Serial key
Software theme
Requires some form of alphanumeric key or similar to be presented to prove you own an authentic copy. A weak copy-protection mechanism, but more useful as GUID which it is also used for.
254
games
8platforms
Alternate names: Product key, CD-key, Serial number, Unlock key, Registration key
WIN 2009-09-18
WIN 2009-10-23
WIN 2005-02-28
WIN 2011-05-03
WIN 2008-08-27
WIN 2007-03-20
WIN 2003-09-15
WIN 2011-01-01
WIN 2007-03-30
WIN 2010-09-28
WIN 2010-03-16
WIN 2007-03-05
Unlock key (a.k.a. registration key) is used by shareware or other "limited" games to unlock the full game. There's very little difference to the other key types than the fact that you actually have the full game already, but can't play it in full without unlocking/registering it first.
This can function as a form of DRM by preventing play as long as no correct key is provided, in some games this limitation only affects singleplayer or multiplayer but not both (commonly the latter is blocked if not both).
This can function as a form of DRM by preventing play as long as no correct key is provided, in some games this limitation only affects singleplayer or multiplayer but not both (commonly the latter is blocked if not both).