Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 16, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The two factions, named “Post Mortem” and “Silent Gate”, were in direct competition to be the fastest to put the first and best-quality pirated copy of each entertainment software title on the Internet. The authors gave no reasons for their departure. Other members of the scene suspect links to searches at a Frankfurt provider in the second week of March, about which the Gesellschaft zur Verfolgung von Urheberrechtsverletzungen e.V. (GVU) issued information on March 20. In these ongoing proceedings, Frankfurt criminal investigators are investigating an international piracy network.
Both “Post Mortem” and “Silent Gate” were regarded as central formations within the release-group scene. Specialising in pirated copies of current entertainment software, “Post Mortem” first uploaded illegal versions of such titles to hidden networks in January 2006. Nearly 140 so-called “releases” are attributed to this group. “Silent Gate” had been active since May 2004 and made almost 480 pirated copies of games available during that time.
The announced withdrawal of both groups raises questions. Discussions in relevant forums reveal the writers’ fears: there is speculation that the two groups knew what was coming for the scene and pulled the emergency brake in time. Referring to the action in Frankfurt, participants in the discussions expect another, even larger raid. Regardless of this, according to the GVU’s findings, various members of “Post Mortem” and “Silent Gate” have joined together in a new release group. The GVU will continue taking action against this and the other groups, as they are the sources of the pirated copies distributed on a mass scale.
Christian Sommer, Chairman of the GVU, comments: “Our strategy is bearing fruit once again. The uncertainty in the scene and the increasing pressure of prosecution on the top of the distribution pyramid are throwing not just sand but pebbles into the machinery of the pirates. We will continue to use all our strength against the creators of pirated copies and thus dismantle the structures. The numerous pending proceedings will continue to destabilise the scene in future.”
