[SadisticSid]

I really want to buy UFO: Aftershock (came out on Friday in the UK) but I've heard it has god-awful Starforce copy protection on the DVD. Now, I got Splinter Cell CT earlier this year from them, which purportedly runs the same thing, and it refused to run even on a fresh install of XP. Fortunately, I managed to get hold of a disc image from one of the crack sites before I considered returning it, but UFO: AS doesn't have one and probably won't in the short term.

Obviously I don't want to play a lottery for a £25 coaster, but most places won't do software returns if you've opened the package. Does anyone know if GAME or GameStation are different? I'd prefer to know in advance so I don't make a wasted trip into town.

Edit: broken tag

[Scottish]

If ANY product is bought and doesn't work, they're legally obliged to offer you a refund.

But GAME will probably be dicks and offer you store credit. If you ***** enough they should give you a cash refund though. Especially if you start making a scene: "SO EVEN THOUGH YOU'VE SOLD ME A BROKEN GAME, YOU'RE REFUSING TO REFUND ME!?!"

[SadisticSid]

Except it isn't necessarily broken, just 'incompatible' with my DVD drive. I know a friend who's had great problems trying to return something to play.com before because of something similar.

[Scottish]

If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

They've still sold you a product that - for whatever reason - is incapable of being used in the intended manner.

[pyro-manic]

GAME are a bit nasty like that - they always quiz me as to whether I've checked the system reqs etc. before I pay for stuff. But if it doesn't say anything about specific hardware not working, then legally you're safe.

[Kie99]

GAME once gave me an exchagne on a disc that didn't work becasue I'd scratched it.  Guess it depends what shop you go to, and perhaps the time of year.  (I got the game at christmas)

[SadisticSid]

As I remember EB (before it shut up shop in the UK) would be all too happy to give you a refund as long as the goods weren't damaged and were returned within seven days of purchase. Guess I'll go in tomorrow and ask them about it.

[karajorma]

Game claim to have a 14 days no quibble return policy in the stores I go to. That might only apply to store credit of course but if you look up the details beforehand you shouldn't get caught out.

[aldo_14]

Oops. Lost my post.

GAME once told me they wouldn't give a refund on a PC game if it had a problem (like, literally).  That's against the Sale of Goods Act 1979, though.

(http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/facts/salegoodsact.htm)

[Scottish]

Yeah, stores tend to push their goddamn luck in that regard.

[Kosh]

Originally posted by SadisticSid
I really want to buy UFO: Aftershock (came out on Friday in the UK) but I've heard it has god-awful Starforce copy protection on the DVD. Now, I got Splinter Cell CT earlier this year from them, which purportedly runs the same thing, and it refused to run even on a fresh install of XP. Fortunately, I managed to get hold of a disc image from one of the crack sites before I considered returning it, but UFO: AS doesn't have one and probably won't in the short term.

Obviously I don't want to play a lottery for a ?5 coaster, but most places won't do software returns if you've opened the package. Does anyone know if GAME or GameStation are different? I'd prefer to know in advance so I don't make a wasted trip into town.

Edit: broken tag

Don't you just love it when pirated stuff works better than the real thing?

This is just another example of corperations screwing over paying customers. One thing that I like about living here is that I can buy high quality, pirated, movies/software for only 3 or 4 RMB (about $0.50).

[pyro-manic]

You do know that's just about the worst thing you can possibly do? Actually paying for pirated stuff? You realise all that money goes straight into the hands of the local organised crime gangs? Who then use it for all kinds of lovely stuff.

If you're going to pirate stuff, then do it properly - download it or rip it for free. Please. Don't give money to scum.

[aldo_14]

He's in China, though.  Probably can't actually buy legit software and downloading it'll be probably blocked by the 'great firewall' as being counter-revolutionary.

To be honest, though, most of bought pirated stuff around here just goes into the pockets of a jakey with a nicer car than their benefit/incpacity claim should be able to pay for.

[Kosh]

downloading it'll be probably blocked by the 'great firewall' as being counter-revolutionary

Actually that isn't true. Everybody with a decent connection is into illegal downloading here.

Probably can't actually buy legit software

Actually there is lots of legit software here, but there are always pirated copies of it available. For example, if I can't find a game on any of the internet piracy networks, then I just just find it here and buy it 1/25th of the cost.

There are groups here that are the equivilent of the RIAA and MPAA, but they don't sue anyone because the government won't let them.

[Martinus]

[color=66ff00]Yeah, if China ignores the western patent and IP laws at some point they'll be able to jump years ahead in research as they don't have to deal with the corrupt patenting system.
[/color]

[aldo_14]

At some point?  I think they pretty much do already.

[Kosh]

Originally posted by Maeglamor
[color=66ff00]Yeah, if China ignores the western patent and IP laws at some point they'll be able to jump years ahead in research as they don't have to deal with the corrupt patenting system.
[/color]

Officially it is tightening it's IP laws, but in the streets that's having little effect.


I was told that a year ago, the school had a big FTP server full of pirated movies for the english teachers to use. They took it down before I got here unfortunately.

[starbug]

GAME once told me they wouldn't give a refund on a PC game if it had a problem (like, literally). That's against the Sale of Goods Act 1979, though.

Yip thats what the manager at the Dumfries branch told me, PC games are non-returnable and non-exchangeable, yet console ones are???? i don't get that how come you can get refunds on Xbox, PS2 games etc and you cant for PC games? its the same at WH Simths as well. Woolworths is only ones i know that do pc refunds.

i once returned UT2004 because i had a corrupt disk and their tech support told me to return it the store i bought it from to get an exchange and GAME refused!!! so i told the techline this and they exchanged it for me.

[vyper]

Apparently they think it's easier to pirate PC games.

[aldo_14]

I'm itching to buy and return a game to GAME just to piss them off.