I won a contest on another site, however I already own the product in question

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So I recently won a copy of the DEFCON soundtrack on gala giveaways, but I already own a copy of the soundtrack so I can't redeem the key. I've yet to check the condition of the key to see if it works. Is there anything I can do to check the key, trade it with someone, or am I just going to have to give away the key randomly? This is the first time I've run into this problem.

11 years ago*

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16 Comments

TheDopefish

You can't check if a Steam key is valid/unused.

So you're better off giving it to a friend or posting it in the forum.

Of course you can try to trade it, but be prepared to "refund" the other person if he claims that the key does not work.

11 years ago

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NeonBiker

I was wandering about this too. If I already own the game, I can try a key without danger of being activated. If the key is good/unused, steam will tell me that I own the game already. The question is: does it say the same thing if the key has been activated by someone else or does it say that it's a duplicate key? I don't have a used key to try it out.

11 years ago

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TheDopefish

Steam will always tell you that you already own the game, no matter if the key you try has already be redeemed or is unused.

11 years ago

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TheMafia

Give it away and raise your contributor value. ;)

11 years ago

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Nin10dod

But what if it doesn't work? Will I get in trouble with the site?

11 years ago

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TheMafia

It shouldn't be too bad. It's not like you intentionally gave away a fake key. People will understand the situation you're in. At least I would. :P

11 years ago

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Nin10dod

alright, thanks.

11 years ago

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TheDopefish

You're "received percentage" will drop.

Since you haven't given away anything, it will be a 0%

After your next successful giveaway it will be at 50%, then 66% ... and so on.

Other than that and an unhappy "winner", there will be no consequences.

It's still not recommended though - imagine you would win a giveaway and the giveaway creator told you "tough luck, I didn't know if the key will work, so no game/DLC for you, better luck next time"

11 years ago

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InJ3cTiOn

If you already have the game in question then use the key on Steam if it pops up saying that you already own the game then everything is fine and you can do a giveaway :)

11 years ago

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TheMafia

+1. That's actually a really good idea. I'm surprised I didn't think of that! lol

11 years ago

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Nin10dod

I actually tested this and this works for any key of any game you own.

11 years ago

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