Used pc game coded so unplayable (Half life 2)

Rotor

Hi, I've bought a used 'Half life 2' on Ebay which doesn't play because the code has to be registered with the manufacturer and once the original owner has done that no-one else can.

Bought many games before and never had this problem ; is this the way games are going or just this manufacturer?

Any ideas how I find out before I buy which games are 'locked' like this?
Thanks

-TangleFoot-

Many of the games released in recent years incorporate some sort of verification mechanism, but if I recall correctly only those tied to the Steam distribution service are hobbled in the fashion you describe.

The majority of games available through it are downloaded, so the list of retail titles that require it is mercifully quite short. This article lists some of the games that can be registered with the service, but unfortunately does not distinguish between those that will and those that won't work without it.

jaydeeuk1

Half life 2 cd key is linked to steam account, so you will not be able to play the game unless the seller was prepared to give their steam account logon details.

However, saying that there are ways around it, but probably not able to be discussed here, or ask for a refund.

-TangleFoot-

jaydeeuk1 wrote: »

...you will not be able to play the game unless the seller was prepared to give their steam account logon details.

And if they offer to do that, you could end up in a rather sticky situation:

Accounts which have been bought, sold or traded will be permanently disabled. This includes any other accounts in your possession at the time of the sale or trade, regardless of whether those accounts were also sold or not.

aliEnRIK

Send it back ~ im sure you can buy it new cheap as chips anyways ~

You could get the ORANGE BOX for 15 quid with all episodes of half life 2 on, portal and team fortress

http://www.shopto.net/PC/VIDEO%20GAMES/PCHA09-Half%20Life%202%20The%20Orange%20Box.html

Coded

As those above have said, the cd key for the game is linked to a steam account.

As for a refund and buy it new.

JasX

aliEnRIK wrote: »

Send it back ~ im sure you can buy it new cheap as chips anyways ~

You could get the ORANGE BOX for 15 quid with all episodes of half life 2 on, portal and team fortress

http://www.shopto.net/PC/VIDEO%20GAMES/PCHA09-Half%20Life%202%20The%20Orange%20Box.html

Not to mention that package is frequently discounted further on the regular steam discount weekends and has been offered new for under £5 several times before....

if you *must* but second hand games you can google their copy protection mechanisms....

But for the sake of a few extra quid to give the developer some contribution towards publishing a high quality game do you really need to chase the dodgy £2 ebay copies?

[Deleted User]

Even cheaper with free delivery: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Half-Life-Orange-Box-PC-DVD/dp/B000RO0OKU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1258285741&sr=8-1

Rotor

Thanks for that everyone. You're right it was £2 and i thought i'd got a bargain. lol. Reckon I'll buy it from Amazon