The Steam Deal thread V5. The big sale is over. New thread coming soon.

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eastx

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Welcome to the Steam Deal Thread V5! You can find link to past threads at the bottom of this post. Read post #2 of this thread for Steam FAQs and more.

This is a Wiki post. Please read this
We appreciate you helping keep this thread up to date. The sales change virtually every day so no one person has the time to update them all. If you notice a game is no longer on sale, feel free to delete its line from the sale list. Of course, if you see a game is on sale, add it to the list. Make sure your changes match the thread's format! For example, every game that's on sale is part of an unordered list. When adding a game to the list, copy an existing line and update the link, title, and prices. That way, the format stays correct. Do not list percentages off! We list the original price and the sale price here. If you have any suggestions for major changes to the post/thread, PM me (EastX) about them.
for instructions on updating the thread.

Steam Games and DLC on Sale - Updated 12/16

Daily Deal(s)


Midweek Madness Deal(s) Weekend Deal(s)

Other Deals

Steam Games on Sale Elsewhere - Updated 9/23


Amazon
  • Amazon - Preorders

  • Amazon - Current Deals

GamersGate

Greenman Gaming


Preorder Deals - Updated 10/28
Group Buys - Updated 8/14

Several multiplayer Steam games are available in 2-packs or 4-packs. These packs offer a discount over buying multiple copies of a game separately. We also maintain group buy trade threads for several games, so please use those threads if you're interested in setting up a group buy.

Free Stuff - Updated 4/3

There are several free games and mods on Steam. These are a few choice ones; you can find a full list here. Note that free games are not permanently attached to your Steam account like actual purchases would be. You'll need to manually download a game again from the website if you uninstall it.

Steam around CAG

If you are interested in joining the Steam CAG Community or participating in a trade or group buy with fellow Cheap Ass Gamers, please do so in the dedicated threads and not in the deal discussion thread. In the dedicated threads you will find CAGers with the same specialized interest who will be much quicker (and happier) to respond than in the Deals thread.

Past Special Sales

Visit www.steamgamesales.com to check previous sale prices on Steam games. We do keep track of some older sales here though:

Steam Retail Key List

What is a CD key and where can I find it?

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7480-WUSF-3601

The CD Key is a serial number with a combination of 13, 18, or 25 letters and numbers - it can be found on a sticker inside your game's case or printed on the game's quick reference card.
The CD Key acts as your proof of purchase for the game - Steam Support may ask for it if you need to establish your ownership of an account. It is recommended that you keep your CD Key in a safe place to ensure the security of your account.

Which retail CD Keys are accepted on Steam?




