NationStates Jolt Archive

So there a computer game I want to buy off of Ebay, however I do have one concern with buying a computer game. Every computer game has that registration code, that you have to type in, in order to play the game. It basically assign that copy of the game to that computer. Now, if I go and buy this computer game, I'm hoping that I won't (but I probably will) run into the problem of that code already being assigned and I won't be able to play it and I wasted about $10.

Are my concerns valid? Should I buy the game or try to find a new one? Which would be impossible since this game is now out of print.

First of all, that only happens to some games, and second of all, some games allow the code to be used by multiple people.

Whiuch game are we talking about? And have you emailed the creators about it?

It depends on the game. Which one is it you're wishing to buy?

First of all, that only happens to some games, and second of all, some games allow the code to be used by multiple people.

Whiuch game are we talking about? And have you emailed the creators about it?

Nascar Racing 2003 season. I'm after this game partically because there's an mod out there that lets you run the 1988 season with 1988 cars.

The creators have been brought out by EA I think.

So there a computer game I want to buy off of Ebay, however I do have one concern with buying a computer game. Every computer game has that registration code, that you have to type in, in order to play the game. It basically assign that copy of the game to that computer. Now, if I go and buy this computer game, I'm hoping that I won't (but I probably will) run into the problem of that code already being assigned and I won't be able to play it and I wasted about $10.

Are my concerns valid? Should I buy the game or try to find a new one? Which would be impossible since this game is now out of print.

Never happened to me. I've even borrowed games off friends and both of us have had them installed on our computers, so it works fine for me.

Never happened to me. I've even borrowed games off friends and both of us have had them installed on our computers, so it works fine for me.
Depends, though. Some games are much more geared towards detecting this sort of thing than others. I doubt it could be done with some of the more modern games without having to descend more in to illegalness.

According to wikipedia, the license went to EA but the company itself was bought out by iRacing. Therefore, email iRacing.

lol nascar.

According to wikipedia, the license went to EA but the company itself was bought out by iRacing. Therefore, email iRacing.

I wouldn't, EULAs usually have some crap about reselling the software so they'd probably be not much use.

All the licence key does it try and make sure that you've got a real and legitimate disk; if the code could only be used once then anybody who formatted their computer, or got a new one, would have to buy a new copy of the game. Clearly this is not the case, so I would imagine you would have no problem.

normally it only causes issues in multiplayer mode. if you try to play another person and his and your computer have the same code the computers wont let you play together. when my friend starcraft someone had generated his code and posted on the net so the company had to give him a new code over the phone in order to play on battle net.

normally it only causes issues in multiplayer mode. if you try to play another person and his and your computer have the same code the computers wont let you play together. when my friend starcraft someone had generated his code and posted on the net so the company had to give him a new code over the phone in order to play on battle net.

I do plan to race against other people online. So hmmm.

spend £10 on destruction derby instead :)

Used games should have the code included if it's needed. Otherwise, you could just find one of the untold thousands of keygens out there (be careful, though...some places that have them are crawling with malware and the keygen might just be a virus) and use that instead. I honestly can't remember the last time I used one for some of my older games considering that the original packaging is long since lost...

Talk to the company that owns the rights. They answer these types of questions. In the past, I bought software from another person and all that was needed was a note and signature from the seller saying he transfers the rights and ownership to you. You send the company a copy and they usually are happy.

Mind you I haven't done this in awhile so things could change and each company is different. The company could be against it in that they want you to buy at regular prices. It could be that they would prefer it but having you in the system in almost as good.

Again, contact the company, they can give you the answers you need.....

Talk to the company that owns the rights. They answer these types of questions. In the past, I bought software from another person and all that was needed was a note and signature from the seller saying he transfers the rights and ownership to you. You send the company a copy and they usually are happy.

Mind you I haven't done this in awhile so things could change and each company is different. The company could be against it in that they want you to buy at regular prices. It could be that they would prefer it but having you in the system in almost as good.

Again, contact the company, they can give you the answers you need.....

Ok, Thanks Black Forrest. :)

and everyone else who responded to this thread. :)

I'd get it. Most games allow the game to be registered on several computers.

The extreme end of the spectrum (Spore, and a very few other games) don't allow this. But this is uncommon

On the other end, there is Sins of a Solar Empire (great game btw) which allows you to register the same game on every single computer in the world, literally.

I do plan to race against other people online. So hmmm.

if he has uninstalled it it should not be an issue.
and even then only if he happens to log into the same server as you at the same time.

Not sure where you live but have you tried Gamestop or EB Games? You can trade in the games you no longer like/use/play and you usually can find the game for really cheap. Plus if it doesn't work you can bring it back and get a new one.