piracy

TrendTechie
February 22, 2025
1. **Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game** was removed from digital storefronts in 2014 due to copyright issues and remained inaccessible until a re-release was announced by Ubisoft in 2020. 2. **P.T.**, an interactive teaser for Silent Hill, was removed from the PlayStation Network after its cancellation by Konami, making it unplayable for those who had downloaded it, with access only for those who had not deleted it. 3. **Tekken Revolution**, a free-to-play game released in 2013, had its servers shut down in 2016, rendering it unplayable. 4. **Battlefield Heroes** was closed down after becoming inundated with pay-to-win elements, despite attempts by fans to create private servers. 5. **Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII**, released in 2004 for Japanese mobile phones, was shut down in 2018, and Square Enix stated that the original code has been lost, making it a complete loss.
Winsage
February 21, 2025
A group of hackers has released a toolkit that claims to permanently unlock nearly all versions of Windows from Windows 7 to the latest iterations and Microsoft Office from 2013 to 2024. They justify their actions by positioning themselves as a "Robin Hood" of the digital realm, advocating against the commercialization of software piracy. They recommend using LibreOffice as an ethical alternative to Microsoft’s offerings.
Winsage
February 21, 2025
A group of developers called Massgrave has hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, uploading PowerShell scripts to GitHub that allow users to activate Windows and perpetual-license Office versions without paying licensing fees. Their tool, TSforge, supports activation for Windows versions 7, 8.x, 10, and 11, as well as Office versions from 2010 onward, excluding Microsoft 365 subscriptions. The scripts require minimal technical expertise and have been tested successfully on fresh installations of Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 machines. Massgrave acknowledges their actions as piracy and does not accept donations, emphasizing the ethical implications. The safety of the scripts is questioned, as there is a risk of malicious actors cloning their work. Microsoft is aware of the situation and plans to take action against unauthorized use of their software.
Winsage
February 21, 2025
A hacker group called Massgrave has developed a method named TSforge Activation that permanently activates most Microsoft products and bypasses the digital rights management (DRM) system. This method allows updates for Windows 10 beyond its official end of support in October 2025. The group previously launched the Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) project in 2024, claiming to dismantle Microsoft’s DRM protections. The TSforge method works by replacing activation data files with counterfeit data, tricking the Software Protection Platform (SPP) into accepting fraudulent product keys. TSforge currently enables activation for Windows 7 and later versions, including Windows Server (2008 R2 – 2025), and Office 2013-2024 on Windows 8 and later. It also unlocks commercial features like Extended Security Updates for Windows 7-10. Despite being aware of these activators, Microsoft has not taken significant action against them. The MAS project is open-source and hosted on GitHub. The hackers argue that their tool could be used as an alternative activation method in urgent situations.
Winsage
February 19, 2025
The Massgrave team has released version 3.0 of their Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS), introducing TSforge, which allows activation of all Windows editions from version 7 onward and all Office versions since Office 2013. MAS can activate commercial Windows licenses, including the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for certain Windows 7 to 10 editions. The tool is open-source and targets the Software Protection Platform (SPP) directly. MAS is hosted on GitHub, and despite its association with software piracy, Microsoft has not intervened in its availability. The Massgrave team has documented their processes for educational purposes and acknowledges the SPP as an advanced DRM system compared to earlier versions.
TrendTechie
February 15, 2025
Avowed, a fantasy RPG from Obsidian, has been accessed by gamers through unofficial channels ahead of its official release on Steam. Premium Edition purchasers received access five days early. The developers chose not to use Denuvo protection, facilitating piracy. The pirated version resembles the Premium Edition and includes extra skins, a digital art book, and a soundtrack. The official launch is scheduled for February 18, and initial feedback indicates it has been well-received, though it is not considered a "Skyrim killer."
TrendTechie
February 14, 2025
Avowed has launched its early access on Steam for Premium Edition holders, five days before its official release. The early access version was leaked on torrent sites due to a lack of anti-piracy measures, with the leaked version including the full game, two cosmetic packs, a digital art book, and the soundtrack. The standard edition is set to release on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series, and is set in the Pillars of Eternity universe.
TrendTechie
February 14, 2025
A premium version of the fantasy RPG Avowed has been leaked on torrent sites ahead of its official release. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the game offers a first-person perspective and is set in the Living Lands of the Pillars of Eternity universe. Players embark on a journey to a mysterious island affected by a sinister disease, facing battles and puzzles. Those who pre-ordered the premium version received early access five days before the official launch. The game is currently available in a Portable version on platforms like Steam, requiring approximately 73 GB of space and includes a Russian text translation. The full release is scheduled for February 18 on PC, Xbox Series, and Game Pass Ultimate.
Winsage
February 13, 2025
Microsoft has warned that the Russian hacking group Sandworm's BadPilot unit has shifted its focus from Ukraine to targets in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. BadPilot operates as an "initial access operation," breaching networks to establish footholds for further exploitation. Over the past three years, their targeting has evolved from Ukraine to a broader range of English-speaking Western nations. The group has targeted various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, and international governments, using known vulnerabilities in software such as Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet's security tools. They install software for persistent access and have been linked to disruptive cyber operations, including the NotPetya malware attack. Currently, there are no indications that BadPilot plans to escalate its activities beyond espionage.
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