Galactic Civilizations with no cd-key !

from Stardock Forums
I recently bought a magazine called Score in a local store here in Czech Republic. The full version of Galactic Civilizations was included, but I didn't find any cd-key! On the internet I found out that a cd-key wasn't even included! Is this legal? How can I download a patch now?
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
I recently bought a magazine called Score in a local store here in Czech Republic. The full version of Galactic Civilizations was included, but I didn't find any cd-key!
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That is pretty annoying since the seriaml Id (ou Cd-key) is needed for the installation of GalCiv.

Is this legal?
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Looks like it isn't since you have got a product that can't work. More the game is available for $39.95 here http://totalgaming.stardock.com/purchase.asp.
And I don't think you have paid this price for the magazine

How can I download a patch now?
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Since you need a unique serial ID to download the patch (from stardock central or as standalone patch), you are in deep trouble

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Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Well, it doesn't sound like it went through a normal distributer if it was included with a magazine. The original version of GC was stable enough that you might really not need the updates unless you want to buy Altarian Prophecy.  But if you want Altarian Prophecy, you'll have to buy GC from us.

Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
The serial key was not required in this version of Galactic Civilizations. It didn't ask for the key.

Updates added some new things, fixed the crashes and improved AI. I think I should have the right to access updates if the cover said "full version".
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
1001101,
I believe that you have a "full version". What you are asking for are improvments to that full version. suggest you buy AP. that will get you the upgrades you want to GC. Or better yet, buy a subscription to TotalGaming.net and get all the games available that come out in the year, about 12 so far. This would also get you the early betas of GC2. I believe you can purchase it with a credit card at their site.
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Yes, you have the right to the updates if the person distributing it had the right to distribute it, which is unlikely if it doesn't have a serial key.  You asked if it was legal.  I'm telling you that it's probably not, and even if there is a slight chance that Strategy First made a legitimate deal with whoever owns the magazine, there's not a lot that we can do about the fact that it didn't come with a serial number.  I suggest that you complain to the magazine and never buy from them again.  

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Sounds like it was a pirated version of the game but I can't say for sure.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
If the version is pirated I will be very disappointed with the magazine. But I doubt it is. Score is the most popular gaming magazine in my country so if people came and complained about a pirated version and asked for compensation, the magazine would be ruined. I think they simply can't afford to include a pirated copy. But who knows? I heard a rumour that they write reviews of pirated games to have them first. I will try to talk about it on the magazine's discussion forums. Thank you for your answers.

About TotalGaming.net. I am just a student and $89 means a LOT of money in my country so I can't afford it. :(
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Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
Well I believe Galciv is $40 and AP is $20 [USD]... and Galciv is a game that DOES not deserve to be pirated >:( Besides; why pirate when you can buy the game honestly and get the good feeling that you actually earned it ? :)

And yeah I'm a student too... took me months to save up babysitting money to buy Galciv and months to get AP as a gift from my dad who bought it directly from Stardock :CONGRAT: [this website/the stardock store].
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
Space man 1, I don't sure to whom your post is directed. Because I think that 1001101 has bought the Score magazine with good faith about getting a legal copy of Galciv.
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
To: 1001101: I am from Czech rep. too ;). You can contact me, if you like.

Not going into discussion about whether is Score most popular here or not (this flamewar would be too OT here ;), they already made few very dubious steps. The basic approach on Galciv is to constantly improve game (the patches are more improvements than regular patches). Without CD key you are out here.

~SDC~
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top
Well I believe Galciv is $40 and AP is $20 [USD]... and Galciv is a game that DOES not deserve to be pirated Besides; why pirate when you can buy the game honestly and get the good feeling that you actually earned it ? And yeah I'm a student too... took me months to save up babysitting money to buy Galciv and months to get AP as a gift from my dad who bought it directly from Stardock [this website/the stardock store].
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Space man 1, I don't sure to whom your post is directed. Because I think that 1001101 has bought the Score magazine with good faith about getting a legal copy of Galciv.
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My post wasnt really directed at anyone... some guy I know back here in my home town showed me his little pirating habbits... and he showed me 'search results' for galciv (:( Thats I guess why I posted what I did. Kinda heat of the moment thing; did you take it the wrong way Peace? Didnt mean the post to be directed at anyone or hostile to anyone besides people who pirate. :notsure:
Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top
did you take it the wrong way Peace?
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Well, I wasn't sure about what you are meaning. So I prefer to ask for clarification. Thanks for having clarified it :)
Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top
Well, I wasn't sure about what you are meaning. So I prefer to ask for clarification. Thanks for having clarified it
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No problem


Btw Is it just me or did you change empires? Or have you always been in IBH? [hope theres no price on my head :) :D :CONGRAT: :HOT: ]
Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top
Is it just me or did you change empires
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I !have never changed empire after I joined one in january 2004: I was always in the same empire, even if it has changed its name from the diplomats empire to the IBH

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Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top
changed its name from the diplomats empire to the IBH
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That must be it then ;p