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--- en:gaming_theory:cd_key [2022-04-01-23-41] – ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation 7saturn
+++ en:gaming_theory:cd_key [2022-04-02-12-47] – [Game Keys on Online Platforms] 7saturn
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 A license key for a software is some sort of alphanumeric series of characters, that allow for a piece of software to be used under a certain license. In the gaming sector, license keys are very often referred to only as keys or CD keys. The concept of license keys is a general mechanism of a kind of authentication/prove, that a piece of software was actually obtained by buying a license, instead of just copying an installer or an installation medium (e.g. a CD). As these license keys for games were very often provided along with the installation CD, the term CD key was coined. The installation was only finished (or even started) when providing a valid key to the installer.
 ===== Game Keys on Online Platforms =====
-In times of platforms like [[..:games:steam]] or [[..:games:gog]], keys returned to their original function, to prove a genuine license was obtained, while no CDs or other installation media are actually shipped any more. THe game is only downloaded. Hence the shorter term >>Key<< is used more often today. But in principle both, CD key or only key mean the same kind of information. On these platforms, however the license (and therefore also the key) is tied permanently to a platform account. After using it once, it simply cannot be used by anyone else any more/again. By authenticating to the platform account, you are able to install multiple games, whose license the account has.
+In times of platforms like [[..:gaming platforms:steam]] or [[..:gaming platforms:gog]], keys returned to their original function, to prove a genuine license was obtained, while no CDs or other installation media are actually shipped any more. The game is only downloaded. Hence the shorter term >>Key<< is used more often today. But in principle both, CD key or only key mean the same kind of information. On these platforms, however the license (and therefore also the key) is tied permanently to a platform account. After using it once, it simply cannot be used by anyone else any more/again. By authenticating to the platform account, you are able to install multiple games, whose license the account has.
 ===== Key Fraud/Theft =====
 As such license keys are vital for the installation and claiming process, there is of course a certain sensitivity about them. Anyone who has a valid key can install the game, or in case of the above mentioned online platforms, claim the game for his own account. Especially the latter usually only works once. So once a key is used, it becomes useless for anyone else. Unused keys are sold legally on key reseller websites. But as some are actually already in use (which by principle you cannot derive only from the key itself, without actually using it), they are no longer valid for claiming by another person/account. This is also known as key theft or key fraud. It is a general draw back of key reseller sites. While mostly working properly, you might sometimes end up with a useless key anyways.