1 copy for LAN

[bth]

Anyone know if it's possible to host a LAN game w/ multiple players and only 1 copy of the game?

We do "gaming Wednesdays" at work and I'm the only one who plays CS:S. Typically we play UT -- I doubt I can convince everyone to go buy CS:S solely by looking over my shoulder, but if I can get a local game going and people can actually play, I think they'll get hooked.

I'm guessing it won't be possible, so hopefully there'll be a demo for CS:S soon.

 

[Chris D]

What you're suggesting is illegal with all games and constitutes software piracy. The only difference with Half-Life 2, however, is it will be near impossible to actually do it.

 

[bth]

What you're suggesting is illegal with all games and constitutes software piracy. The only difference with Half-Life 2, however, is it will be near impossible to actually do it.

Oh spare the lecture. I hope they release a multiplayer demo ...

[edit]
Actually, though, it's not illegal with all games. Many games it's completely OK to have only 1 copy to play on a LAN -- many RTS games for example, even state so in the manual.

Note, too, is that I'm not looking for hacks/cracks, I was simply asking if it were possible.
[/edit]

 

[bth]

Actually just to follow this up with some more info from the original Half Life ... not quite sure if Valve official said this was ok, but it's in the FAQ:

'After the v1.0.0.8 patch release, Half-Life now supports these
two protocols that can be used for LAN games: IPX and TCP/IP. To play TCP/IP, each PC would need to be assigned unique different IP address, with the same subnet mask. A max of 5 users can use the same CD-Key in LAN mode (not playing on the internet).'

Frankly, I see it is a good move for companies to allow this.

 

[L. Duke]

We've used two copies to play 3-4 people LAN games. Two people just logged in on the same account so it does work. I don't know what the maximum number of players per account is.