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Playing outside of countries where it's available
nucjimbo
Member Posts: 33
Howdy all, I happen to currently live in a country where this game wasn't released. If I buy it and download it, do you think I will be unable to play it? Just wondering, would hate to buy it and not be able to play it!
(if you're wondering, there are very simple ways to purchase things and download them online even if it's "not available" in your country)
Thanks!
Comments
It depends on the game you want to play. Some companies, like Nexon, actively block anyone who's not from their target area from playing their games.
If you're thinking about SWTOR, Bioware has officially stated that they will not have any IP block. So you'll be able to play even if the game is not officially sold on your country.
I wish companies could tell us. I want to try this gundam online game which is in beta, probably will never get released in the US. It sucks how we aren't able to play games that are offered to other people. Sad...
Actively blocking some region is usually due to legal agreements, whether it is distribution or licensing etc.
Chiefly because the company has to do 'stuff' to block it, like putting in a filter.
Gdemami -
Informing people about your thoughts and impressions is not a review, it's a blog.
Thanks so much for the response! I should have just searched online for IP blocking and SWTOR, but I admit...until you posted that I didn't know the name for that practice.
Blessings.
Country IP blocking can usually be defeated by using a 'Virtual Private Network' (VPN) service, and there's some decent VPN's available for around $5 per month or so. But that lower price range is generally aimed more toward customers who are not heavy bandwidth users - like torrent phreaks, etc.. However I believe that online gaming tends more toward the low side of bandwidth usage anyway?
A good VPN will slow your ping down a bit, but I'd guess the bigger problem would simply be the long distances possibly involved. Yet I'd think that unless you're an ultra competitive PVP type, you could still have a good experience. For example I have memories of reading posts from Aussies playing USA based MMORPGs, and they seemed happy enough. Or of Yanks playing Euro based games like Darkfall.