Australia is notorious for its video game woes. Access to games of all types are limited by censorship and delayed releases. Piracy is rampant, yaharr, but that isn't specific to Australia. Unfortunately the news only gets worse for our friends down under.

An Australian man who was the first to upload a pirated copy of the New Super Mario Bros. Wii game has been ordered to pay $1.5 million in damages. Mr Burt, a manager at Electronics Boutique, received a rare opportunity when Nintendo decided to release the new Mario game in Australia earlier than any other region. He uploaded the game to the net and distributed it willingly. Nintendo's choice to release the game early in the market backfired, and they then took full advantage of the law for recompense.

Perhaps though, their $1.5 million might not have been enough. A Nintendo Australia spokesperson said the following:

"Nintendo Australia is always pushing for games to be released here at the same time as the rest of the world, so we were pleased to get New Super Mario Bros. Wii before anyone else... Unfortunately, due to the actions of this individual, future release dates may be affected for Australia, which is disappointing for us."

Did you hear that Australia? Even though the pirating of software is a global problem, Nintendo has found you directly responsible and thusly decided you must be punished. So when the next pirate brought to justice is from North America, and yet they continue to receive games at their proper release date, remember this day: Nintendo hates you.

Sources: The Australian, Gamespot Australia