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CD Sharing
Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:41 am
by Sephira
Avlis = Awesome
As such, I really like the idea of getting my fiancee to play this game too.
I have read this thread, as I only have one NWN between us, and I can't honestly ask him to buy it for a game he might not even like. (He's played the single player, so he's familiar with the game engine) So, how exactly does NWN deal with CD's played on two different computers? I thought it might be similar to how Diablo 2 is, in that you won't be able to play online with a shared CD. Is it in any way similar with NWN? Would he be unable to play on Gamespy with his own account, or would he be forced to play on mine? And if so, is it possible to be logged on to the same Gamespy account on two different computers at the same time? Any possible solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:51 am
by loki70
As a rule, this is a bad idea. If he breaks a rule, or a series of them, or manages to get banned, they ban the CD key, not the ISP or the GS name. Same goes for him logging into your account. My wife wanted to play, but she also wanted to spend more time with me at the time...so I told her to buy her own. Just as a matter of course, never open this stuff up to people that may have alterior motives, and you shouldn't game with someone you don't know inside and out (especially their gaming style).
On the other hand, it has been done in the past without any adverse effects.
Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:28 am
by Albion
Its a bad idea i know sombody that got banned because the person who shared her CD did bad things. Avlis makes no disctinction between who uses the CD they will just ban the CD if somthing that merits a ban is done by either party.
If you really think you can trust the other person sharing the CD maybe it will work. But remember things change relationships break down and suddenly one day you find that beloved level 20 character you spent many hours developing has been looted dry (its happened) or you are banned altogether from avlis even though you are completly innocent.
Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 7:00 am
by Marleh
The game doesnt cost all that much to buy anymore, you can get it for 20$ or the equivalent for the Platinum edition, which is darned reasonable and well worth it.
Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 9:25 am
by Jhevon
I don't believe NWN allows two sessions on the one CD key simultaneously. ie - you'd need to purchase two copies to play with one another.
Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 10:06 am
by the_dragonspeaker
loki70 wrote:As a rule, this is a bad idea. If he breaks a rule, or a series of them, or manages to get banned, they ban the CD key, not the ISP or the GS name. Same goes for him logging into your account. My wife wanted to play, but she also wanted to spend more time with me at the time...so I told her to buy her own. Just as a matter of course, never open this stuff up to people that may have alterior motives, and you shouldn't game with someone you don't know inside and out (especially their gaming style).
On the other hand, it has been done in the past without any adverse effects.
I confirm! and dont think he wont break any rules... IT happend

Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 10:15 am
by Xzar Nefzen06
Jhevon wrote:I don't believe NWN allows two sessions on the one CD key simultaneously. ie - you'd need to purchase two copies to play with one another.
This is absolutely true. You have two options. Buy a new platnum edition, or hijack your keys from the net. The latter I don't suggest.
Re: CD Sharing
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 1:27 pm
by dougnoel
Sephira wrote:As such, I really like the idea of getting my fiancee to play this game too.
I have read this thread, as I only have one NWN between us, and I can't honestly ask him to buy it for a game he might not even like. (He's played the single player, so he's familiar with the game engine)
Buy it for him as a present. The platinum edition is cheap and has all the pieces you need in one box (plus a few extra single player games.) It's only about $20.
Sephira wrote:So, how exactly does NWN deal with CD's played on two different computers? I thought it might be similar to how Diablo 2 is, in that you won't be able to play online with a shared CD. Is it in any way similar with NWN?
Yes, it is exactly the same. If the CD Key is used for two installations, only one of you can be playing online at a time.
Sephira wrote:Would he be unable to play on Gamespy with his own account, or would he be forced to play on mine?
He can create his own gamespy name and associate it with your CD Key.
Sephira wrote:And if so, is it possible to be logged on to the same Gamespy account on two different computers at the same time?
No.
Sephira wrote:Any possible solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks
The advice given above by others is good advice. If he wants to try it, I would let him create a character on your account and let him play it for a bit. If he likes it, buy another copy and then make him a gamespy account and have him start over with a new character.
The reason for this suggestion is that once his gamespy account is tied to your key, the two of you will always remain linked together in our database, even if he later gets his own CD key and moves his account there.
You have read the rule on sharing CD Keys though, and know the risks.
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:02 pm
by Sephira
The advice given above by others is good advice. If he wants to try it, I would let him create a character on your account and let him play it for a bit. If he likes it, buy another copy and then make him a gamespy account and have him start over with a new character.
^I like that idea^
My mother might be interested too, so that idea works a bit better with her. Hmmm, I guess I know what I'm getting him for his birthday

Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:10 pm
by Nightface
Of course, your situation could mirror mine. I got the then-girlfriend/now-fiance to try it, and now she's a DM.
It's not always a horror story, but the cautionary tales are something to keep in mind.
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:11 pm
by Bigdaddy037
... and the cycle of addiction continues ... 
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:23 pm
by PlasmaJohn
Xzar Nefzen06 wrote:... or hijack your keys from the net.
This is emphatically
not an option. The Avlis servers do validate against the Master Server. Wild or Keygenned keys will be detected and could possibly lead to some uncomfortable questions from your local law enforcement.
Also, if you're playing here, you must fill out an application. Sharing the server passwords is a bannable offense. Yes, I know that's a pain, but it's for your own protection and helps us maintain a positive community.
Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 8:00 pm
by Sephira
It's okay, I'll just make 'em register their own Gamespy accounts.
Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 2:18 am
by dougnoel
Sephira wrote:It's okay, I'll just make 'em register their own Gamespy accounts.
Again, I would wait on that until after they try it and like it. Otherwise those accoutns will be tied to your key.
Also, I would sit with them when they play and make sure they are aware of the rules. Also, like PJ said, they should fill out apps if they have not already done so.
Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 2:34 am
by Sephira
Don't worry: already planning on doing all of that
Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 2:36 am
by dougnoel
Cool.

Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 11:28 am
by scratch
caution here. You also do not want to use the same installed version of the game on a single computer and take turns logging in... why? Because if all you are doing is changing user IDs and password then the same CD keys are now associated with both user IDs and passwords. That means any trouble with one account being banned means both will be banned.