CD Key & product ID in use by someone else

[Frost]

I purchased this game on steam years ago, never really played it, found out the other day a few guys at work have it and we decided we'd all jump on multiplayer and have a few games. I got a 101 error message when trying to create an account so I tried account recovery incase I maybe did create one all those years ago and simply forgotten. I input my CD key and product ID and got a username that I would never of picked in a million years. I then tried the security question and it was in a language that I don't even speak. So it looks like that someone is somehow using my CD key and product ID, created an ESO account, and as its a one time deal, I have no way of creating an account to play multiplayer as my key and ID are tied to this other username & email address.
Steam support say as its a seperate account and activation system, they have noway to access it and help. They pointed me to a microsoft account article but the support email address doesnt work. I've found a few support email addresses for AOE3 help but they all keep getting bounced back. It looks like support for this game is non existant.

Anyone have any ideas? Do steam issue new CD keys in the case of stolen keys/IDs?

[Eaglemut]

Hello, unfortunately the recovery tool doesn't work for a reinstalled AoE3 off Steam, it displays a random account name that isn't yours. If you do not remember the original credentials, there is nothing that can be done at this point, except for buying a new copy of the game on a separate Steam account. The game is currently on a -75% sale, so this might be a feasible option for you.

[Frost]

I also tried inputting my cd key and product id to which it would then email the registered address, which should be mine if I had of forgotten my credentials, but no email. So everything points to someone else using my key and id, which is my issue. I purchased this product legitimately and theres no chance am I paying the same price for a game as I paid 6 years ago, but I appreciate the response and suggestion. Thanks anyway.

[Eaglemut]

Originally posted by Fyzziks:

I also tried inputting my cd key and product id

That's the issue; the product ID you are seeing is not yours because this is unfortunately bugged on the Steam version.

I don't know what price you paid before, but the game is up for 10$ right now. If you're not willing to go that road, I would suggest not wasting time attempting to contact support, as such attempts would be certainly fruitless - there is no account support from MS anymore and the support email addresses have all been terminated. One other option could be asking other players with multiple accounts to give you out an account for free, might have some luck with that.