Tell me more ×
Arqade is a question and answer site for passionate videogamers on all platforms. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

Title pretty much says it. If I have the US version of a game (physical disc media, not Games for Windows edition or Steam download) and get a UK edition of an expansion pack, will they work? Additionally, if I have the UK version, can I play against friends who have the US edition on a local network?

The specific question is regarding the Battle for Middle-Earth and the Rise of the Witch-King expansion pack, which are older games from 2006.

share|improve this question
I don't think it's possible to region-lock PC games. I'd be interested in knowing if that's possible at all. – fbueckert Aug 9 '12 at 21:45
I know certain Steam games are region-locked (at least that's what I've heard), but I didn't know about physical media – SSumner Aug 9 '12 at 22:22
I know games are different prices in different regions for Steam, but I don't know of any way to lock games so that only those in that region can play them. – fbueckert Aug 9 '12 at 22:24
That's just what I've read...I have zero experience with Steam games. Maybe it was to do with server access only – SSumner Aug 9 '12 at 22:26
It's definitely possible to region lock games - look at World of Warcraft initially, where EU versions could only connect to EU servers. Whether any do so any more, or Battle for Middle-Earth in particular, I don't know. I would imagine you'd be fine, but that's just an educated guess. – dlanod Aug 9 '12 at 23:17
show 2 more comments

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote accepted

PC games in general are not region locked, as there is no native region locking mechanism for PCs. There are instances where online based games (for example World of Warcraft) are essentially region locked, in that specific versions of the game can only connect to servers located in specific regions (for example, EU game client can only log into EU game servers).

In the instance of LoTR: Battle for Middle-Earth/Rise of the Witch-King, the Electronic Arts website does not indicate any kind of region restrictions, the game is available as a digital download and does not appear to be restricted to particular countries.

share|improve this answer
Thanks. I had already bought it and it worked, but your answer answered my question. – SSumner Nov 8 '12 at 17:05

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.