The reason why you should NOT buy Steam games

[ladefar]

"This game was activated with a product code that is valid only in a specific geographic region. Since you are not currently in that region, Left 4 Dead 2 is not avaliable to play."

This is the error message I get when I attempt to install certain games (Left 4 Dead 2 being one of a few) on Steam. I legally purchased these games while I was in Singapore fully expecting them to continue working when I returned to the UK. This expectation was wrong as Steam support has made blindingly clear. It would appear Steam seems to think you don't actually own games you buy, you only own them if you remain within the geographic region you bought them in. So I think I will be buying physical/non-steam copies of games from now on...

Well thank you for listening to my rant, just take it as a warning if you intend on buying Steam games overseas

 

[MetallicaRulez0]

For those of us who don't travel between countries on a regular basis... Steam is God.

I had a TERRIBLE experience with EA Download Manager, and now I will never buy another digital game from anywhere other than Steam ever again.

 

[Zechnophobe]

"This game was activated with a product code that is valid only in a specific geographic region. Since you are not currently in that region, Left 4 Dead 2 is not avaliable to play."

This is the error message I get when I attempt to install certain games (Left 4 Dead 2 being one of a few) on Steam. I legally purchased these games while I was in Singapore fully expecting them to continue working when I returned to the UK. This expectation was wrong as Steam support has made blindingly clear. It would appear Steam seems to think you don't actually own games you buy, you only own them if you remain within the geographic region you bought them in. So I think I will be buying physical/non-steam copies of games from now on...

Well thank you for listening to my rant, just take it as a warning if you intend on buying Steam games overseas

Hmm, I hope they figure that mess out. I understand the red tape for complicated e-commerce vs import laws gets rather thick. But it does seem silly that I'd need to worry about, say, moving to Japan because my games would all stop working!

 

[aegix drakan_v1legacy]

Seriously?!

What the hell, Steam. Fix this immediately. It's stupid.

 

[Vern5]

You see, this is why I buy Valve games from retail. Don't have an internet connection? Good thing I have this install disc handy. Hey! I has internetz naow!!1! Let Steam bring me my games.

 

[Bags159]

So you emailed them and they refused to help you out? If that's true that's pretty. If you haven't emailed them this thread is just troll bait.

 

[QuadrAlien]

...Yes, Sandvich, I agree - it is somewhat suspicious that this thread turns up from a new user as the Valve versus Mojang round gets underway. But we must let him speak nonetheless - calling foul play at this stage would be wrong. Besides, let us see what Creeper has to say on such matters...

"...ssss...BANG!" (QuadrAlien goes flying across the room)

...Yes, yes, Sandvich, you did say talking to the pig would give a more reasonable and less explosive balance to the two sides, but I thought he would be worried due to your ham-based nature... Oh, well. (Om, nom, nom)...

(/QuadrAlien's lunacy)

Anyway - Welcome to the Escapist, and I'm told at this point I must state that whatever you do don't go into the basement. Trust me on this one. No-one told me of this rule when I arrived.

 

[Zabriskie Point]

A lot of retail games are region locked too.

 

[BlumiereBleck]

This is why you go console!

 

[RobCoxxy]

...Yes, Sandvich, I agree - it is somewhat suspicious that this thread turns up from a new user as the Valve versus Mojang round gets underway. But we must let him speak nonetheless - calling foul play at this stage would be wrong. Besides, let us see what Creeper has to say on such matters...

"...ssss...BANG!" (QuadrAlien goes flying across the room)

...Yes, yes, Sandvich, you did say talking to the pig would give a more reasonable and less explosive balance to the two sides, but I thought he would be worried due to your ham-based nature... Oh, well. (Om, nom, nom)...

(/QuadrAlien's lunacy)

Anyway - Welcome to the Escapist, and I'm told at this point I must state that whatever you do don't go into the basement. Trust me on this one. No-one told me of this rule when I arrived.

Why, what's in the basement I still haven't OH GOD THE HORROR, THE ETERNAL, UNFATHOMABLE HORROR

 

[Actual]

Contact steam, prove you are the person who purchased it using your credit card details and all will be well.

 

[Laser Priest]

Besides the fact that Steam is a horrible system that does nothing but inconvenience gamers everywhere because the industry couldn't come up with a better way to cut piracy?

 

[Woodsey]

It is silly, but:

A lot of retail games are region locked too.

And have you actually contacted Steam support? I'm sure if you can prove you were only visiting on a trip, they might be able to help you out.

I'm also dubious about stuff like this - like that guy who said he was banned for gifting games, only he wasn't, he was banned for selling them to people in different regions and negating the price difference (which is set by the publishers anyway), which is totally against the Terms of Service.

Besides the fact that Steam is a horrible system that does nothing but inconvenience gamers everywhere because the industry couldn't come up with a better way to cut piracy?

Don't try and speak for everyone when you evidently don't.

This is why you go console!

Where games in the digital store are more expensive than those in the retail ones! Also, plenty of consoles and console games are region locked.

 

[Fetzenfisch]

I dont buy nonexisting products=virtual copies. I want a box and a Disc. Or all they get is my virtual money.

 

[Void(null)]

Besides the fact that Steam is a horrible system that does nothing but inconvenience gamers everywhere because the industry couldn't come up with a better way to cut piracy?

Can the industry find a better way to sell me 300 games most of which below were $5?

 

[MrShadowzs]

i honestly don't like steam, mainly cuz my com can't support any games that don't run on flash, but that beside the point

 

[Burnout54]

Even with a DVD copy of Left 4 Dead, you attach it to a steam account, and it will act exactly the same. All Valve games do that, as well as some others (COD: MW2 and CIV5)

 

[Laser Priest]

Besides the fact that Steam is a horrible system that does nothing but inconvenience gamers everywhere because the industry couldn't come up with a better way to cut piracy?

Can the industry find a better way to sell me 300 games most of which below were $5?

Garage sales? Value boxes at Gaming stores? Wait, no, the things in those can actually be considered games and you're actually allowed to play them after you've bought them.

I don't have good experiences with Steam.

 

[ladefar]

I have contacted Steam and they seem quiet unwilling to help me. With such useful replies as:

"Hello, The CD Key you purchased is restricted to the territory you purchased it in. The CD Key cannot be used or registered to your Steam account. In order to play this game, you will need to purchase a copy available in your territory via a local retailer or through Steam. If you have any further questions, please let us know - we will be happy to assist you."

"Hello, This copy of the game cannot be activated on your account. Please purchase a copy of the game for your territory in order to play this game. "

"Hello, Valve does not have any addresses in the UK. Demanding the CD Key be registered to the account cannot change the fact that the CD Key is unable to be registered in your territory. You will only be able to register CD Keys for this game that are available in your territory. In order to have the game refunded, you will need to work with the reseller for further assistance. We will be unable to assist you with this request. "

Been a long time lurker so hello all

Edit: Oh and the reason they refer to activating a game is I was attempting to reactivate (it was already on my Steam) using a physical copy I had brought with me. Hoping in vain that reinstalling using physical copy of the game would by pass this stupidity...

 

[drakythe]

Yeah, this is why I don't buy Steam either, even when things are cheaper there. Though to be fair, if you're never gonna move and only play a few games, Steam is a well done and nice service.

It seems odd to me that you would be locked out of a game you purchased. Do you still have the same credit card, or when you moved was it a major event that meant your money changed banks/card providers?