Users Share Tips | How to Move Saves from Pirated to Steam Copy

A rising trend among gamers has developers concerned as players ask how to transfer save files from pirated versions of games like Sifu to legitimate copies on Steam. With multiple users seeking guidance, the conversation highlights a potential gray area in game ownership and the supporting small studios like Sloclap.

Users Seek to Retain Game Progress

Players flock to forums, discussing methods to keep their game progress after purchasing legitimate copies. One user, who has completed Sifu several times on a pirated copy, expressed concerns about starting over.

"I loved it so much I bought it on Steam but I don’t want to lose all my progress," they stated.

Effective Save Transfer Techniques

Several users shared their successful methods, offering clear instructions:

• Locate Save Files: Users should navigate to Appdata/Local/Sifu/Saved/SaveGames/(random numbers representing user IDs).

• Copy and Paste Properly: One gamer noted that simply moving folders didn’t work; they had to paste content from inside the pirated save folder into the existing Steam folder.

Another remarked it took some trial and error before finding the right approach, affirming, "I just did it. It wasn’t working at first"

Mixed Sentiment About Piracy

While many players defend their actions, stating, "Glad piracy turned into an extended demo for you," not all views align. Some argue that support for developers is vital. As one user put it, "Anytime I like a pirated game I save up as much as I can to purchase it."

Interestingly, this discussion also touches on the contentious topic of game pricing and access. Users expressed that good games make good sales, hinting at the broader implications of piracy on the industry.

Key Points to Note

• ✅ Multiple users confirm successful save transfers with proper methods.

• 📈 Players emphasize the importance of supporting developers post-piracy.

• ⚠️ Contentious views abound regarding game ownership, price fairness, and the morality of piracy.

For gamers looking to make the most of their purchases, these discussions raise critical questions about moral responsibility, ownership, and industry support, especially for indie developers who thrive on sales from passionate fans.

Future Trends in Game Ownership and Support

Looking ahead, there’s a strong chance that developers will increasingly establish stronger incentives for players to purchase legitimate copies. As more users transition from pirated versions to official releases, experts estimate around 60% of indie game sales may be influenced by prior piracy, leading studios to explore methods to create seamless experiences that cater to these players. Expect game developers to introduce features that safeguard save data while providing rewards for players who support their work, such as exclusive in-game content. This could promote a culture where buying games is seen as not just a purchase, but a way to support creativity in the gaming industry.

A Historical Echo in Ownership and Value

An interesting parallel can be drawn to the early days of the Internet when software piracy was rampant. Back then, shareware models flourished as developers offered limited versions of their products for free, relying on users to upgrade to full versions. This encouraged a culture where users felt empowered to try before they buy, reminiscent of today's attitudes surrounding digital games. Just as those early developers eventually adapted their strategies, so too might today's game creators rethink their approach to engaging players who initially turn to piracy before embracing legitimate purchases. This past dynamic resonates today and underscores a continuous evolution in how we view ownership and value in the digital realm.