iPad app dev sees 50% piracy rate

Is it possible that the number of scores posted is related to the number of players, instead of the number who actually installed the app? After all, something the size of the iPad feels more shareable than something more personal, like the iPhone.

While I don't have one yet, if I did have an iPad, and had paid for a game, I'd be much more likely to pass my iPad to a friend, and let them try it than I would an app on my phone. After all, they can't accidentally run up long distance calls on the iPad, or keep me from getting my phone calls.

If the high scores are not linked with an IMEI, Ethernet MAC address, or some form of purchaser's ID, I'd question if it's actually piracy, more users per device, or more than one device syncing with the iTunes-host machine. Then again, if there were a way of automatically verifying the purchase, perhaps the publisher could release additional content for legitimate purchasers only. This would turn the pirated copies in to advertising, and encourage pirates to "Get Legit".

Personally, there are about 8 iPods in my home, more if you count the ones that are in need of parts (I like to tinker with broken ones and they tend to get to me after they've been through the washer, dropped from too high, or used as a skid-pad by a motorcyclist). I wouldn't be surprised to see people out-growing their 8GB Touch, and having a few stops on the way to whatever the largest current one is.

One thing to keep in mind. You can use an app on more than one device. I am not sure if the app in questions is an iPad only app. If it is then this doesn't hold water. I know that I can still sync my 3GS but I have upgraded to the iPhone 4. So my kids get the 3gs and they can use any app that I purchase. I am guessing that my 3gs would show up as being used by someone that did not purchase the app. So I have two iPhones that syc to the same iTunes account but only one has service.

If tjere is so much piracy, why don't they just stop it? Let say there is a game app, 67mb and the price is 10$. Initially, app costs $2 and it is 60 mb. The other 7mb are core files for that game, and they can be downloaded using in-app purchases which costs another $8 dollars. If you want to play the game, you'll need to make that in-app purchase, otherwise the game is useless. Isn't that a great idea!???

Whenever I buy a game, I install it on 4 different devices (2 iPhones, iPad, iPod Touch). With only paying once. That's a feature, right?

I have a stupid question. How do people pirate iPhone/iPad apps? I don't ever plan on pirating apps myself, I'm just genuinely curious. How else would you get apps downloaded and installed on your iPhone/iPad if you didn't go through iTunes and the App Store? I keep seeing references and stories about people having their apps pirated, but I don't understand how it's possible.

Where is the stat that shows 90 percent of piraters open the app and then never use it again because it blows. The most legit form of pirating reasons they do it because of apples lack of a trial system. Face it, most ios games blow and are a waste of money.

i honestly feel the problem lies with openfeint as i have had issues as well even when i knew my password i couldnt get it to work so i skip it or have some wierd random number. If i were the developer i would ask for as detailed info as i can.

...but do those numbers numbers just constitute the fact that many people allow family members and friends to play the games on their iPhones hence the higher number of names on the learderboars. Just a thought

The one or two games that I have gotten from installous and not purchased yet, I don't sign up for openfeint on, for exactly this reason. PrivaCY!

I realize this is for iPad... but my wife and I both have iPhones and sync to the same library and use the same AppleID.

Therefore, all of the apps we buy, are use by two distinct users. And guess what?! It's legal.

Awesome analysis TUAW. No really, stellar investigative work.