All retail Valve games and a number of third-party games can be registered to your Steam account. All of the following games can be registered through Steam:
  • Valve CD Keys in this format: ####-#####-####
  • Valve CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Valve CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • AI War CD Keys in various formats
  • Aliens vs. Predator (2010 Release) CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Alpha Prime CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Audiosurf CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • BRINK CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is not accepted on Steam
  • Cities in Motion CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Civilization V CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Commander: Conquest of the Americas CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Cricket Revolution CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dark Messiah CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dark Messiah CD Keys may also have been printed incorrectly, please see the Dark Messiah article
  • Darksiders CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: The number 2 and letter Z may look very similar.
  • Dawn of War II CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dawn of War II - Retribution CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Defense Grid CD Keys in this format (Direct2Drive only): 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Duke Nukem Forever CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Empire: Total War CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-DDEFGH3-IJK4L-MNOPQ-RST56
  • F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • F.E.A.R. 3 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Fallout: New Vegas CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Football Manager 2009 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2CD3FGH456I7JK8LMNOP9Q
  • Football Manager 2010 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2CD3FGH456I7JK8LMNOP9Q
  • Football Manager 2011 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Front Mission Evolved CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Global Agenda CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: Keys purchased directly from the Global Agenda website cannot be registered on Steam.
  • GTI Racing CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • GTR Evolution CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Homefront CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • Humble Indie Bundle in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Humble Indie Bundle 2 in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Humble Indie Bundle 3 in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Just Cause 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: Please input all O's and 0's as Q's for Just Cause 2
  • Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Killing Floor CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • King Arthur - The Role-playing Wargame CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lara Croft Guardian of Light CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • The Last Remnant CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lionheart: Kings' Crusade CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lost Planet: Extreme Condition CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Lost Planet: Colonies Edition CD Keys are not accepted on Steam
  • Mafia 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Magicka CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Metro 2033 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • MLB Front Office Manager CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Mount & Blade CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Mount & Blade: Warband CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Mount & Blade: With Fire and Sword CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7
  • NBA 2K9 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Napoleon: Total War CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Order of War CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Prey CD Keys in this format: AAB1BB2C345CDD6E E7
  • R.U.S.E. CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Note: R.U.S.E. keys from Ubisoft's Digital River service are not accepted on Steam
  • RACE - the WTCC Game CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • RACE 07 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Ragdoll Kung Fu CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Railworks CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Red Orchestra CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Rogue Warrior CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • SiN Episodes: Emergence CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Saint's Row 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Serious Sam HD CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Shattered Horizon CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • The Ship CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Ship Simulator Extremes CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Silent Hill Homecoming CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Sniper: Ghost Warrior CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Space Trader CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Speedball 2 - Tournament in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Star Trek: D-A-C CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • STCC - The Game CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Super Meat Boy CD keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Supreme Commander 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Torchlight CD Keys in this format: 1ABC-D3FG-4567-JK8L
  • Note: Only keys purchased directly from Runic Games or Perfect World prior to May 19th, 2010 can be registered on Steam.
  • Total War: SHOGUN 2 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Unreal Tournament 3 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2-3FGH-456I-K8LM
  • Velvet Assassin CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings in this format: AB-1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM
  • Worldwide Soccer Manager 2009 CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
  • X3: Terran Conflict CD Keys in this format: 1ABC-D3FG-4567-JK8L
  • Zeno Clash CD Keys in this format: 1AB2C-D3FGH-456I7-JK8LM-NOP9Q
Opposing Force CD-keys cannot be registered through Steam. Opposing Force was included in a retail Half-Life package. The Half-Life CD-key included in the package will unlock all of the games in that package, including Opposing Force.
Note: Only the retail games listed above can be registered through Steam. No other retail games can be registered and downloaded using Steam.

Other Keys that can be redeemed on Steam (CAG tested & verified)
11.gif

The Ball (bought @D2D and tested by voken)
Supreme Commander Forged Alliance (gives both FA and original, bought @amazon and tested by vism)

Indie Bundles thread on Steam forums (link)


Past CAG Steam Deal Threads
 
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[quote name='Motoki']You can probably get a wife from Russia for $26 too but it doesn't mean you should.[/QUOTE]

Tell me more about this.
 
[quote name='Motoki']You can probably get a wife from Russia for $26 too but it doesn't mean you should.
[/QUOTE]

[quote name='Genocidal']Tell me more about this.[/QUOTE]


LMAO even more.
:whistle2: x
 
[quote name='Corpekata']Fairly certain that any trade that doesn't have two items being traded back and forth is not "legit." Not to say you can't, but if paypal or anything is involved, it's not covered. In fact, earlier this year, one sided trades were getting flagged, and tons of trading middlemen stopped middlemanning because of this.

The game itself is legit, but someone else is profiting (by charging an extra dollar or two to you) off the system. They're more likely to get in trouble than you, but its' hardly something on the up and up. It's like breaking the speed limit. Yeah, you're probably not gonna get caught, and tons of people do it, and in the grand scheme of things, not that bad, but it's not always a good idea.[/QUOTE]

Personally I prefer to keep my business on the up-and-up. I would however note that as a grey area this is kinda weird, since Steam is Steam, and they have the region-locking tools to use to prevent this sort of thing when they wish to. Thus, I the "it's all within steam and steam allows it (by not region locking)" to be a really valid argument. There is nothing inherently wrong with one-sided "trades" since it is how you gift things (and is permitted and facilitated by steam environment).

TL; DR Rationally I think this a white area. I still hesitate to touch it though.
 
As soon as the Steam store system allows me to buy games directly at Russia's prices without having to pay money to someone through an outside source, I'll believe it's officially supported. Until then, buyer beware, and to each his own.
 
Personally I don't see the point unless you are seriously impatient.

I mean I could see if this was the console market where prices are very slow to drop but lately I feel like I am constantly going 'What? That game is 50% off already? It just came out'.
 
[quote name='Motoki']But that price is meant for Russians where the market is different and piracy rates are higher etc. You're taking advantage of a loophole to get a Russian to 'gift' it to you.

