Nvidia to verify hardware against resale of bundled game codes

Nvidia will now allow the redemption of game codes bundled with video cards via the GeForce Experience software. That program then checks whether the relevant video card series is present on the system. Nvidia wants to prevent the resale of codes.

Nvidia explains its new policy regarding redeeming promo game codes in a faq. Until now, when purchasing a video card, bundled codes for Steam, Uplay, Origin or the Microsoft Store could be obtained from an Nvidia site, but now that must be done via the GeForce Experience software. The codes are intended for use by the person who made the purchase, explains Nvidia, so redemptions must now be made through the GeForce Experience account.

“As part of the coupon redemption process, Nvidia uses GeForce Experience to perform a hardware verification step to ensure the code is redeemed on a system with the eligible GPU,” explains Nvidia. When redeeming, the relevant card must therefore be in the system.

The company clarifies to Ars Technica that the game is not permanently linked to the map. For example, Steam games will continue to play on other systems and once redeemed, users can switch video cards without affecting the game. Also, GeForce Experience does not check based on a serial number, but the software verifies the video card series, such as GTX 1070 or 1080.

The method aims to prevent players who purchase a graphics card with a bundled game from reselling the code for the game in order to recoup part of their purchase amount. Nvidia is currently running a promotion where For Honor and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands Bundle can be obtained with the purchase of a GTX 1070 or GTX 1080.