..., and if you're going to crack the game (that is, buy a boxed version, refuse to install it, and get a cracked version instead), that is still piracy.
This actually depends on your jurisdiction. In Germany (for which I have some knowledge), as long as you are allowed to use the software (either buying it or licensing the right to use it, doesn't matter), you're allowed to run a manipulated version of the software as well - including cracks and so on.
Distributing those cracks is another matter, but you can
create,
acquire and
use them just fine.