Registering a used copy

from Sins Forums
I bought a used copy, but the person before me had already registered the game.  Since they no longer own the physical copy of the game, and I do, is it possible for me to still register it?  I can take a picture of the receipt and the game, though the receipt just says "software".  The game box does have a sticker showing where it came from if that helps.
technical
2,680 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
I suggest you contact [email protected] however it is not likely that they will be able to do anything for you. Stardock does not allow re-selling (re-registering used software) used software.

If you really want to be able to own a registered copy of SINS you should return the used copy (get a refund from the seller) let the vendor know that Stardock does not allow the re-selling of used copies of their software and then buy a new un-used copy.


thanks,

the Monk
Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
...let the vendor know that Stardock does not allow the re-selling of used copies of their software and then buy a new un-used copy.
End of quote


Edit: Re-reading Monk's post, he wasn't really saying that SD doesn't allow used copies period. Oops. Ah well, I'll leave the info below anyway. :p

Eh... well, technically that's not right, by my understanding. The software can be re-sold just fine. It's the transfer of serial numbers (not required to play the software as-provided in the box) that is not allowed without SD's consent. Then again, you might get the vendor to believe that he's not allowed to re-sell a game, but I wouldn't count on it. :p

Basically comes down to vendors being free to re-sell the game, but the buyers aren't entitled to support and patches.


YOU MAY NOT:
1. Copy and distribute the SOFTWARE or any portion of it except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
2. Sublicense, rent, lease or transfer your personal serial number without express written consent from Stardock.
3. Sublicense, rent or lease the SOFTWARE or any portion of it.
4. Decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer or modify the SOFTWARE or any portion of it, or make any attempt to bypass, unlock, or
disable any protective or initialization system on the SOFTWARE.
5. Copy the documentation accompanying the SOFTWARE.
6. Upload or transmit the SOFTWARE, or any portion thereof, to any electronic bulletin board, network, or other type of multi-use computer
system regardless of purpose (except as provided for above for “mods”).
7. Include the SOFTWARE in any commercial products intended for manufacture, distribution, or sale.
8. Include “mods” in any commercial products intended for manufacture, distribution, or sale.
End of quote




So, yeah. Do your best to return the used copy and get a new one. Patches are substantial in SD land. :)
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
Well, SD doesn't allow more than one registration per serial. If it's already registered, they're not going to transfer it :P
Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
Well, SD doesn't allow more than one registration per serial. If it's already registered, they're not going to transfer it
End of quote



Well, I bought it back in June, and the return period is already up. I guess I'll just play the unpatched version. Next time I buy a game from them, I'll check right away to see if I can update it. If not I'll return it.

Thanks!
Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top
Why can't they transfer the registration? Even THQ allows you to transfer registration keys if the game is bought used.
Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top
Why can't they transfer the registration? Even THQ allows you to transfer registration keys if the game is bought used.
End of quote



The original purchaser get's the patches etc. as "free support" when he/she registers. If Stardock were to allow a license transfer, that would mean a potential second-third-fourth-fifth etc. amount of "free support" provided by Stardock for one single sold copy of the game. This is the policy as I understand it. ;)


the Monk
Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top

This is the policy as I understand it.
End of quote

And there is also an important problem with transfering registration key: how to be sure that it is a transfer acknowledged by the vendor and not someone trying to steal the serial Id from another user ...

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top

What a bunch of apologists. Almost every other game allows you to resell them, even the ones with strict DRM. At least the game is cheap so I won't feel bad about tossing it. I knew I should have bought Gal Civs.

Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top

Go back and READ the EULA and posts lewdick.

You ARE allowed to resell the game - just not the serial which allows patches and online play. So if you want a cheap version, you miss out of these.

OP - even if you are out of the original return period, you may still be able to return it due to the EULA clause and you therefore not being able to use it as originally represented (did they tell you you could not play online or obtain patches at point of sale???)

Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top

What a bunch of apologists. Almost every other game allows you to resell them, even the ones with strict DRM. At least the game is cheap so I won't feel bad about tossing it. I knew I should have bought Gal Civs.
End of quote

But Stardock is the only publisher that allows you to donwload the whole game any time you want once you have registred it. Sadly, there is an associated cost: no second hand game support

I bought a used copy, but the person before me had already registered the game. Since they no longer own the physical copy of the game
End of quote

But the person still own the license, as he has registred the game (serial id with his email). The physical copy is just a support for the data. Updating the game requires a valid license. In short the person has gained money on that game while still being able to play the game.

Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top

Hmm - Maybe I should go sell my copy at EB or JB Hi-Fi to recoup some money for the expansion packs??? }:)  <evil - very evil> :cylon:

But that then denies me a boxed copy on my desk which DOES remind me I want to play the game if I ever forget (which hasn't happened yet, but one cannot be TOO careful...)