My CD key is too short.....right?

[sectrix]

Just bought Civ V GotY edition, and my CD key is only like 15 characters long. Take2's Civ support page says Civilization CD keys should be in this format: AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE, and the key printed on the back of my manual is in this format: AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC.

In any case, Steam is telling me my key is invalid. The font is quite clear, so no mistaking 0 for Q or L for 1 or anything like that - although I've tried those anyway.

Has anyone else had this problem? I can't seem to find any other threads with a short CD key like this. Hopefully I'm missing something basic.

[stethnorun]

You sure that's the only number in the box? Sometimes there are different codes.

[FtRapture]

Just bought Civ V GotY edition, and my CD key is only like 15 characters long. Take2's Civ support page says Civilization CD keys should be in this format: AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE, and the key printed on the back of my manual is in this format: AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC.

In any case, Steam is telling me my key is invalid. The font is quite clear, so no mistaking 0 for Q or L for 1 or anything like that - although I've tried those anyway.

It absolutely sounds like you are missing some of your key. The location will be in the back of your manual in the longer format (http://support.2k.com/entries/487994-cd-key) I would suggest opening a support ticket to get it sorted out.

http://support.2k.com/anonymous_requests/new

[sectrix]

Steth:
I thought the same thing, especially since it's the game of the year edition. I found nothing printed elsewhere in the manual, poster, CD or case.

Rapture:
I'll try a support ticket, thanks for the link. Also, could you move the thread to the support subforum? I didn't notice it before.

[Vlynor]

Did you purchase the game from a reliable retailer? (Amazon, WalMart, Best Buy, Target, etc.)?

[sectrix]

Yep. Got it from Best Buy.

[sectrix]

Yes, quite sure. I've played videogames for over 20 years, so I'm no stranger to the CD key treasure hunt. I've literally read every word in the manual and looked at every surface that came with the game. I checked inside the cardboard sleeve and everywhere on the poster. I even checked behind the box art on the plastic CD case. Besides, in both the manual and the online support page, they are quite clear that the key should be on the back of the manual - and there is one, just a lot shorter than it should be.

Can anyone here with the game of the year edition tell me if they have a full key (AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE), or if they got a short one too? If everyone's key on their manual is a 25 character key, then I must have a problem.

Of course I could still be missing something obvious.