"You may have multiple Spore accounts for each installation of the game" - Page 5

AwkwardnBusy · 11-09-2008, 07:53 PM

People in my MMO guild are asking me what Spore is like, most of them have been waiting for it for years.

And most of them are couples or families, and this is putting them off (even if other failings of the game or it's distribution wouldn't).

I don't expect EA to back down about this now. I also don't expect they'll be getting any more of my money.

DarthIrishGuy · 11-09-2008, 08:01 PM

Download from now on to be honest. I bought this game because I like the idea and thought it was one of the few games worth paying for.

But when i buy something(anything) I expect it to work and if not I expect support. I've got neither...

Tell them to download it, online content is nothing to great anyway

dodoman · 11-09-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemmily

You know what i wouldn't mind if they put a cap on the number of accounts per game, like the activations thing! just so long as it's not 1!!
3 would make sense, 3 activations/3 accounts! (I know this would be annoying for some people having gamer families... but it's still better than one)

I think that number of accounts should be five, which fits most households, 3 would do for me, but a lot of the people here have mentioned; themself, partner, and kids...

flatfroggerx · 11-09-2008, 10:16 PM

EA Games: Want More Than One Account On Your 'Spore' Game? Buy Another Copy, Sucker

Berteh66 · 11-09-2008, 11:42 PM

SteMot · 11-09-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berteh66

Seems EA are really stupid, or just got greedy just before release.

flatfroggerx · 12-09-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteMot

Seems EA are really stupid, or just got greedy just before release.

EA Games: Want More Than One Account On Your 'Spore' Game? Buy Another Copy, Sucker <<<<< GREED.

itsmoirob · 12-09-2008, 09:36 AM

Anything new in here? Just thought I'd bump it to the front page

BurntEffigy · 12-09-2008, 10:03 AM

I have 3 children and would like to keep their creations separate from my own, but more so, would prefer them to have their own buddies and shared content. (My Buddies won't really want the creations that my kids produce!) To read the manual (and now the screen dump above) it is very annoying to find that it is not allowed.

I don't believe that this is a server issue at all? Does that mean that our accounts have a limit to the number of creations? On which point...

In a none techy way: (and there will be arguments for and against this I know)
Wouldn't a solution be to limit the number of creations per game registration code? (say, x,000 per bought game?) - then for each additional spore account you can assign a portion of that x,000? so each of my kids could have say, 1000 each, leaving the remainder for me/other accounts? for those who only need the one account, they can use their full x,000 allocation (and for creations, I'm talking about creations with ownership, not shared content)

I am not wanting to install this onto a second PC, but simply would like my kids to be able to play their 'own' game on the family PC.

Rosalie · 12-09-2008, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurntEffigy

I have 3 children and would like to keep their creations separate from my own, but more so, would prefer them to have their own buddies and shared content. (My Buddies won't really want the creations that my kids produce!) To read the manual (and now the screen dump above) it is very annoying to find that it is not allowed.

I am not wanting to install this onto a second PC, but simply would like my kids to be able to play their 'own' game on the family PC.

Same thing here. My 5 year old wants to create cute animals and just have them run around, whereas I want to play the game in full after she's gone to bed

For £40 I think we should at least be able to have a small number of separate accounts from the "family copy" of Spore.

I don't want her constantly being blasted to kingdom come when all she wants to do is walk around and charm other creatures, but then again I don't particularly want to share my Spore world exclusively with shamanic pink rabbits decorated with flowers, either.

Reading the thread it looks as though EA intended multiple accounts from one copy and changed their minds at the last minute. It's all about the money I guess.

Rosalie · 12-09-2008, 02:44 PM

Also just checked my internet options panel after seeing Berteh's screen grab.

Mine has the same line about "change users", too. What's that doing there then? Can't be misprints in 2 places, EA...

Rosalie · 12-09-2008, 02:48 PM

Back of my box says in tiny print "Only one registration per game."

Berteh66 · 12-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosalie

Back of my box says in tiny print "Only one registration per game."

Registration is different from having multiple users per copy....You register the game once (to verify legitimate ownership and access online content),

I register Windows XP once, but can have multiple user accounts all with slightly different settings.

EA are playing with semantics and hoping we swallow it

Anto103 · 12-09-2008, 02:57 PM

Obviously the only one account per person was decided after the manuals where printed. Since manuals are the first thing created before the game is finished for some strange reason. But lckily The Consumerist and Gamepolitics has picked up the story, it probably won't be long till Kotaku and the other gaming sites start reporting on this as well.

jjwalters3 · 12-09-2008, 04:36 PM

We're all over this in the US. This is profile problem is just unbelievable. I feel like I've been ripped off completely. It's completely against industry standards and expecations.

