Question key code question

[gazster]

hey, sometimes when at a charity shop or a 2nd hand game store i see lot's of pc games and when you open disc case you see it has the key code printed on game manuals, could you still play these games? i was thinking what if someone already registered key code year's ago and when you come to type it in it would say invalid or registered to another account, would that be like a block where you couldn't play the game multiplayer or single player? it's just i was tempted to pick up few games disc version but was abit worried about the key code thing. thanks.

 

[Alm]

It's a risk. Chances are the key would be registered already. Usually the codes are for optional extras but worth checking what they are for before buying the game and going on the assumption they have been claimed. Then, if they haven't it's a bonus.

 

[gazster]

ahh that's a shame, i'll have to sign up to that steam thing and just download games from now on.
it's crazy how they can sell disc versions but it's of no use to anyone if there's no key code or that the code has been entered by another player before.