Only two installations of Bioshock allowed

Gunslinger42 · Post by **Gunslinger42** » August 22nd, 2007, 11:18

http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5527

Oh how I love anti-piracy measures that don't work at all and only serve to fuck over the people who actually get the game legitimately.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » August 22nd, 2007, 11:33

Actually, this is actually pretty fucking disgusting way to treat people who're buying the game.

Looks like I'll be sweeping for the floor then for a copy for my family to use on other machines, after all, even though I own the original game (well, it should come in the post), turns out I can't use it how I want. Lovely.

I no longer see the point of companies spending x millions on copyprotection, it gets beaten within the week of release (sometimes before if people get hold of a copy early) and just serves to fuck people over.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » August 22nd, 2007, 11:38

Steamed version FTW?

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » August 22nd, 2007, 11:55

Fucking sony software. So if I have another HD failure or upgrade a bit of hardware then my purchase is null and void?!

For cocks sake, why the hell did I bother buying it?!?, shitty widesreen support, wanky copy protection... and this is before I've even played the game

Take a leaf out of Bethesdas book, no copy protection on Oblivion, sells a gazillion units, I would have bought it on Steam if wasn't more expensive

Might take my copy back (Ordered from Game online and I think you can return to a store if unopened) and wait for a cracked torrent

*post may contain elements of drama and exaggeration*

Stoat · Post by **Stoat** » August 22nd, 2007, 12:24

mrbobbins wrote:RAAWWR! BOBBINS SMASH!

Post by **Dog Pants** » August 22nd, 2007, 12:25

Eep! My copy was posted today, but because I've been in a cave the last month or so I've not seen any of this. Do you need to register over the internet or anything? I might have to leave mine overnight if it's like HL2.

Post by **FatherJack** » August 22nd, 2007, 12:50

This shouldn't affect people who've bought it legitimately, and certainly not people on Steam. If you want to put it on a new computer, just install it again from the original CD, rather than copy it across.

It's only a problem if you don't have the original disc.

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » August 22nd, 2007, 12:56

Dog Pants wrote:Do you need to register over the internet

Yep, this is what stops you registering the serial more than twice

Gunslinger42 · Post by **Gunslinger42** » August 22nd, 2007, 13:06

FatherJack wrote:This shouldn't affect people who've bought it legitimately, and certainly not people on Steam. If you want to put it on a new computer, just install it again from the original CD, rather than copy it across.

It's only a problem if you don't have the original disc.

That sounds more reasonable. This is probably just another case of internet exaggerations of small/non problems.

Post by **Dog Pants** » August 22nd, 2007, 13:14

FatherJack wrote:This shouldn't affect people who've bought it legitimately, and certainly not people on Steam. If you want to put it on a new computer, just install it again from the original CD, rather than copy it across.

It's only a problem if you don't have the original disc.

This is good.

mrbobbins wrote:Yep, this is what stops you registering the serial more than twice

This is bad.

Ah well, I'll be able to play it in a few months/years.

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » August 22nd, 2007, 13:44

Gunslinger42 wrote:
That sounds more reasonable. This is probably just another case of internet exaggerations of small/non problems.

Not from what I've read, it's (apparently) been tried from disc on 3 different computers and the 3rd wont authorise because the authorisation server has already logged 2 installs against a particular key.

buzzmong · Post by **buzzmong** » August 22nd, 2007, 13:49

FatherJack wrote:This shouldn't affect people who've bought it legitimately, and certainly not people on Steam. If you want to put it on a new computer, just install it again from the original CD, rather than copy it across.

It's only a problem if you don't have the original disc.

You reckon? The way I read it is that when you install you have to activate it like HL2, and you're only allowed two different hardware profiles (as it logs them).

So, yeah, install as many times on one pc as you like if you don't change it, and as many times on another......however, if you change both....no dice.

spoodie · Post by **spoodie** » August 22nd, 2007, 14:05

I'm sure if you got to the stage were it was a problem you'd be able to find a workaround, not that you should have to mind.

Stoat · Post by **Stoat** » August 22nd, 2007, 14:07

buzzmong wrote:The way I read it is that when you install you have to activate it like HL2, and you're only allowed two different hardware profiles (as it logs them).

I would assume then it's like Windows, where automatic activation is denied but you can get Support to do it. Leaving the product completely unusable would make it unfit for purpose, wouldn't it?

Lee · Post by **Lee** » August 22nd, 2007, 15:07

Wow, worst copy protection ever. I'm going to send it back for a refund and sweep it.

Post by **Dr. kitteny berk** » August 22nd, 2007, 15:08

Apparently the same issue exists in the steam version.

Post by **ProfHawking** » August 22nd, 2007, 15:09

yeah, i think there would be a lot of outrage if they slipped this unnotticed into the T&C.
Fuck the lot of them!

is it possible to get a refund on a steam game?

Post by **Dr. kitteny berk** » August 22nd, 2007, 15:11

yes.

Just looking for info myself.

<a href="http://support.steampowered.com/cgi-bin ... =1">really long url</a>

looks like you need to use the support stuff and raise a ticket.

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » August 22nd, 2007, 15:25

Dear Berk (I'm sure you'll be first to know!)

Please let us know if/when a werking broom version is available.

My despatch email says the game was posted yesterday so might arrive tomorrow, my willpower is weak, I might play it right away!.. must.. resist..

Post by **ProfHawking** » August 22nd, 2007, 15:28

I've emailed support to try and find out what the deal is. Will let you guys know if i hear anything...

I have pre-ordered bioshock, but i have heard that there are some limitations of installing it, with the activation being tied to hardware.
Is this true? I plan to install it on my existing desktop, but its not that great and i want to get a new machine soon. Does this mean i couldnt re-install it again on a different computer?
I have Counterstrike installed on my desktop & laptop (i obv only play one at once) and that works ok as far as i can tell. Would i be able to do this with bioshock or not?
Please can you clarify what the limits are?
Cheers,
Rob