The FBI, working with the Dutch FIOD, recently announced the seizure and dismantling of the infrastructure of multiple piracy websites. These sites, such as ps4pkg.com, and mgnetu.com, were actively distributing pirated video games, including popular titles for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 consoles. The operation marks a significant blow to the illegal distribution of copyrighted gaming content.
Active for over four years, these illicit platforms provided early access to popular game titles, attracting a large user base. Between February and May 2025 alone, these sites recorded approximately 3.2 million downloads, leading to an estimated financial loss of $170 million for game developers and publishers. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office confirmed these actions, stating their commitment to combating online criminal marketplaces.
A site in particular, was a highly popular destination within the gaming community for pirated Nintendo Switch games, even being added to the EU’s Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List in May 2025. Several European countries, including Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and France, had already taken steps to block access to the website. Visitors to the seized domains now encounter official FBI seizure notices.
The article highlights the broader issue of video game piracy, noting its significant prevalence across various platforms. According to VPNCentral, roughly 10% of the 3.3 billion gamers globally admitted to downloading or playing pirated games recently, with figures rising to 35% among PC gamers and even higher for mobile games, where approximately 95% of Android and 50–60% of iOS games are pirated.
This pervasive piracy not only impacts the revenues of legitimate developers but also poses serious security risks to users. Pirated games frequently contain malware, with an estimated 3.2 million PCs infected in 2021 due to downloads from untrustworthy sources. Despite ongoing efforts in digital distribution and digital rights management (DRM), these statistics underscore that piracy remains a deeply entrenched and persistent challenge for the entire gaming industry, especially on PC and mobile platforms.
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