While somewhat extreme, I would compare it to - buying a car and then finding out there isn't a transmission.

My wife and I wanted to enjoy the game together but still have our own separate data (like every other game out there).

Now.. we don't want to play.

BlackGarden87 · 12-09-2008, 05:25 PM

I will also be contacting trading standards, because I'm sick of a complete lack of communication from EA Support. It appears that as the manual is included with the product, according to UK law they have applied the information contained in it to the product as a "trade description".
Providing false or misleading trade descriptions is an offense.
You can read the full text of the Trade Descriptions Act here: Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c.29)
Pay particular attention to section 4 (applying a trade description to goods). This part tells us that the manual IS a trade description because it is something which is supplied with the goods. The description is "false to a material degree" because the description is quantifiably incorrect - that is, only one account may use the product, but the description states that multiple accounts may use it.
Simply to say that future manuals will be printed correctly is not enough. There should be a mass product recall and an offer of a refund to those who bought the game on the basis of information which was false.
Alternatively, EA should be finding a way to offer the service they have described.

dodoman · 12-09-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackGarden87

I will also be contacting trading standards, because I'm sick of a complete lack of communication from EA Support. It appears that as the manual is included with the product, according to UK law they have applied the information contained in it to the product as a "trade description".
Providing false or misleading trade descriptions is an offense.
You can read the full text of the Trade Descriptions Act here: Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c.29)
Pay particular attention to section 4 (applying a trade description to goods). This part tells us that the manual IS a trade description because it is something which is supplied with the goods. The description is "false to a material degree" because the description is quantifiably incorrect - that is, only one account may use the product, but the description states that multiple accounts may use it.
Simply to say that future manuals will be printed correctly is not enough. There should be a mass product recall and an offer of a refund to those who bought the game on the basis of information which was false.
Alternatively, EA should be finding a way to offer the service they have described.

Well put; I hope you get your money back, or better, EA make a patch to allow multiple accounts.

BlackGarden87 · 12-09-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodoman

Well put; I hope you get your money back, or better, EA make a patch to allow multiple accounts.

I am certainly not holding my breath, but thanks for the good wishes!

RadioElectric · 12-09-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodoman

I think that number of accounts should be five, which fits most households, 3 would do for me, but a lot of the people here have mentioned; themself, partner, and kids...

And for families with 6 members? Or more? There's no practical reason why it should be limited.

Is the limitation server-side or client-side? Does anybody know?

SteMot · 12-09-2008, 06:19 PM

I just got an e-mail back from PCZone UK stating that they would look into it and would run something on it in the next issue.

dodoman · 12-09-2008, 06:36 PM

That should get a reply from EA, I would like to say congrats Ste, you have helped us all and thank you for it.
What magazine is this?

RadioElectric · 12-09-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteMot

I just got this e-mail back from PCZone UK:-

Nice to see the censor kicking in there. I hope EA are happy that they don't want to have the words that the gaming magazines use for them shown here.

I do wonder though whether that guy would consent to you having published his exact words here. If I were you I'd remove it and paraphrase it.

Anto103 · 12-09-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteMot

I just got this e-mail back from PCZone UK:-

Good work with that one, hopefully CVG will take a look at it, The good Old Consumerist has commented on it as well EA Games: Want More Than One Account On Your 'Spore' Game? Buy Another Copy

SteMot · 12-09-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RadioElectric

Nice to see the censor kicking in there. I hope EA are happy that they don't want to have the words that the gaming magazines use for them shown here.

I do wonder though whether that guy would consent to you having published his exact words here. If I were you I'd remove it and paraphrase it.

Good idea, done

flatfroggerx · 12-09-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteMot

I just got an e-mail back from PCZone UK stating that they would look into it and would run something on it in the next issue.

Sounds like I have to buy a copy

or at least get someone to put scans up of it. Any reply from PC Gamer?

