Computer Entertainment Software Association apology/clarification (WITH TRANSLATION) (Japan) (Janaury 2000)

Well here's an interesting bit of history which I ran through a translator for everyone's benefit. With Nintendo battling emulators currently in the news, a look back in time to 2000 reveals that emulators aren't the only thing riling up publishers over lost profits. I can't find info on the specific court ruling they reference, but it clearly had something to due with the CESA taking issue with the sale of used games (which they make no profit off of). It sounds like they're trying to force a legal requirement for the sale of used software to also funnel profits back to the publishers. It's wishful thinking, but I doubt that ever happened.

I always bought my disc media new in America, because I find that most Americans (at least the ones who sell their stuff used) don't know how to treat their possessions, and every used game disc, DC, or DVD I ever saw was scratched to hell and back, making it a crapshoot whether it would actually work or not. But Japan is totally different. Every town has at least one Bookoff, a major chain seller of used books/music/movies/games, and everything inside is cheap and PRISTINE. Like, "brand-new" looking. Because (a) people take care of their things here, and (b) if they DID have damaged goods, they wouldn't try selling them to a store (and the store probably wouldn't buy them anyway). So I can see why used software in Japan would be so appealing, since it would be in perfect condition at a fraction of the cost.