How do I update a used game?

Hey all.

New to the franchise. Saw a used copy of the Sins base game in a local game store and decided to pick it up. Installed just fine, but I can't seem to be able to download any patches or updates.

On the game launcher, I used the "Update Serial" button to enter the serial # that came on the box. Then I clicked on "Update Game", but that just took me to Stardock Games online instead. I created an account and tried to add the serial number of the used game I purchased to my account, however, I got an error message saying that the number is already registered to somebody else.

If the serial is already registered to somebody else, but I purchased it used, then how do I get the game updated / patched? I submitted my issue to Support a few days ago, but have yet to hear back.

Thanks.

Advanced Search

Watch this post

Do not email me updates for this post Email me updates for this post

Successfully updated karma reason!

GoaFan77

Join Date 10/2008

+624

In general this is a good example of why buying used PC games are a bad idea these days. Stardock at least is nice enough not to put DRM on their physical game discs (though I think they only do digital sales now), so you can always play the version of the game that came on the disc. But updates do require a valid license, and chances are the person who originally bought it still has it registered to their account.

Stardock support is the only ones who might be able to help you, but I don't think they are technically obligated to do so.

Also, I'm assuming this is one of the older editions of the game. The latest is Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion. It's been given away for free on Steam or Humble Bundle before, and there are often sales, so if this doesn't work out, I would keep an eye on digital stores to see if you can get a good deal on it.

Successfully updated karma reason!

GoaFan,

Thanks for the response. I was afraid that this would be the answer, but it is what it is. Yes, I think I got the original game and not one of the newer editions. I hate buying games brand spanking new when they will just drop in price a year or two down the road. I'm not missing anything by waiting.

I also prefer retro games - I just finished another playthrough of Neverwinter Nights over the past couple of weeks, for example - and oftentimes the only reliable way to find those old games is to physically buy them. I was bit by Impulse when it went offline in 2014, so I don't really like purchasing games solely online if I can help it. Losing money like that really irks me. I do understand that some titles really can't be found anywhere except GOG nowadays. Technology changes and we consumers have to change with it. I just like having the physical copy to run on a second old PC that I keep just for the purpose. Nostalgia and all that. Dating myself here: Baldur's Gate was the first game I purchased for myself as a legal adult to play on a Compaq Presario in '98.

I appreciate the suggestion regarding Rebellion. I'll keep an eye on my Steam account and see if it pops up again on sale or the like.

Successfully updated karma reason!