Region Locking in games.

[Genocidicbunny]

On my last trip to Russia, I went and bought Orange Box since I had some money left over and it was a few bucks cheaper than here in the US (35$ vs 40$). When I got home, I found out that the game could not be activated outside of Russia. I have contacted Valve and they tell me that the box should have clearly said that the game is only for use in Russia (soemthing it does not. It only mentions things about distribution/purchase). Now I feel I have wasted 35$ on a game I will have to buy again if I want to ever play it.

Has anyone had anything like this happen to them? And what did you do about it? ( Besides returning the game, which is something I cannot physically do anymore, and I dont think that the store will accept it back in 10 years when I can go back to Russia again).

And we might as well discuss the whole concept of region locking. In my opinion, its pretty stupid. You paid for the game, so you should be allowed to play it anywhere. Yes, I know, some places sell them cheaper, but if the companies that make them can afford to sell them cheaper elsewhere, why not in the US either? And what happens if you move between countries/travel a lot. One of my uncles does a lot of traveling and he's also an avid gamer. He's also complained about not being able to play some games on Steam when he's out of Russia.

 

[GoodGame]

Isn't it possible to trick the region setting on your computer? I know there's some kind of limited # of region resets in XP.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

I think it checks the region based on your ip. I should try changing the region to russia though. (Havent thought of that one)

EDIT - nope, changing region in windows settings doesnt work. Its gotta be checking based on ip.

 

[taper]

You might be able to get a proxy to trick Steam, but I have a feeling that'll be more work than just buying the game here.

I hate region coding too. It's probably illegal in fair trade countries, but it's never been seriously tested in court. Anybody want to start a legal fund?

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

What would happen if you turned off the internet when installing?

Unless it's internet game.

Or you could also return by mail. I don't know.

Quick google:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_lockout#Video_games
That game you mention is put there.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

I cant turn it off cus Steam needs internet to activate games.

I also didn't have access to internet at the moment. In my opinion, the package misrepresented the game though.

 

[Quintillus]

Is there some sort of return policy in the EULA? Civ3Conquests' EULA includes this:

If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA you may not install or use the Software and within 15 days of purchase you must call the Tech Support telephone number listed in the manual accompanying the Software (the “Manual&#8221. Select the Automated Phone System’s Main Menu option for Consumer Services and follow the prompts.
You will be given a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA #) by the technician. You then have 15 days from the date of this contact to return the Software in its protective covering, the Manual and the original sales invoice to the address supplied to you.

Not sure when you were in Russia, but even if it's after 15 days you did contact Valve earlier. And if the box didn't clearly state it - and I can't say I've ever seen a box state a region limit for a video game - then you've got definite beef and Valve's claim that it should have said that doesn't hold any weight, because it didn't.

I'm a bit confused as to how you bought it physically but it runs through Steam though. I didn't know Steam supported non-downloaded games.

I can imagine it must be frusterating to not be able to use legitimately purchased software abroad. Punishing the consumer for buying something on a whim while on vacation isn't exactly good business practice. I've yet to experience DRM problems personally but I've seen enough to be quite cautious about getting anything binding to DRM. I've got a friend who games quite a bit and travels between the US and China - I'll ask him if this has ever been an issue.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Did a little more checking

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(content_delivery)#Regional_restrictions_and_pricing

While Valve do not have region restrictions on their own games, they do use Steam's authentication to prevent boxed versions of their games sold in Russia and Thailand, which are priced significantly lower than elsewhere, from being used outside those territories.

 

[GoodGame]

If there's no international trade agreements, I'd assume it's totally legal. Kind of sucks.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Did a little more checking

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_(content_delivery)#Regional_restrictions_and_pricing

While Valve do not have region restrictions on their own games, they do use Steam's authentication to prevent boxed versions of their games sold in Russia and Thailand, which are priced significantly lower than elsewhere, from being used outside those territories.

Significantly lower my rear end. The prices I saw for Valve games were at best 2 or 3 $ less than in the US.

Anyways, I sent them a scan of the box telling them to circle where it says the game is for activation only in Russia. If they stonewall me one more time Im considering contacting the BBB with a complaint.