A Question about buying the game digitaly, in unreleased countries

Hi all. First up, sorry if I've posted this in the incorrect section but I couldn't find an appropriate one.

I wanted to know if it is illegal to download (purchase digitally) this game through stardock, even though it hasn’t been released here in . The local EB games store man said it was illegal to download games from the internet, but I think we were getting confused over the methods. He told me the game wasn’t available for another month.

I’m new to this digital download stuff, as I guess we all are (Well, new to me). Just looking for some clarification I guess. Don’t want the cops knocking at my door :P.

Regards,
ZappaDanMan

P.S. This is the first time I’ve gotten into a game like this, since civilization. Downloaded the demo from my internet provider and started playing it.


At first glance it looked very intimidating.  In fact I logged off, after 15 minutes. I logged on this afternoon at , then I looked at the clock, it was (after a few demo retries). It was a weird learning experience with this game. First I tried the bull rush (and failed horribly), then each attempt, adjusted the strategy and got better, while learning the interface (not sure if others went through the same thing). By the way, the mouse pointer zoom is the best thing since sliced bread. I was always trying to double left / right click, then mouse roll zoom into position. Until I realized I just need to mouse hover and mouse roll, awesome (I’m impressed by the small things :P).

I’m just really impressed by this game, by how (if you wish), you can see forest from the tree’s (command management), or the tree’s from the forest (micromanagement), if that makes sense. But I’m sure it’s all been said before. Good work!

5,042 views 6 replies
Reply #1 Top
Hey ZappaDanMan, no it's not illegal to order the game directly from Stardock and download it digitally ;) Many people around the world have done this :)

The game won't be released retail in Australia for a little while longer, as the store clerk told you, but it's perfectly fine to order from the site and download it. If you want, they will even ship a box to you if you want one (and you'll also get the ability to download the game right away, too). Stardock orders are all Collector's edition boxes (which probably won't be the case in your retail stores) so you'll get a few extra goodies like a music CD and a few posters (these will be mp3s and pdfs for digital download only option).

You'll also be able to download the game as many times as you need to if you reformat, get a new PC, whatever, and you can also back up the download on a DVD if you wish :)

Hope this helps :)
Reply #3 Top
The EB Games guy probably meant illegal downloads such as torrents.
Reply #4 Top
Depends where you live, some places it isn't illegal. =]
Reply #5 Top
As long you don't buy a few dozen copys for reselling its perfectly legal.
Reply #6 Top
Chances are he was BSing you to get a sale.

Go for direct download. More often than not more of your money will go to the developers, you'll save some money yourself, and can get your hands on the game quicker than mail order.

The game gets easier as you learn more about all the units and tech tree items, and how to use them together effectively (along with the many shortcut keys).