Valve probably has a way to trace that and if certain Russians are gifting a mass amount of games they may get suspicious.

Again, probably nothing will happen but not worth the risk to me when Amazon or GMG or somebody will probably have it for that price anyway within a month or so.[/QUOTE]

They already do. Their latest ToS agreement specifically mentioned this and apparently they banned a large number of Russian steam accounts.
 
[quote name='Motoki']Yes this time it will be. Also 50 Genesis games (including series 5 this time) for $4.99 Steam redeemable starting tomorrow.

All their Sega game packs will be Steam this time around save for Billy Hatcher which isn't on Steam at all.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10230550&postcount=7708

And also further clarified at:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10230630&postcount=7725[/QUOTE]
Oh man, this is excellent news - For me, this is a great opportunity to grab the Sega Genesis Pack along with one of the Jet Set Radio bundles.

By the way, I have a few questions about the Sega Genesis Pack - Is the sound emulation still inaccurate? Is there a launcher as opposed to tons of Genesis games scattered throughout your Steam Library? Thanks for the assistance.
 
[quote name='EliotAndrews']Oh man, this is excellent news - For me, this is a great opportunity to grab the Sega Genesis Pack along with one of the Jet Set Radio bundles.

By the way, I have a few questions about the Sega Genesis Pack - Is the sound emulation still inaccurate? Is there a launcher as opposed to tons of Genesis games scattered throughout your Steam Library? Thanks for the assistance.[/QUOTE]

I don't know about the sound problems, but I can confirm there is a launcher. It all comes under a Sega Megadrive Collection game that you launch the other games from.
 
[quote name='EliotAndrews']By the way, I have a few questions about the Sega Genesis Pack - Is the sound emulation still inaccurate? Is there a launcher as opposed to tons of Genesis games scattered throughout your Steam Library? Thanks for the assistance.[/QUOTE]

The games sound fine to me, but I never owned a SEGA console growing up. :( And they're all under one launcher with the games listed as DLC.
 
[quote name='EliotAndrews']Oh man, this is excellent news - For me, this is a great opportunity to grab the Sega Genesis Pack along with one of the Jet Set Radio bundles.

By the way, I have a few questions about the Sega Genesis Pack - Is the sound emulation still inaccurate? Is there a launcher as opposed to tons of Genesis games scattered throughout your Steam Library? Thanks for the assistance.[/QUOTE]

One launcher with each game as DLC. Something to consider before buying the megapack. Because you can't download them individually, you have to install a lot of games at once.
 
[quote name='Syntax Error']You mean $3.00

Code: NOV20OFF

The third screenshot looks like it says "Talk about trench cooking"which is an idea that tickles me greatly. "Yup. Dug a long hole, filled it with busted up pallet wood, threw a piece of chain link over the top and cooked this duck l'orange right on that. Anyway, if the small talk is over, whaddya say we hit the mattress?"[/QUOTE]


Although today is December 1 the NOV20OFF code is still live. I am ready to push the Buy button on 7 Sins.
 
It's hilarious how often the Russian topic comes up, and how people say exactly the same thing every time. Simply...

  • Activating Russian keys will likely get the game yanked from your account.
  • Using a VPN can get your account banned.
  • A traded Russian game from another player's inventory has virtually zero risk of getting yanked.
If someone doesn't agree with the supposed morality of doing this, that's fine. If someone doesn't have problem with it, that's fine too.

[quote name='Motoki']You can probably get a wife from Russia for $26 too but it doesn't mean you should.[/QUOTE]
Great, you made Svetlana cry.
 
[quote name='Eldredpe']I don't know about the sound problems, but I can confirm there is a launcher. It all comes under a Sega Megadrive Collection game that you launch the other games from.[/QUOTE]
Are there any sort options or ways to browse quickly besides scrolling through them one by one?
 
[quote name='gilby']The general idea seems to be a British thing. Compare their Dennis the Menace to the US version--the UK Dennis is much worse behaved. It's not just kids in literature. There are comics in 2000 AD and the like based on main characters with no real redeeming features.

It may be a reaction to the rather staid and polite stereotypical British politeness; a way to vicariously misbehave.[/QUOTE]

My boss loves Horrible Henry, he's 56 years old.

That said, he also likes Rastamouse.
 
[quote name='Palinn']Although today is December 1 the NOV20OFF code is still live. I am ready to push the Buy button on 7 Sins.[/QUOTE]
Do it!

