Looks like digital "pirates" aren't the only form of piracy plaguing the video game industry. By Pirates I mean the people of the whole guns, eye patches, "arrr matey" variety. The rumor mill has it that pirates around Somalia have been increasing attacks from once every couple of weeks to multiple times a day. The attacks are being focused on trade ships beyond the Horn of Africa, entering the areas of The Red Sea and The Gulf of Aden, jeopardizing access the Suez Canal. What does this mean? Well, that European gamers might have difficulty getting their Wii's and Xbox 360's for the holiday season.
According the pcworld.com, the attacks have gotten so severe that companies are starting to reorganize their trade route to go around the Cape of Good Hope. The reroute would almost double the length of the trip, and add another three weeks onto the total time of the trip. The extra distance would totally alter shipping schedules and greatly increase the fuel needed to make the shipments. These companies that are thinking about doing the reroutes ship products such as oil, coal, and toys. The "toys" in these shipments include the ever awesome and necessary games we all need.
 
The main part of the world that this will affect is Europe, possibly meaning that there might me a shortage of gaming supplies this holiday season. However, it could have a more worldwide effect, possibly even messing with the US's delicate and already weakened economy. It should be noted that October was a great month for gaming sales, due to several high profile releases such as Fallout 3 and Fable 2, which gave gaming an increase of last October's numbers.
 
Regardless, this situation answers the ever pressing question that has plagued gamers' minds for ages: Are Pirates or Ninjas cooler? Well, clearly the Ninja is now superior since they don't mess with gaming shipments.