Website TorrentFreak has listed the ten most downloadedest PC games of 2008. PC software piracy is undoubtedly an issue, and looking at these numbers shows exactly how bad it really is. There aren’t too many shockers, but either way, here’s the list:

1. Spore (1,700,000, released Sept. 2008)
2. The Sims 2 (1,150,000, Sept. 2004)
3. Assassins Creed (1,070,000, Nov. 2007)
4. Crysis (940,000, Nov. 2007)
5. Command & Conquer 3 (860,000, March 2007)
6. Call of Duty 4 (830,000, Nov. 2007)
7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (740,000, June 2005)
8. Fallout 3 (645,000, Oct. 2008)
9. Far Cry 2 (585,000, Oct. 2008)
10. Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (470,000, Oct. 2008)

So, will these numbers destroy SecuROM, or simply bolster its supporters? Spore’s at the top of the list with an incredibly high 1.7 million copies stolen, which should show, if nothing else, that its security was an abysmal failure. The tightest, most secure system EA could make was broken by nearly two million people, so that is sort of a bust. Then again, the fact that people want to steal PC games this much should be another sign that PC developers need to find some sort of solution, because the problem is getting worse. Spore didn't sell that well to begin with, and it looks like it may have been downloaded as much as it was bought.

Also, good for Sims 2 still being on that list! Seriously, the game has been out for years and it’s still making the rounds - talk about staying power. My guess is it’s typical gamers getting free gifts for their nongamer friends, but maybe there’s still some strange, hacker following for the Sims series.

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