11-09-2008, 10:16 PM	#104 (permalink)
flatfroggerx Forum Junkie Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 3,947	EA Games: Want More Than One Account On Your 'Spore' Game? Buy Another Copy, Sucker __________________ *No longer buying any EA PC game which includes Limited Activations, I do NOT* endorse Limited Activations Opt for Securom Activation FREE versions of EA games through fairer services like steam**

12-09-2008, 09:36 AM	#108 (permalink)
itsmoirob Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Age: 27 Posts: 59	Anything new in here? Just thought I'd bump it to the front page __________________ My Spore Profile Page

12-09-2008, 10:03 AM	#109 (permalink)
BurntEffigy Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5	I have 3 children and would like to keep their creations separate from my own, but more so, would prefer them to have their own buddies and shared content. (My Buddies won't really want the creations that my kids produce!) To read the manual (and now the screen dump above) it is very annoying to find that it is not allowed. I don't believe that this is a server issue at all? Does that mean that our accounts have a limit to the number of creations? On which point... In a none techy way: (and there will be arguments for and against this I know) Wouldn't a solution be to limit the number of creations per game registration code? (say, x,000 per bought game?) - then for each additional spore account you can assign a portion of that x,000? so each of my kids could have say, 1000 each, leaving the remainder for me/other accounts? for those who only need the one account, they can use their full x,000 allocation (and for creations, I'm talking about creations with ownership, not shared content) I am not wanting to install this onto a second PC, but simply would like my kids to be able to play their 'own' game on the family PC. __________________ there are 10 types of people who understand binary: those who can read it and those who can't.

12-09-2008, 05:25 PM	#116 (permalink)
BlackGarden87 Super Simmer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hertfordshire, UK Age: 22 Gender: Female Posts: 352	I will also be contacting trading standards, because I'm sick of a complete lack of communication from EA Support. It appears that as the manual is included with the product, according to UK law they have applied the information contained in it to the product as a "trade description". Providing false or misleading trade descriptions is an offense. You can read the full text of the Trade Descriptions Act here: Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c.29) Pay particular attention to section 4 (applying a trade description to goods). This part tells us that the manual IS a trade description because it is something which is supplied with the goods. The description is "false to a material degree" because the description is quantifiably incorrect - that is, only one account may use the product, but the description states that multiple accounts may use it. Simply to say that future manuals will be printed correctly is not enough. There should be a mass product recall and an offer of a refund to those who bought the game on the basis of information which was false. Alternatively, EA should be finding a way to offer the service they have described. Last edited by BlackGarden87; 12-09-2008 at 05:29 PM..

12-09-2008, 06:19 PM	#120 (permalink)
SteMot Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 57	I just got an e-mail back from PCZone UK stating that they would look into it and would run something on it in the next issue. Last edited by SteMot; 12-09-2008 at 09:18 PM..

11-09-2008, 07:53 PM	#101 (permalink)
AwkwardnBusy Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 7	People in my MMO guild are asking me what Spore is like, most of them have been waiting for it for years. And most of them are couples or families, and this is putting them off (even if other failings of the game or it's distribution wouldn't). I don't expect EA to back down about this now. I also don't expect they'll be getting any more of my money.

11-09-2008, 08:01 PM	#102 (permalink)
DarthIrishGuy Rookie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 29	Download from now on to be honest. I bought this game because I like the idea and thought it was one of the few games worth paying for. But when i buy something(anything) I expect it to work and if not I expect support. I've got neither... Tell them to download it, online content is nothing to great anyway

11-09-2008, 11:42 PM	#105 (permalink)
Berteh66 Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 76

12-09-2008, 02:44 PM	#111 (permalink)
Rosalie Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 9	Also just checked my internet options panel after seeing Berteh's screen grab. Mine has the same line about "change users", too. What's that doing there then? Can't be misprints in 2 places, EA...

12-09-2008, 02:48 PM	#112 (permalink)
Rosalie Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 9	Back of my box says in tiny print "Only one registration per game."

12-09-2008, 02:57 PM	#114 (permalink)
Anto103 Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ireland Age: 23 Posts: 47	Obviously the only one account per person was decided after the manuals where printed. Since manuals are the first thing created before the game is finished for some strange reason. But lckily The Consumerist and Gamepolitics has picked up the story, it probably won't be long till Kotaku and the other gaming sites start reporting on this as well.

12-09-2008, 04:36 PM	#115 (permalink)
jjwalters3 Hi, I'm New! Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1	We're all over this in the US. This is profile problem is just unbelievable. I feel like I've been ripped off completely. It's completely against industry standards and expecations. While somewhat extreme, I would compare it to - buying a car and then finding out there isn't a transmission. My wife and I wanted to enjoy the game together but still have our own separate data (like every other game out there). Now.. we don't want to play.

12-09-2008, 06:36 PM	#121 (permalink)
dodoman Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 18	That should get a reply from EA, I would like to say congrats Ste, you have helped us all and thank you for it. What magazine is this?