Hi, Someone posted me this question about buying a pc game. As far as I can tell, the only difference are new games have new packaging, and thats it. Both come with the same content. I am not sure however about the license of the game. Does it make any difference? If you buy a used game, someone may have registered online before making it quite hard for you to get online support or online multiplayer. The guy wants to buy a pc strategy/simulation game. Anyone has anything to share on this matter? Thanks.
Yeah, most used PC games are registered to someone else. If it is a multiplayer game, you can't use it unless you play as the previous owner (especially the case for the Battlefield series). Games with just a disc check like Oblivion are probably fine, but it really depends on what DRM is shipped with the game. Also, the EULA included with most games do not permit resale, although whether the EULA holds any water is up for debate.
Thanks for that info. The person wants to buy a Simcity 4 game, which is 7 years old now. I am not sure what kind of user license it has. Also, there may be a case where people try to scam by rebranding it in a newish box and says it is a new game. So there is no gurantee on there either.
I'd say the main differance is the price.Ive bought a few second hand games and not had a problem,latast was modern warfare 2 and it works ok.after a quick look at my games ive second hand copies of gta4.gta san andreas cod4,civ3.fear2,cod2,far cry and there all fine.cant see your friend getting a new coy of simcity 4 new and being as its 7 years old its his only real option, and should only cost a few quid.I would say buy it from a reputable store and if theres a problem with the licence key he should be able to return under the sale of goods act.
The DRM issue is probably one of the biggest problems you'd face, not forgetting that some really old games will have problems with modern versions of Windows but there are often ways around this. A lot of the responsible used game shops won't accept games that will cause problems due to the game DRM, as an example ever seen a second hand copy of HL2 on sale? Second hand games are often a great way to pick up on old/rare titles (thats how I got my replacement copy of System Shock 2) but if its just an issue with price, you can often find new games on line for the same price or less as some second hand shops if you hunt around.
There's another small difference which doesnt affect you as a consumer much, but is worth bearing in mind. Buying a second hand game means that the publishers/developers are very unlikely to see any money from the sale. The shop will take the whole whack. Like I said, no problem for the consumer as you still get the product, but if it's a company you love and want to support then hunting around for a cheap online deal for a new box will see at least a slice of the money go to them and keep them making games
Sim City 4 has a very simple DRM system, installation key and disc check. There's the optional EA registration but i don't think that would prevent you from playing the game as you don't have to sign in. If your friend runs into any sort of trouble with the license, i have a spare unregistered key for Sim City 4 for him. With that said, he should still be able to find a new "Classics" copy of Sim City 4. For cheap, too. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-..._1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1270405275&sr=8-1
