Three things would dramatically reduce piracy and increase revenue for media and gaming:
- Simultaneous release
- Convenient, DRM-free digital distribution
- Dramatic price reduction
Unfortunately, most of the big, traditional publishers are too out-of-touch with reality to figure this out. A lot of smaller firms and indie developers are learning that this formula works extremely well. Why sell 10 million copies of your A++++ game at $50 (ex. Skyrim) when you can sell 700 million at $2.50 (ex. Angry Birds)?
Ok, so that's not a totally fair comparison since we're talking about a much larger game, but even so, the distribution costs are not as significant as you'd think. The point is, game and movie publishers haven't caught on to the reality that they've priced themselves out of the market. Lowering their price point -- even if that means a lower profit margin -- is a win/win proposition: higher net revenues for the publisher, more affordable content for the consumer, and (IMHO) a dramatic reduction in piracy. Most people are willing to pay for content; they just aren't willing to pay what the publishers are presently seeking. I'm not saying that justifies piracy in any ethical sense, but this is the reality of the situation.
Edit: meant to say net revenues, not gross.