Getting Game Files for using a CD Code

[Dr. Jekll]

Hello,

as I want to experience the joys of CoD 4: Modern Warfare on PC, I am opting to buy a CD verification code for it as the game is 20€ on Steam and as these Keys are much cheaper at ~5€. In the description it says that the Code is NOT a steam activation code, which I understand, as there is a difference from todays boxes coming without a disc but just an activation code and 2007's boxes coming with the discs and a verification code to protect from piracy.

My question now is, if there is a trustworthy source for such game files or the ones of CoD 4: MW and if this whole operation is even legal.

I haven't bought the Code yet as I am on one hand still searching for a source for the files and an answer if it is legal.

 

Regards and thank you beforehand 

[podkall]

43 minutes ago, Dr. Jekll said:

and an answer if it is legal.

G2A has a semi-FAQ page about your question:

https://www.g2a.com/news/safehub/is-g2a-safe-and-legit-place-to-buy-cheap-games/

Edited October 25, 2023 by podkall
edit

[tikker]

5 hours ago, Dr. Jekll said:

My question now is, if there is a trustworthy source for such game files or the ones of CoD 4: MW

Buying the disc if it's not online.

5 hours ago, Dr. Jekll said:

and if this whole operation is even legal.

Depends on how the key was obtained. The origin tends to be unknown, it could be legit, stolen, bought with stolen credit cards etc. which is what makes these sites a grey market typically. The selling itself may not be illegal in and of itself, but it is not official.

 

4 hours ago, podkall said:

G2A has a semi-FAQ page about your question:

https://www.g2a.com/news/safehub/is-g2a-safe-and-legit-place-to-buy-cheap-games/

Kinda ironic how much they write to convince you that it's both legit and that they have nothing to do with what's being sold at the same time.

[Mark Kaine]

No this is still not a thing, you buy the cd that comes with the code for activation instead.

 

These are still readily available btw, typically for $59.99 and you don't even know if the code works or is included, i think you're better off buying the Steam version tbh.

 

And tbh also while its fair to ask about legality,  your basically still asking about piracy,  because thats what the link you posted clearly is about,  they don't have the cd, only a "key" of unknown origin and instructions about how to  "hack the registry"... it doesn't get much more piracy like that lol.

 

 

[Mark Kaine]

1 hour ago, tikker said:

Depends on how the key was obtained. The origin tends to be unknown, it could be legit, stolen, bought with stolen credit cards etc. which is what makes these sites a grey market typically. The selling itself may not be illegal in and of itself, but it is not official.

you're still not allowed to "download" the game files from anywhere but an official source and those "keys" do not include the files.... its pretty obvious scam/piracy... 

[tikker]

4 minutes ago, Mark Kaine said:

you're still not allowed to "download" the game files from anywhere but an official source and those "keys" do not include the files.... its pretty obvious scam/piracy... 

True. I was purely referring to the selling of keys aspect.

[podkall]

11 hours ago, Mark Kaine said:

And tbh also while its fair to ask about legality,  your basically still asking about piracy,  because thats what the link you posted clearly is about,  they don't have the cd, only a "key" of unknown origin and instructions about how to  "hack the registry"... it doesn't get much more piracy like that lol.

if it gets down to "hacking the registry" something's definitely not legit there

[podkall]

11 hours ago, tikker said:

True. I was purely referring to the selling of keys aspect.

if you want to try keys, only use the popular "safe" websites that at least have reputation like G2A and Kinguin

[tikker]

8 hours ago, podkall said:

if you want to try keys, only use the popular "safe" websites that at least have reputation like G2A and Kinguin

They're still grey market keys unless the publisher/developer has authorised the seller to sell keys there.

[podkall]

6 minutes ago, tikker said:

They're still grey market keys unless the publisher/developer has authorised the seller to sell keys there.

just like Windows keys? oh yeah, real scary

[tikker]

2 hours ago, podkall said:

just like Windows keys? oh yeah, real scary

Yeah same thing. I'm not talking about "scary". I was merely commenting on the part of OP's question asking about the legality of it.