Region lock issue

[4cylinder]

I live in the United States but traveled to Hong Kong for the Christmas holidays.

While in Hong Kong I logged into Green Man Gaming and bought the Deluxe Edition from there. The price was denominated in US dollars, not Hong Kong dollars, and was not any cheaper than the Steam US site (except for the ability to apply a code for another 17% off), so I assumed it would be fine. I should note that previously, the only time I ever bought a Steam game while out-of-country was in Canada (which I visit often), and that never gave me issues whether I used GMG or Steam directly.

When I activated the game on my Steam account via my laptop, it said I bought the "Asia" version but again, I didn't think anything of it since I had paid the standard US sale price in US dollars. I didn't bother trying to install the game then since my laptop is not meant for gaming.

I am now back stateside, and attempted to install the game on my gaming desktop, only to get a "Civ 6 is not available in your territory" message!

Did I just throw away $33 or is there anything I can do to get this resolved?

[BlackSmokeDMax]

Probably, perhaps try contacting both green man gaming and Steam support. The fact that you'll have to contact both leads me to believe you may be screwed.

[eoryl]

Hey 4cylinder, did you get some resolution ? I had the same problem having the "Asia version" being registered while travelling. Back home I can't install it anymore . The key was from humble monthly in case someone is considering buying a key online.

[ubik]

I travel thru HK often. I haven’t had that happen yet but interested how this turns out. Good luck!

[Briaen]

Get a refund then re-buy the game in the us

[DaddaZilla]

Considering you bought and already activated the game on your account, I'd assume you're out of luck. I can't imagine GMG giving away a free copy as that's now what it technically is.

Originally posted by JeffBobby:

Get a refund then re-buy the game in the us

He didn't buy the game from Steam.

[donald23]

You could try to contact Steam Support and explain. Perhaps they can help.
I would also suggest to put in a support ticket with GMG at the same time, since support tickets can take some time...

Just explain the situation and see what it brings. If it's a no, you're in the same place you're now. If you get a friendly, yes, you save yourself a few bucks.

Asking here at least is not going to get you a definitive answer, just guesses.

[Satoru]

The GMG page clearly states

This product has Steam activation region restrictions in place. Please ensure that your Green Man Gaming account registration details match your Steam account registration details before purchasing, or your game may not activate correctly in your region.

[eoryl]

The humble monthly page did not state that in my case.

[4cylinder]

I bought the game again off the Humble Bundle (US version). I got Steam support to remove the Asian version from my account (no refund).

Threw $33 down the drain but at least I can play my game now.

[月がきれい]

Originally posted by eoryl:

The humble monthly page did not state that in my case.

same and now im stuck with a game that i cannot run

[4cylinder]

Originally posted by Legendarynob:

Originally posted by eoryl:

The humble monthly page did not state that in my case.

same and now im stuck with a game that i cannot run

You can ask Steam support to delete it permanently from your account (you won't get any money back). At least it allows you to properly re-buy the game in your region.

[月がきれい]

Originally posted by 4cylinder:

Originally posted by Legendarynob:

same and now im stuck with a game that i cannot run

You can ask Steam support to delete it permanently from your account (you won't get any money back). At least it allows you to properly re-buy the game in your region.

I asked the hb support to help and they sent me another key that i can play in my region.

[ubik]

Originally posted by Legendarynob:

Originally posted by 4cylinder:

You can ask Steam support to delete it permanently from your account (you won't get any money back). At least it allows you to properly re-buy the game in your region.

I asked the hb support to help and they sent me another key that i can play in my region.

Nice -- good to know that the situation is recoverable.

[Uncle Karl]

what??? is this a usual problem??? if i was to move to other countries would my steam account be unusable? what a waste of money if thats the case!

[ubik]

Originally posted by MonkeyJackNZ:

what??? is this a usual problem??? if i was to move to other countries would my steam account be unusable? what a waste of money if thats the case!

Every game in your library becomes region-free after 90 days, so it would not be a problem, except potentially for new game purchases.