Is FunPlus Suspected of Using Pirated Software for Game Development? Community Debates the 'Open Secret'

Recently, a user shared screenshots in a community group alleging that FunPlus, a major game developer, might be using pirated software for its development processes, prompting intense speculation among the player base.

In response, many industry insiders and netizens argued that this is an 'open secret' in China. Some users dismissively asked, 'Can you name a single company that exclusively uses licensed software for office tasks?', suggesting that while it is technically unethical, it remains a widespread industry norm. Some even jokingly admitted that the only legitimately licensed software on their work computers is the Chrome browser.

However, other users were stunned by the idea of using pirated versions of professional game engines for commercial releases, questioning how the company manages to avoid legal repercussions. The discussion also highlighted common corporate workarounds, where companies might buy a single license for final data export while allowing staff to use unauthorized copies for daily tasks.