stalls or individuals – they may be counterfeit and pirated software can potentially cause damage to PCs and consoles. Don't buy a number of different games from different companies on one disc – these are highly likely to be counterfeit and may well not feature all the games stated. Don't buy games that don't have an official PEGI or BBFC age rating – age ratings are provided to give the purchaser essential information on the suitability of that game for the intended user. Do buy games from reputable high street stores or online retailers. Do buy games with the appropriate age rating for the user – an 18 rated game is not suitable for someone younger. Do make sure it's authentic – products that come without any documentation, manuals or have the title handwritten on a sleeve or CD label are very likely to be counterfeit. Do check that the game will work on the user's computer or console – it is frustrating to open up that much-wanted game and then to realise you can't play it because your PC's not up to it or it's for the wrong console. Do get a receipt – if you don't get one you can't take it back if there is anything wrong with it. If they won't give you one, it's almost guaranteed to be dodgy product. Do report suspected piracy – call the ELSPA Piracy Hotline in confidence on 08705 133405. Rawlinson added: "Hopefully, these tips should help to ensure that all the family is delighted with their Christmas gifts and has a fun-filled festive season playing their favourite computer and video games." More news - as we get it. John Grothier
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