Archived from groups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action (
More info?)
In article <1108029572.312615.43530@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>, "Chadwick"
<chadwick110@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>Jeff wrote:
>> In article <1107882872.869507.11940@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
>"Chadwick" <chadwick110@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >A CD-check can only validate that the disc matches the key code.
>>
>> Actually, if it could actually do that, wouldn't that be sufficient
>> protection?
>
>Not really, becasue you would just duplicate the disc and CD-key and
>distribute it and every single copy would work. Hardly a barrier to
>piracy becasue you can also play multiplayer as well (on a first-come,
>first-served basis becasue only one instance of the kcd-key can be
>online at a time) and you can patch your game and get any additional
>content you want. Your pirate copy is pretty much fully functional
>(unless you're the second person to try to go online with that cd-key).
Like most people, I don't have the capability of copying copy-protected
CD's/DVD's. Perhaps there are tools one could hunt up just like anyone can
hunt up a Steam emulator, but then you're moving beyond mere "casual piracy."
>> >A million people could be using that same code and playing
>single-player
>> >with it.
>>
>> Apparently, the same is so for Steam. Your point?
>
>Really? And there was me thinking you had to register the cd-key before
>you could even install the game properly. If someone's already
>registered that key, you're buggered - your pirated disc is worthless.
I guess you've not heard about the Steam emulator.
But, if we're just talking "casual piracy" then...
"BligMerk" posted here a while back how he actually was able to install on one
machine and then transfer it over to a buddy's machine. Google up "Moving
HL2/Steam to another HD" if you're interested in what he had to say.
Also, if I can pass along the CD key, why can't I pass along an
account/password? Valve could close it down, but then how do they know that
it's not just me (the original purchaser) reinstalling my game on my laptop or
my new computer? As long as you're judicious about who you "lend" (wink,
wink) your copy to....
>OK, ignore the bit about multiplayer. I was talking about the benefits
>of registering your CD-key geenrally. But if we keep the discussion
>centreed on single-player games, then online validation guards access
>to patches and additional content for the single-player game.
Actually, it doesn't... at least not according to those who claim how easy it
is to back up these updates. As for additional content, same could be true
for those with a CD key... but then all it takes is someone with the key (or
an account/password) to download and distribute them to you.
Anyway, do you really think that the lack of either deters casual piracy as
long as one can still play the game?
>True, you can play single-player, but you can't patch it or download
>any additional content like more maps.
Are you truly certain of this?
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram