Forum Discussion

Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
10 years ago
Solved

Sims 4 product key used, even though it was new.

I had bought a copy of the Sims 4 on 6/17 (disc version) for PC, in a Gamestop (SWM Sand Lake Corner Orlando, FL). I live in Taiwan. So when I got home in Taiwan, at around 7/10 I tried to install it, there's a product key. I typed the product key provided in the install manual, but it says that the product key is already used. The case even has a "New" sticker on the front. So I asked EA customer service and they say that the product key is used before 6/17 and is still active. They also told me that to reflect to the retailers. After 2 emails and 1 phone call (international phone calls are very expensive), they gave me a new product key. After that I typed it in and it did not work. I ask EA customer service again and they say that the new code does not even follow the code format! I asked whether this problem would apply for the 90 days warranty from EA, and since the customer service person thought I bought a second handed copy, she said no. The 30 days refund/exchange date from Gamestop is already passed, but the extended warranty still applies. What is best for me? I do not want to buy another copy. I just want them to reissue a product key that works.

  • @22113888 Do you remember if the Sims 4 case was sealed when you bought it? It should have been. That new sticker should have been on the plastic that sealed the case. The price should reflect whether it was new or used. Do you still have the receipt? I usually put the receipts in the case after I open it. I recommend trying to reach out to GameStop one more time. The HQ is located in Grapevine Texas. If you get negative results the next step is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This can be done online. From what I see here I think it is second hand. There are some retailers having trouble with shoppers opening the case and copying the code and leaving the game. There is a toll free number that is listed if you google GameStop.

5 Replies

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    @22113888 I am sorry, but if a product code is coming up as consumed or used it woudl be up to your retailer to replace the code with a valid product code for the game.

    In this situation, the only thing I can recommend is to reach out to your retailer again for assistance.

    Let us know if you have any further questions!

  • @22113888 Do you remember if the Sims 4 case was sealed when you bought it? It should have been. That new sticker should have been on the plastic that sealed the case. The price should reflect whether it was new or used. Do you still have the receipt? I usually put the receipts in the case after I open it. I recommend trying to reach out to GameStop one more time. The HQ is located in Grapevine Texas. If you get negative results the next step is to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This can be done online. From what I see here I think it is second hand. There are some retailers having trouble with shoppers opening the case and copying the code and leaving the game. There is a toll free number that is listed if you google GameStop.

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    No. It's not sealed. This is a picture of the copy.

  • Phantomlover1717's avatar
    Phantomlover1717
    Legend
    10 years ago

    I'm trying to register my game but it says the serial code is invalid/already used

    Depending on the situation the solution to this may vary.

    You bought the game on Origin
    If you bought the game on Origin, it's not necessary to register the code anywhere. Download the Origin Client here: http://origin.com/download, login with the same email you bought the game with and find the game in the My Games tab within the Origin Client to download. You don't need the serial code.

    You bought the game on DVD and the box was sealed
    Make sure you typed the code right. The following letters look very similar and are easily mistaken for each other

    • 0, O and D
    • 8 and B
    • Z and 2


    If it still says it's invalid, try taking it back to the store you bought it from and exchange it. If they are not willing to do that, contact an EA Game Advisor with proof of purchase ready.

    You bought the game on DVD and the box was not sealed/it's a used game
    Used games cannot be re-registered. Take it back to where you bought it and get a refund.


    You bought a key from a key seller
    Contact the key seller for a replacement. If you bought the game from a unauthorized seller, it's possible that EA blocked the key if they were bought fraudulently by the seller. You're better off to only buy from authorized sellers.

    You have already registered the game yourself and are trying to reinstall the game
    The game does not need to be registered again. Login in the Origin Client with the Email/PW you first registered the game on and download and install the game from there. The game only needs to be registered once and you won't need the code again after your initial registration. This is true for both the DVD and the download version. You can skip the activation step on reinstalling.

    Source: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-4/FAQ-Serial-Codes-Game-Activation-and-Download-Issues/td-p/4228232

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    9 years ago

    Thanks, I went to the BBB and Gamestop finally give me a new code!