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Cap_Casual_jam's avatar
Cap_Casual_jam
Newcomer
4 hours ago

Game License invalid on game I have owned since like 2017

Getting really frustrated because I haven't been able to play since like 2/2/26. I thought maybe it was the update, nope. Tried clearing the cache, uninstall,reinstall, log in. log out, computer restart, install just the base game, update game, update app, etc etc Nothing I do has changed it claiming that I do not have a valid license. I am now missing event rewards and have spent hours trying to figure out why I can't play the game. I do not have any cc and trying to launch through the ea app.  

Ready to throw the PC out the window any help/advice????

ea app
expansion packs
launching
updates

3 Replies

  • Kenyar24's avatar
    Kenyar24
    Seasoned Newcomer
    3 hours ago

    I actually think i found a way to fix it. You might lose your saved data like i did but i still have all my mods. So i downloaded Steam app. Then installed Sims 4 from there. Once downloaded, i uninstalled the 2nd sims 4 game data and uninstalled Steam app as well. My original sims 4 game from EA now works. 

  • Kenyar24's avatar
    Kenyar24
    Seasoned Newcomer
    4 hours ago

    I’ve been having this issue since 1/3/26. Haven't been able to play since then. Ive tried EVERYTHING i possibly could to get the game to register that i owned it since 2016. EA has done nothing except told me that this is a known issue. They need to get this fixed. Highly unacceptable. 

  • iworkforwendys's avatar
    iworkforwendys
    Seasoned Newcomer
    4 hours ago

    the screenshot says something about being in online mode.

    im guessing your computer has to grab the license from a server that has all your purchases stored on it. even though you own it, you dont physically have the media though. not like a disc where the media and key are one in the same. since publishers rent out games through services it's easier for them to retain the actual key to the media, in the fine print back in 2017 it probably mentioned that when you bought the game. 

     

    but like let's say you wanted to play anthem, we'll they dont run the servers for the game anymore so like 🤷‍♂️,  what can you do other than boycott games that are sold as online only experiences.

     

    maybe one day they'll figure out that everyone draws the line somewhere, not all the same spot, but we all still want to own our things.

     

    sucks to hear, not knowing what game your dealing with also makes it harder to guess, I can only see a small background of the game art in the screenshot and you dont mention a title anywhere, best of luck. dont throw the pc, if anything sell it the ram alone is probably worth more than an xbox.

     

    best advice breath, realise its a technical issue and think on the terms of technicality,  find out why the app has you in offline mode, go to online mode and try launching. should work. if it dont then its account based, then you know what to contact ea support for your account, but if its a small technicality you will laugh later at this and feel great when you have an opportunity to help another.

     

    I hope its an easy fix personally. good luck.

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