Anything I should consider when requesting a PC game?

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empire_collector replied on 01-08-2009 11:04 AM

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sahmed3,

I just got a non-functioning version of Crysis Warhead through a trade like this.

Did you tell customer support that yu bought a used game and needed the installs reset - or did you just say I need them reset do to new PC configuration.

I don't wanna be dishonest - but I have had a lot of issues with EA on the Battlefield 2 map packs - and I'd rather tell a "little white lie" to them than to give my trader a neg on the trade.

I think this activation stuff is bs - and they always remove it after liek 6 m,onths anyways....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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sahmed3 replied on 01-08-2009 12:20 PM

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empire_collector:

sahmed3,

I just got a non-functioning version of Crysis Warhead through a trade like this.

Did you tell customer support that yu bought a used game and needed the installs reset - or did you just say I need them reset do to new PC configuration.

I don't wanna be dishonest - but I have had a lot of issues with EA on the Battlefield 2 map packs - and I'd rather tell a "little white lie" to them than to give my trader a neg on the trade.

Here's the thing. It all depends on what you got in the Crysis:Warhead package. I got it pretty early, so I think that the person who had it before me was the original owner. So it probably didn't need to be reactivated many times or anything. But if you call then, do NOT say that you bought it used. I let that slip when I was activating mass effect, and they are NOT happy about reactivating a game that is used (because, the point is to make people own their own copy). You know how people say DRM is to stop people from pirating? I think it's more to stop trading.I had to call back and talk to someone else for that game, and the second time I didn't mention that it was used.

Anywho, I don't remember exactly, but I was able to call the crysis number and send them a picture of my game, box, and manual, and give them the code and they added another activation for me. Obviously, I didn't have the receipt, and you can just say it's a gift (which is not really a lie). If you didn't get all of that stuff from the seller, ask him to take a picture of those things and give them to you, at least.If you didn't get the CD-KEY from him, that's a negative right there for the seller (but I would contact him first, don't just speed off to give him a negative).

Unfortunately, you might have to tell a little white lie to get it to go through, but that's the only way that I can see. Respond back with everything you got and the complete situation and someone can help you out more.

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Hexpane replied on 01-13-2009 12:53 PM

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good info, although it would be nice if DRM flags were posted on games via the Goozex system.

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sahmed3 replied on 01-13-2009 1:02 PM

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Hexpane:

good info, although it would be nice if DRM flags were posted on games via the Goozex system.

True, I actually suggested something like this before, but it's not too hard to find out. If it's a newer PC game your looking at, go to wikipedia and look it up (or somewhere else on the internet). It'll usually say there if there's any DRM.

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txa1265 replied on 01-13-2009 1:37 PM

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There is a SecuROM thread here as well specific to thios stuff.

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Hexpane replied on 01-13-2009 4:18 PM

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well I will cancel  my Mass Effect request, 3 activations... BOOO

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Wellin21 replied on 01-13-2009 4:40 PM

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There are a few things I think you need to concider when requesting a PC game.

1. CD-Key - If you plan to play on-line the CD key can become very important. Distributors use the CD to verify authenticity. The best way to be sure you'll be getting an unused CD key is to buy a new copy.

2. Activation - Other have already mentioned this but it is worth metioning again. The only activated title with no install limits is Bioshock. Most of the others have an activation limt of 3, some have 5. Its a risky trade. It used to be that $50 got me a game I can play at any time as long as I have hardware that can run it. Thanks to activation that $50 has become a rental fee. Because of that I think the trade risk is worth it as long as the point value is low enough.

Those are the two big ones. 

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naytk replied on 01-13-2009 11:42 PM

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My recommendation is to try a level of single player, then try it online.  If you are successful in both situations, leave feedback.

As far as sending a game goes, I would be sure to include everything the buyer needs to activate/fully play the game.  Not doing so probably will net a negative.  I don't plan to wait until the receiver gets the game to request activations.  Before I send, I'll be calling to check the number of activations left and to inform them that I am going to permanently transfer my license to another user as per "X" section of the license agreement.  That way, there are no surprises.

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empire_collector replied on 01-21-2009 10:54 AM

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Ahh - Thanks!

And thank you to everyone who responded on this thread!

I used the link to the customer support thread here on Goozex and finally got ahold of someone on EA.

The support rep. was unbelivably cool - not only resetting my Crysis Warhead activations but also doubling them to avoid future trouble.

When I thanked him he even apologized about the inconvenience of having to call to play the game I had bought.

So...  although it would be nice if the sellers could get these things cleared up before trade - it seems the game industry is pretty good about resetting these activations as long as you call in.

However, beware, that many games are now permanently assigning an email address and password to playing online - World in Conflict is one example of this where the publisher/dev's have made it clear they will not reset these attributes for a re-sold game.

(so make sure to get this info from the seller)

I reccomend people set up a yahoo email for each game that is like this and use the same password for multiplay and the email so they can just easily give this info if they decide to later re-sell or trade the game.

(without having to give away personal info)

Again - thank you all for all your help - proving yet again that the Goozex community is among the best on the net!

Thanks,

   EC