Hey there,

I just have a quick question about CD-Keys on GOG. My friend and I recently purchased Neverwinter Nights: Deluxe Edition and when we tried to play a LAN game together, we got a "That CD-Key is already in use on this server". I have already requested my CD-Key from GOG Support, but here's the question; Does every copy of Neverwinter Nights sold on GOG have the same CD-Key attatched to it [Before you request a unique one, that is]? Should requesting our CD-Keys fix this problem? Finally, if I am right, why does GOG handle the CD-Keys this way?

As for my CD-Key request, how long does GOG Support usually take to reply?

Thanks in advance.

They will give you a unique key. Not sure how long it takes.

Yes, and because they're stupid.

Alright, so in your opinion they should make the game unable to play until you have your unique CD key, even in single player.

I don't know why they do it this way, but my gut feeling is because the vast majority of players only play single player and they've probably only got a finite pool of unique keys to give out. This method probably reduces the hassle for them of trying to get more keys for the game from the publisher.

They just should patch out that serial keys are necessary.

Depending on the game and/or its netcode, this can be virtually impossible. Even moreso when GOG doesn't have access to the source code (if it exists) or if the game is available from other retailers. It's more "the devs should have coded their engine differently" than "zomgz GOG has DRM!"

I'm pretty sure someone suggested that some time ago and the answer was they can't. It's coded into the game and can't be removed.

No, they should have an automatic key distribution system with a request button in your account. Once a key has been assigned to you, it should be easily retrievable from your account page (rather than looking up the email they sent you).

Why would you assume I was suggesting they don't include a generic CD-key? o.0
I honestly can't see why you'd think that a more likely meaning for my post.
Of course including a generic key is a good thing.

Because your posting was very strange.
The automatic system has been suggested numerous times indeed. Let's hope GOG ever gets around to it.

An automatic system is already in place, but seemingly only for titles added after said system was added. Heroes V and a couple other titles have their keys available on the shelf infobox as soon as the game is purchased.

Since I bought it on GOG as a Retail Box Replacement - use the Retail Box Code.

Nope, the key should b e distributed automatically, just like everywhere else. They alredy managed to do that for newer games (e.g. I got my key for Far Cry 2 automatically), but somehow, it's still not implemented for old games.

From customers perspective it's a cheap move. Just like they count on that most of the people won't request any keys - so they have less keys in their database than games they sold. Looks lazy and unprofessional..

Speaking of which, maybe I should finally get around to requesting my CD key for UT '04.

What you say is so true. If I bought a Retail Box Game and had to request the code that would be nuts. I also think GOG is an upfront Professional Service - so I am guessing the hold up is on the Publisher side as it does seem especially NWN is probably the slowest turnaround in getting codes for games GOG sells. Check the game forum - its always been an issue.