Sleeping Dogs Definitive Unplayable in Germany
Sleeping Dogs is getting an improved release on new gen consoles and PC. Sleeping Dogs Definitive contains improved graphics and all previously released DLC. In Germany, however, this is all completely useless, as the game isn’t actually able to start.
Firstly, Sleeping Dogs is banned in Germany, so it’s actually impossible to purchase it in the country. Through the use of VPNs or gifting it’s possible to add it to your games list, and that’s how thousands of German PC gamers bought and played the title first time around. That’s changed for the Definitive Edition, however, which can’t even be launched.
One fan complained about the issue, but wasn’t happy with the answer they were given.
@gluecks @UnitedFrontGame The regular version of Sleeping Dogs is banned in Germany due to high levels of violence-There's nothing we can do
— Sleeping Dogs (@sleepingdogs) October 3, 2014
@sleepingdogs What you are doing however is preventing the game from being launched in Germany at all. Original SD launches fine in Germany.
— gluecks (@gluecks) October 4, 2014
@sleepingdogs @UnitedFrontGame European trade law doesn't allow you to sell a game in a EU country that then can't be used elsewhere (in EU)
— gluecks (@gluecks) October 4, 2014
In all fairness to whoever controls the Sleeping Dogs Twitter account, the conversation didn’t end there.
@gluecks We're looking into this situation but would you have a direct source for your information concerning EU trade law?
— Sleeping Dogs (@sleepingdogs) October 5, 2014
Either way, if you’re from Germany and want to play Sleeping Dogs: Definitive, it might be best to hold off on purchasing until this issue is resolved.
Article By Mat Growcott
Mat Growcott has been a long-time member of the gaming press. He's written two books and a web series, and doesn't have nearly enough time to play the games he writes about.
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