CD key violation?!

[Gandalf Parker]

As I understand it thats how its supposed to work now. The host doesnt check its own key against the players. That allows the host to play in their own games, even from a different machine. But apparently its a problem if you go in as a player to do something like set a player as AI.

[Manuk]

I don't fully understand. I bought a new computer and reinstalled the game. I had no issue connecting to network games. I was expecting to have some kind of problem. but i didnt.

[DrPraetorious]

To be clear:
on any given turn,
different IP address, same key = violation?

So if I set up a game on my home machine, play one nation from my laptop, and one nation on the tower (which share a key), then try to host, I'll get violated?

This could cause a problem for people playing multiple nations on the same server, if they have a dynamic IP address, I suppose, but that's pretty unlikely, unless their IP address changed crazy fast - and who plays more than one nation at once remotely?

[Gandalf Parker]

Some do. I see them on my server.
But the main non-pirate problem seems to be when the host does host things, the game sees it as the same key used multiple. I have reported that today to see if something can be done about it

[Sombre]

Out of interest, does the license say anything about hotseat play?

So far I get the impression that Dom3 is far more bothered about piracy than other games. It's not something I agree with, but it's up to the people who made it. I do know if I wanted to play with my wife I wouldn't buy another copy, not at that price.

So hypothetically, installing on her laptop as well as my computer would be a violation and may/would result in the CD-Key getting scrapped? (via some online or ingame check that you aren't willing to discuss) But would the two of us playing on one computer hotseat style be a violation?

As I say, this is all just out of interest so don't start lighting any pirate burning fires.

[Gandalf Parker]

Far more bothered? Really? Id say far less bothered. An ascii serial file thats named "key". Real security conscious.

Hotseat is totally allowed. Even lan if you can figure out how.

Hypothetically installing it on your machine for you to play with and your wifes laptop for her to play with would be a violation. Of course.

[Sombre]

Well bugging games with bad CD keys, revoking a CD key if one friend gives it to another etc - that seems a lot more than most companies do.

The 'key' file is also pretty useless. It helps people re-enter their CD key if they get it wrong, but apart from that I don't see how it displays a lack of security or a softer attitude towards casual piracy/game sharing.

Regardless, what would be the point of playing LAN with one CD-key if only you are allowed to use it? I'm also curious how hotseat with two or more people can be allowed but not two installations on two computers at the same location for SP purposes.

Anyway, no complaints from me. I don't entirely agree with the stuff being done to mess with pirates or the attitude towards them but as I said, it's your game.

[vfb]

Sombre said:
I do know if I wanted to play with my wife I wouldn't buy another copy, not at that price.

Are you kidding? It's $50. What is that, a tank of gas? A pair of shoes? The only entertainment I have gotten a better (hours of fun)/(dollars spent) ratio out of is roguelikes, and that's because they are free.

[Sombre]

I don't rate Dom3 as highly as some of the loons on this website. Which is to say I don't think it's the second coming of christ. I also live in China and 50 dollars isn't peanuts to me.

But most importantly, I have to compare the cost of a second copy of dom3 to the cost of other video games. There are a lot of other games which are equally worthy which cost a lot less. I'm happy with one copy of Dom3, there's no way I'd buy another just to play LAN with my wife.

You may think it's silly for me not to buy another copy. I personally think your response of "but it's so cheap!" is daft. Yes, compared to buying a new house, it's cheap. Yes, I've probably eaten meals that cost more than Dom3. No, it isn't cheap for a PC game at all, particularly if you're buying a second copy. I try not to compare apples and oranges.

PS- I make mods for this game and I hope that adds value for other people. I know it does for me. The modding aspect was a factor in me buying it.

[Gandalf Parker]

Sombre said:
Well bugging games with bad CD keys, revoking a CD key if one friend gives it to another etc - that seems a lot more than most companies do.

What companies are those? You have to be kidding. What company using serial keys does any different than that?

The 'key' file is also pretty useless. It helps people re-enter their CD key if they get it wrong, but apart from that I don't see how it displays a lack of security or a softer attitude towards casual piracy/game sharing.

I didnt say that. I said it wasnt all that much effort. It doesnt mean they condone it.

Regardless, what would be the point of playing LAN with one CD-key if only you are allowed to use it? I'm also curious how hotseat with two or more people can be allowed but not two installations on two computers at the same location for SP purposes.

Ummm... because one looks the same as pirate and the other doesnt? They dont mind hotseat play. Whether they mind two machines by the same person for solo play I have no idea but if it shows up then it looks the same as a pirate. If it cant be let thru the protection then its out of the running. Its not like they have to allow it.

Anyway, no complaints from me. I don't entirely agree with the stuff being done to mess with pirates or the attitude towards them but as I said, it's your game.

Well you did say you live in china. Its a very different subject there from what I understand.