I mean, you'll almost certainly regret it in some fashion or another but you should do it anyway. Or else you'll live your life always wondering what could have been.
 
[quote name='Syntax Error']Do it!

I mean, you'll almost certainly regret it in some fashion or another but you should do it anyway. Or else you'll live your life always wondering what could have been.[/QUOTE]


Exactly! And it costs less than a fancy cup of coffee with way more replay value.

Disclaimer: I am not nor have I ever been a coffee drinker so your experience may vary. Just sayin'.
 
[quote name='BernardoOne']Do the genesis games support controllers?[/QUOTE]
Yup. I've easily used an Xbox 360 controller to play Shining Force 2.
 
Thanks for all the replies on the Genesis pack. This may be a silly question, but are there any additional options that come with the Genesis Pack? (For example, the console versions of Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection come with some minor options for visuals, such as filtering.) Also, if anyone has info on the sound quality and accuracy, that would help with my decision-making process.

[quote name='Idiotekque']Yup. I've easily used an Xbox 360 controller to play Shining Force 2.[/QUOTE]
That makes my day - I feel that not enough people know just how awesome Shining Force II is.
 
[quote name='EliotAndrews']Thanks for all the replies on the Genesis pack. This may be a silly question, but are there any additional options that come with the Genesis Pack? (For example, the console versions of Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection come with some minor options for visuals, such as filtering.) Also, if anyone has info on the sound quality and accuracy, that would help with my decision-making process.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I mentioned a bit earlier that there are filter options. No idea about sound though. Sounded great to me.

[quote name='EliotAndrews']That makes my day - I feel that not enough people know just how awesome Shining Force II is.[/QUOTE]
Absolutely. The game is a pioneer for modern strategy RPGs. It does feel pretty dated nowadays (especially the inventory system), but it's still good fun, and the writing (dialogue and such) is great.
 
[quote name='Idiotekque']Yup. I've easily used an Xbox 360 controller to play Shining Force 2.[/QUOTE]

It will be a insta-buy from me then. Thanks!
 
By the way, I just noticed that Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness made its way to Steam. If any CAG does end up purchasing Angel of Darkness and intends to run the game on Windows 7, there is a "Windows 7 Multi-Patch" available to fix the game-ending glitches that occur. (The only other problem I've encountered with the game on a Windows 7 system is that, sometimes, the environmental textures don't load. Restarting the area or reloading the save file solves the issue, so it's incredibly minor.)

I mean, I've never seen this game before in my life.
 
I don't know where else to post this, so I'd imagine here is as good a place as any.

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion and complaints about the Steam trading thread rule against selling/trading Humble Bundles. In the past, this rule was instituted because people were hoarding HIB keys for a penny each and selling them all at a profit. Things have changed since, and as everyone knows, you have pay at least $1 to get Steam keys in HIBs.

I asked a mod about this and if he could change the OP of the trading thread (which still explained the reason being the penny Steam key selling). He did change it, and he changed the OP to say "Humble Bundle pack sales and trades are forbidden, effective immediately. It is against the Humble Bungle TOS ."

Alright, but wait a minute. What does HIB's TOS say?


"Restrictions. You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities: (i) copying, distributing, or disclosing any part of the Service in any medium ..." - Humble Indie Bundle
http://www.humblebundle.com/terms


Okay, "distributing" is against the rules. That seems to be the issue. I'd argue that distributing means buying a bulk amount of them and reselling them in a retail setting. Basically, a company buying 100s of HIBs, and selling them themselves. But okay, I understand the rule to some extent.

Hold up though. What about other indie bundles? What do their TOSs say?


"Restrictions. You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities: (i) copying, distributing, or disclosing any part of the Service in any medium ..." - Indie Gala
http://www.indiegala.com/terms

"Restrictions. You agree not to engage in any of the following prohibited activities: (i) copying, distributing, or disclosing any part of the Service in any medium ..." - Groupees
http://groupees.com/Terms-of-Use-Consumers.pdf

"The System and its content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, disassembled, decompiled or distributed in any way without the express prior written consent of Indie Royale. You must not sell or resell any part of the System or access to it. You must not use any part of the System except in accordance with these Terms." - Indie Royale
http://www.indieroyale.com/terms-of-use


As you can see, they actually all even have the same exact wording besides Indie Royale.

So why is HIB the exception? Why is everyone allowed to trade/sell games from bundles except HIB? I don't understand.

