As large-sized file transfer problems became less severe, warez became more widespread and began to affect large software files like animations and movies.
Shortly after its creation, in 1995, the newsgroup was targeted by warez traders, who tried to use it for the distribution of pirated commercial software.
Prior to THG, warez releases were haphazard, with multiple groups releasing the same title, usually after the title had been available in retail stores for weeks.
