Used game activation workaround?

B

BamaDave

n00b
Joined
Nov 19, 2007
Messages
40
I just purchased COD Black Ops used and when I attempted to activate the software I received this message:

A Steam account already exists with that contact email address. If you have previously created a Steam account, you should use the existing account rather than creating a new one.

Important:
This message will only display if your email address is already associated with an existing Steam account.

Creating a new Steam account will not allow you to register games which have already been registered.
Once you have created a Steam account and registered your CD Key or purchased a game on Steam, that game is permanently tied to that particular account. You can not transfer the game to a different account once you have registered it.

I emailed the site and I actually took a picture of the CD, case and activation code and instruction pamphlet. This was an attempt to show that I actually owned the software and the answer was "No" and basically the same as above.

Is there a workaround for this or do I just need to throw the software in the round file? :confused: Thanks, David
 
Do you have Steam account? If yes but you forgot the login information contact Valve about this.

If not make a Steam account. Then login and enter the cdkey which came with the game. If it says it has been used then contact Activison or the place of purchase about this.

The information you have received does not mean the key as already been activated. Only if you try to activate it while logged into an account would indicate this.

Edit: Sorry I missed that you bought it used. If you bought it used and they already activated it there is no legal work around unless they give you their account information. You should not purchase used games that require activation without prior verification that is has not been activated or unless the account is also transferred to you.
 
You're not getting a message that this game was already activated from steam.

OP, let go back to the first question, do you have a steam account?
 
Warrior said:
You're not getting a message that this game was already activated from steam.

OP, let go back to the first question, do you have a steam account?
Click to expand...

No, I don't have an account. I was trying to set one up with this software. Message recieved:

A staff member has replied to your question:

Hello David,

Thank you for contacting Steam Support.

We apologize for the delay.

The CD Key you have provided has been previously registered to and played by another Steam account.

Unfortunately, used CD Keys cannot be activated via Steam. This includes used CD Keys received as gifts, resold by an individual or purchased from a store selling used goods.

If you have recently purchased this product, please contact the seller to discuss a refund or exchange.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

If you have any further questions, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you.
 
looks like you got shafted my friend.
 
I just purchased COD Black Ops used
Click to expand...

You bought a used copy? That's your problem. The game can only be activated on one account. Where did you buy the used copy? If it was a shop, take it back, if it was a person, try and get your money back if you can, if not, chalk it up as a learning experience.

So many PC games are tied to accounts these days it's hard to buy preowned copies of anything.
 
Yeah you bought a game that was already registered on Steam, you are SOL.

Steam rules say that you cannot sell games that are already activated.
 
Selling a Steam or Origin game used is a SCAM!

I see this on eBay all the time. People also sell MMORPG's/Origin/Steam "used" which again is impossible since you are activating a key to an account. Once it's activated the disc is completely worthless other than to keep your drinks condensation off your new computer desk. When I tell these sellers they are scamming people they respond "If they can't read it's there problem". Most criminals tell them self things like that to justify their own actions.

When buying used games always verify you know what kind of DRM it has. The last PC game I remember having a simple disc check was Dragon Age.
 
^Even Dragon Age had online DRM if you wanted to use any of the "DLC" that came with the game(like Shale). I don't think it's right that these companies have managed to circumvent first sale doctrine with online DRM but since they have it's important to pay attention to these when looking at used games.

As others have said, I would try to return it if possible because selling a game that has already been activated is basically fraud unless they warn you that it can't be played.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top