Question about serials (NO, I'm not asking for any)
 

I was just wondering how software companies develop their serials, so that people couldn't use ie. a keygen.

And also it seems that there was a pause with games using serials as copy protection. But now they seem to be back in style.

Is one possible solution having certain cd-groups that are printed to have a certain serials, or is this too expensive ?

I guess having a unique serial for each cd is impossible.

Any information is appreciated.

Software Vendors - Video Game Vendors in specific devolop cdkeys for a very clear reason. To get people to buy thier product. They cannot stop the data from being ripped from the end-user's copy... But, they can control the master server query - and ban your cdkey accordingly. It's not impossible to make a cdkey match a certain cd... but in most cases, it would be useless... and costly.

I'd say, serials have become "popular" again for this reason: The internet! It's alive an poppin 24/7/365!
Not only that, but our home technologies are finally becoming sophisticated enough to rip a freakin cd!

I think the gaming industry is going to tilt more to Pay4Play games now... for many, many good reasons.. and some crappy ones too.

Anyhow.. there's some input. :)