Hopefully the mods don't suddenly say "NO TRADING INDIE BUNDLES EVER" and this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass, but seriously. This seems like a really weird and inconsistent rule.
 
Well, technically taking one copy you were given the rights to use/play/etc. and then giving/selling/etc. to one other person is distribution as defined by copyright law. And even distributing one copy illegally could be subject to penalties in the 1000s of dollars.

What everyone needs to understand is that in the digital realm all you are buying is a right to use something in some form or fashion as dictated by the company you are buying from. So whatever the company says goes and if you do something the company did not tell you was allowed under your agreement you are breaking the law.

And yes, you are correct, technically ALL bundles have the same terms and agreements and should be treated the same if we're going from a legal/technical standpoint.

I think the difference is that HB was first and was clearly geared towards charity and was also then exploited like crazy by people buying .1 copies.

Other bundles don't have the same problems because the games are usually not as desirable and you usually have to pay more to get all the games. (IR and Groupees for example). In the case of Gala, most people are aware of how cheap Gala can be had so there really is no business to be had there.


So my assumption is the HB trading ban comes from a preventing abuse standpoint than anything else and unless you want all bundle key trading to be banned then I wouldn't really push the issue.
 
There is the consideration that many of these bundle sites offer the ability to purchase a gift copy, specifically MEANT for distribution by the purchaser. I figure that gifting is probably outlined elsewhere in each site's ToS, and without reading them myself, I wonder whether exchanging gift copies for money (reselling) or other things of value (trading games) is prohibited.
 
I asked a mod a question this morning about getting the rule changed over in the trading thread. I had to go out shortly after posting it and I just got home about 20 minutes ago. I just checked to see if there was any reply in that thread, but my post, as well as the mod's post that I was responding to, have been deleted. I assume it was because it got the thread off topic.

Does anybody know if the mod replied to my question?
 
Something about trading Humble Bundles just doesn't sit well with me, don't know why. I've got a bigger argument inside my head about "it's only a dollar" and "you shouldn't look to profit in any way from it" but I've been drinking Asahi and I can't quite get the words to make sense.

But yes - I'm cool with a flat-out ban of HIB trading. BTA is a different argument, but not one that overly concerns me.
 
[quote name='Idiotekque']Well, that's the thing. It was banned simply because of when it was buyable for a penny. It's strange that the rule has never changed.[/QUOTE]

I don't think the mods really think the .1 to $1 distinction is significant enough to warrant a change. Buying something geared towards charity for a dollar and then trying to flip it for money is the same thing IMO. Also, Humble keys are very clearly distinguishable, whereas bundles with individual keys you could get the key from anywhere so they are harder to police. It could be HB is getting special treatment, but it's not a big deal IMO. The only people I would feel bad for is anyone who wasn't able to buy, but again resellers probably wouldn't be selling at cost.
 
[quote name='CheapLikeAFox']I don't think the mods really think the .1 to $1 distinction is significant enough to warrant a change. Buying something geared towards charity for a dollar and then trying to flip it for money is the same thing IMO. Also, Humble keys are very clearly distinguishable, whereas bundles with individual keys you could get the key from anywhere so they are harder to police. It could be HB is getting special treatment, but it's not a big deal IMO. The only people I would feel bad for is anyone who wasn't able to buy, but again resellers probably wouldn't be selling at cost.[/QUOTE]
Well that's the thing. I came into PC gaming late. I wasn't around for most HIBs. Can I buy old ones I missed? Nope, it's against the rules.

And honestly, I can't imagine people are going to make tons of profit. Everyone knows they bought bundle for a dollar. They aren't going to pay much more than $2 or $3...

[quote name='The End']I asked a mod a question this morning about getting the rule changed over in the trading thread. I had to go out shortly after posting it and I just got home about 20 minutes ago. I just checked to see if there was any reply in that thread, but my post, as well as the mod's post that I was responding to, have been deleted. I assume it was because it got the thread off topic.

Does anybody know if the mod replied to my question?[/QUOTE]
No, everything got deleted.

[quote name='Flowette']Something about trading Humble Bundles just doesn't sit well with me, don't know why. I've got a bigger argument inside my head about "it's only a dollar" and "you shouldn't look to profit in any way from it" but I've been drinking Asahi and I can't quite get the words to make sense.

