Playing with friends under the same roof... Getting harder...

[azzaman333]

Cant you start a L4D server on your local network, log into the same steam account on both computers and play locally? I've definately done this with CS:S before.

 

[bhavv]

Whats even worse is buying a new game and only being allowed to install it up to 3 times.

I used to have Worms Armagedon matches when I lived in student accomodation, but 4 people cramped around 1 PC is a nightmare. However, for installation on your own PC, I do believe you should own your own copy of the game. Installing your copy on other peoples computers is a big no no, which has never actually been legally allowed. You buy the software for use on your own PC not onto other peoples.

I never really got into LAN gaming myself, connecting online makes it a lot easier.

 

[Rub'Rum]

I've been playing Sacred 2 recently which has strange features.

It has a maximum of 2 installs, but you can reclaim your installs by doing a proper uninstall. It's still rather annoying. The more interesting part however is that it allows the same copy of the game to be used for 2 players wanting to play LAN in the same household. Still, on the actual internet servers, everyone has to have his own copy. It's okay since there's like only 10 people online these days and the company went bankrupt. Shame, good game. Except for the copy protection again...

 

[Captain2]

Seriously, I don't have to pay for cable TV twice 'cos I'm watching it with friends. I don't have to pay double to rent a movie because I'm watching it with a friend. The only reason it happens with games is because the technology is there to screw us.

I believe that could be called apples and oranges, if your friends want to simply watch the game they can do that for free as they would a movie or TV show however if they want to join in it goes past cable and movies and becomes something else.

For example, paintballing, In some games you're essentially playing paintball with less in the way of welts after the game. But simply because one of your friends owns the gun and helmet doesn't mean four people will get to shoot at each other, you all still need your own guns and protective gear.

 

[Sprig]

I think it is terrible how consumers are treated. If you ever get around to reading EULA's and so forth, you will realise that you are not buying a game or music or movie, you are buying the lease to use it, listen and/or watch it. You rights are extremely limited because of this.

You got to remembered that with the way most companies are structured, they have to maximise their profits. Their shareholders for the most part don't care whether you pay $10 or $50 for one of their products just as long as they are getting a return on their investment.

 

[Rub'Rum]

I believe that could be called apples and oranges, if your friends want to simply watch the game they can do that for free as they would a movie or TV show however if they want to join in it goes past cable and movies and becomes something else.

It's not like one of the people watching the movie is doing something more than the others.

For example, paintballing, In some games you're essentially playing paintball with less in the way of welts after the game. But simply because one of your friends owns the gun and helmet doesn't mean four people will get to shoot at each other, you all still need your own guns and protective gear.

We already have multiple computers in the house, isn't that like everyone having their own guns and gear. A better example would be to say that "it's as if only one player had to pay entry to the paintball house, and the rest get in for free". But even then it's kind of meh.