Server Side Authentication FAQ
Q: What is Server Side Authentication?
A: Server Side Authentication enables developers to create games that require authentication on the Games for Windows – LIVE service in order to run. That means fewer chances of games being pirated, but more importantly means that gamers can do away with activation keys for LIVE connectivity, and that gamers can play their purchased game from any PC with their Gamertag.
Q: Why do I have to register my product key to my LIVE account?
A: Registering a product key is required to allow your LIVE profile to connect and play online. A product key may be registered with only one LIVE profile. Once registered, a product key may not be used by any other LIVE profile or for any other game.
Q: Do all games use Server Side Authentication?
A: No, the option to use or not use Server Side Authentication is one that was given to publishers starting with Games for Windows - LIVE version 3.0. Games released prior to that will not have Server Side Authentication functionality, and games released after that point may include it at the discretion of the publisher.
Q: What do the following errors mean?
A: "The product key you provided has already been registered to another LIVE profile. Please enter a valid product key or go back and choose a different Windows Live ID."
This error indicates that the product key you entered has already been used on another LIVE profile. Unfortunately, you will only be able to use each individual product key with a single Games for Windows - LIVE profile. If you wish to have access to the game and content on multiple profiles, you will need to purchase a copy for each profile.
"The product key you provided is not valid for this game. Please enter a valid product key for your game."
This error indicates that the product key you entered is an invalid key for this game. It could be because this key is for another title, or is an entirely invalid key. Make sure that you entered the key correctly, and that you are looking at the key for the correct title.
"The Windows Live ID you provided has not yet registered a valid product key for this game. Please enter a valid product key or go back and choose a different Windows Live ID."
This error indicates that you haven't entered your product key for this game yet. Find the product key with the materials packaged with your game, or from your online retailer, and enter it in order to have access to the title.