But yes - I'm cool with a flat-out ban of HIB trading. BTA is a different argument, but not one that overly concerns me.[/QUOTE]
Well, most of the bundles nowadays are for charity. Not sure what the difference is there really (other than the fact that HIB is getting more and more rigid).
 
[quote name='asheskitty']Personally I prefer to keep my business on the up-and-up. I would however note that as a grey area this is kinda weird, since Steam is Steam, and they have the region-locking tools to use to prevent this sort of thing when they wish to. Thus, I the "it's all within steam and steam allows it (by not region locking)" to be a really valid argument. There is nothing inherently wrong with one-sided "trades" since it is how you gift things (and is permitted and facilitated by steam environment).

TL; DR Rationally I think this a white area. I still hesitate to touch it though.[/QUOTE]

Er. It's NOT all done within steam, that's the whole point, there's paypalling involved in order to get someone to ferry it across for you. If you're paying someone to do this, the entire argument doesn't make any sense.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with one sided trades, I was saying they were getting flagged earlier this year by Steam. It's why a TON of middlemen that frequently trade stopped doing it, as the middlemen were getting contacted by Steam about it. Here's one of like a dozen threads on reddit about it http://www.reddit.com/r/Dota2Trade/comments/wh39d/psa_valve_is_cracking_down_on_onesided_trades/

If this was a white area regarding Steam, why on Earth would they be cracking down like this? The main purpose for one sided trades is for cash transactions, as most people if it's truly one sided just gift stuff (exception obviously being TF2/Dota 2 items, since they can't be gifted).
 
[quote name='Idiotekque']

And honestly, I can't imagine people are going to make tons of profit. Everyone knows they bought bundle for a dollar. They aren't going to pay much more than $2 or $3...

[/QUOTE]

Have you ever heard of a person named FalconGamer? lol

He'd be asking for BioShock Infinite pre orders at least.
 
We went from inflatable sex doll simulators to bundle trade banning and Russian keys in just a few pages.

I hate to be the one who says it but I think we're getting old. :(
 
About Groupees, they fully allow you to giveaway or trade the keys as you wishI specifically asked their support about this). The clause is only there to prevent the resale of the keys by retailers like GMG and the like.
 
[quote name='Corpekata']Er. It's NOT all done within steam, that's the whole point, there's paypalling involved in order to get someone to ferry it across for you. If you're paying someone to do this, the entire argument doesn't make any sense.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with one sided trades, I was saying they were getting flagged earlier this year by Steam. It's why a TON of middlemen that frequently trade stopped doing it, as the middlemen were getting contacted by Steam about it. Here's one of like a dozen threads on reddit about it http://www.reddit.com/r/Dota2Trade/comments/wh39d/psa_valve_is_cracking_down_on_onesided_trades/

If this was a white area regarding Steam, why on Earth would they be cracking down like this? The main purpose for one sided trades is for cash transactions, as most people if it's truly one sided just gift stuff.[/QUOTE]

I understand what you are saying. My point is the Steam system supports this, and they have the ability modify their system to not support it (e.g. disallow trans-national trading, region lock everything). The fact is the system that they set up and are free to modify facilitates this sort of thing. I feel that this argument is verging on, "the difference between lobbying and corruption is..." Personally, the only "trading" I have done is getting in on group buys, which is in my comfort zone.
 
[quote name='Flowette']Russian keys[/QUOTE]
We were talking about gifting/trading of region free games, purchased at russian prices. It's different than russian keys, from my perspective. Just sayin.
 
[quote name='BernardoOne']About Groupees, they fully allow you to giveaway or trade the keys as you wishI specifically asked their support about this). The clause is only there to prevent the resale of the keys by retailers like GMG and the like.[/QUOTE]
Exactly, and as you can see, they have the same exact TOS wording as HIB, Indie Royale, etc. That's what the clause is there for... Not to stop gamers from trading between themselves. That's why the rule in place here is silly.

[quote name='Genocidal']www.steamtrades.com

Knock yourself out.[/QUOTE]
True, never thought of that. Guess I'm just CAGified.
 
[quote name='Flowette']I hate to be the one who says it but I think we're getting old. :([/QUOTE]

I've been complaining about that for at least a decade. Welcome to the club =)

When I was like 10 months old I would fall down all the time and get right back up, now it's like, why bother?
 
So much moral relativism. If I have to hack my way through a dozen old widows and babies to get a good deal on a game, I will!
 
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