Activation?

To install the box version you only need to type in a serial found on the Cd case.

You'll only have to activate once. You won't need the Internet every time you load the game. If you activate on your laptop once, you won't need a connection after that.

My reasons for buying the box set was to AVOID internet activation.  I don't mind entering the serial number for what I thought was my CD, but why do I have to enter a serial number AND activate.  Do you folks know what some people go through after buying a program then replacing the computer or components and not being to activate either cause the company went bust, they supposidly exceeded the activation count, or don't have inet access?  If this product requires internet activation, its coming off and going to e-bay.  I went through this bull with Norton utilities and I no longer buy anything from them. Yea, I can beg new activations from them, but its too much of a hassle. I have too many programs and change computers too often for that kind of crap.

Fordson...
I agree. I use to buy alot of Stardock software. But since activation I haven't. I don't agree with making legal users have to do more steps, no matter how simple, if you legally paid for the product. Another reason I am still using GoLive CS and Photoshop 7.01. These were the last versions without activation. So basicly Adobe shot themselves in the foot when it came to sales from me. (And my guess others.)

I thought it only needed a connection for patches and the metaverse. Either way, you'll want to go on line for the patches. You allready have an account I'll guess if you bought the game on Stardock.

I don't agree with making legal users have to do more steps, no matter how simple

If you install the game via SDC, there are no extra steps. SDC activates it automatically in the background during installation. The only time you ever have to do 'extra steps' is if you install from the retail disc (which has no protection whatsoever on it) then install a patch afterwards. And if you can get the patches to the game, you can get the game activated. The only time it takes more than the most meager effort on your part is if the computer with the game on it doesn't have net access.

Personally, I'd much rather have a game that needs to be activated once and is then done forever than one where I have to dig out a disc every time I want to play.

You only need to activate once per installation and only for patches. I'm playing GC2 on my laptop which is normally not connected to the internet. I also play it on my desktop system. Wouldn't be able to do that with most games.

All the talk about no copy protection made me go out and buy the game... it really annoys me to find out that it requires activation. How is that not copy protection? (yes I understand u can copy the cd so what not my point) One thing ive learned about Activation is every product i buy with it req i eventually lose access. Granted i will always be able to play version 1.0 which is better then my ussual experiance with such activating software. Just wish that companies would have to be up front by disclosing that it requires the software to be activated on the internet. No copy protection being 50% of why i purchased galciv2 ( I wanted to support the concept)I Knew it was too good to be true. My policy is to not buy products that require activation but somehow i keep getting duped. Anyhow buyer beware

Stardock is not "advertising" no copy protection. What people are saying about GC2 is that is has a "liberal" copyright protection scheme that allows you to a) run the game on more than one system run the game without connecting to the internet every time and c) run the game without putting a CD in the drive. This is a huge step forward in my book. After getting screwed by draconian copyright protection systems (i.e. StarForce, Steam), it's nice to see a game publisher use something reasonable. That's it. If you are boycotting all copy protected products then you will be very limited in the software available to you. After all, if you are running Windows XP, you have already made one exception.

If this product requires internet activation, its coming off and going to e-bay.

Just don't sell them something they can't use: Regarding Used Copies of GalCiv II

How do you know im not using win2000 ? actually they say several times no copy protection



direct from hompage
The year is 2225. The reckless humans have formed a coalition to defend themselves from the rising power of the evil Drengin Empire. The galaxy is about to be set ablaze but there is something far worse out there than each other...

* Play as the Terran Alliance or as one of 9 alien races -- or create your own
* Design your own ships both in how they look and how they function
* Sophisticated diplomatic engine makes sure politics takes a center stage as well
* Watch your designed ships and fleets do battle in GalCiv II's state of the art 3D engine
* Play stand-alone games with randomly generated galaxies, preset scenarios, or a multi-mission campaign that provides the back story for the game
* No CD copy protection. Once you install, you never need your CD again. You can even use the included serial # to re-download the entire game from us years from now.

Now at a store near you! Or you can purchase and download the game right now while you wait for your box to arrive. Want more info? You can read the wiki here. Gamespot review.

Just got it? Check out the Beginner's Guide. Get the free update to 1.2 (and other goodies). The Dark Avatar Expansion is coming.

That's true though. There is NO copy protection, whatsoever. You can get 1.0x and I think 1.1 without the serial. The serial is to allow you to re-download the game once you lose it.

Once again: If you lose the CD, change a computer, move country, you will STILL be able to play the FULL version after redownloading it. You never again need the code, it's tied to your stardock account.

And activiation is not required to play the game. Only to get the latest updates. That's not copy protection in any way, shape, or form.