Adding a license of an old game

[talamakara]

So several months ago my cd/dvd rom died. I could easily replace it to install my games, but i'm more curious if Steam has a system where if I added my license key I could install the game without buying it again.

An example would be bioshock 1 and 2. I have them on DVD and they exist on steam. How do i use a license key from them on steam avoiding the need to buy the game again?

[Phoenix]

I can't find the specific page right now, but Steam had a list of "old" retail games that could be activated. Note that Steam only accepts (or rather, recoginzes) specific games unless the product explictely lists Steam as a requirement. See also:

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/0E71-0971-324A-1161

Doesn't hurt to try though, the worst that can happen is that you get a "key invalid" message.

[𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕫]

Just try it.

[nullable]

Good luck. Don't hold your breath. Even though CD keys all kinda look the same, they're not. A lot of older physical versions of game weren't released on Steam till later, and there's no reason to expect Valve would have knowledge about those physical keys. Or that the publisher would have decided to let you redeem those keys on Steam.

So I won't be surprised if you're on the hook for a new drive or if you're on the hook to buy the games on Steam when they're on sale.

[Crazy Tiger]

You can try to enter the CD-Key. Bottom left is the Add Game button, you can try it there.

Keep in mind, however, that this only works for games for which the publisher has used a conversion option. The vast majority of games with cd-keys do NOT give a Steam version, nor are you entitled one.

You could also try and contact the publisher to see whether they can give you a Steam key. In this case as well most don't do it.

[cryptoshill]

Just do your best

[talamakara]

Originally posted by Phoenix:

I can't find the specific page right now, but Steam had a list of "old" retail games that could be activated. Note that Steam only accepts (or rather, recoginzes) specific games unless the product explictely lists Steam as a requirement. See also:

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/0E71-0971-324A-1161

Doesn't hurt to try though, the worst that can happen is that you get a "key invalid" message.

So this worked for Bioshock 2, not 1. But thank you.

[Insomnia]

Normally you can tell what games support this as the box will say "Steamworks" on them.

[Blaagh]

no the steamworks-logo means the game is REQUIRED to be added to steam - not optional

[crunchyfrog]

Yup, it's really a basic thing to work through. You have a few options.

You can look at the back of the box and if it says it supports Steam, then you may be golden.

You can go and look up the list that Phoenix mentioned.

Or easiest of all you can just TRY the key. Your library isn't going to miraculously catch fire for trying an invalid key.