:(

The "index" means the game is forbidden (not to be sold to anyone) or banned (only for adults, no ads and store presentations - basically making it pretty unable to buy). The rated 18+ games available in stores are not on the "index".

All games require a rating, old games don't have one and are not to be sold to people below 18. That is even true for old jump'n'runs and the like. I think that this is the reason for most not available games to Germans here.

*twirls mustache while laughing maniacally* BWAHAHAHA!!! You underestimate my power! Just like all those pitiful recruiters...

*remembers own lack of job* Awww.... damn! Now I'm sad. T_T

It's perfectly legal to sell indexed games to adults in germany.

Nope. The "index" means that the game is not allowed to be "publicly advertised" in stores or on online storefronts clearly intended for use by German consumers (hence why GOG's decision to start offering the site in German and euros really pissed me off). They are otherwise treated as games rated 18. Games that haven't been rated by the USK but are not on the index can likewise not be presented for open sale in retail shops, but can be sold on online stores, unless they're on "List C" or "List D" of the index.

Being placed on "List A" (or "List C" for exclusively digitally distributed or broadcast media) means that the game is deemed to be harmful to minors and so should not be openly advertised.

Being placed on "List B" (or "List D" for exclusively digitally distributed or broadcast media) means that the game is deemed to be potentially illegal, so it is prohibited to openly advertise the game, and it is essentially "flagged" for the public prosecutor to verify whether the game breaks the law.

You're confusing "Indizierung" with "Beschlagnahmung"/"Einziehung" (confiscation), which means that the commercial sale of the game is forbidden (import for personal use and personal ownership remain permitted).

The number of viable games with actual valid confiscations today is probably countable on two hands, and only one of them relates to the use of swastikas: the 2009 Wolfenstein game. The court rulings for Wolfenstein 3D and Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines have expired and haven't been renewed.

All of the others relate to violence: Condemned, Dead Rising 2 (Dead Rising 1 expired in June), Left 4 Dead 2, Manhunt 2, Mortal Kombat 2011, Silent Hill: Homecoming, Soldier of Fortune: Payback.

Not forbidden ("confiscated") games, these are not to be sold to anyone and are not available to buy (anymore). You may still own these if you have them, but are not allowed to sell them.

This is a step further that "banned" games, which you can buy with 18+, but they will not have ads and the like.

EDIT: Oh well... index banns and confiscations aside - days like these just means less to buy for us here. Maybe that changes someday... who knows.

Well then, from one jobseeker to another, may our days soon be filled with unrealistic project deadlines and hot coworkers.

Ngh, it feels so wrong to see them be called Bethesda's shooters. Technically they are now, but Bethesda had no part in creating these classics.

I know, but you were talking about the index.

Bethesda-published shooters. *shrug* It would have been nice for GOG to give a shoutout to id in the promo text, but whatevs...

Probably time for me to pick up Doom II.

To hell with the legalities and 'technically correct' terms I say. Doom and Quake was and forever will be known as the ID first person shooters.

Even though I had these on Steam.
I bought whole pack to support GOG and to own parts of history (once more - or more accurately thrice more).

To my surprise I was also given Elder scrolls 1&2 :D Is this part of the deal?

These games are freeware now.
They are given by GOG when you purchase certain Bethesda Games.

I own Doom already. I might want to grab Quake and Quake 2 but I must say I feel everything is overpriced. Especially Wolfstein 3D.
I just got so many deals and fun with the piñatas, after the initial misgivings, and with the complete Gothic series for 5 € and change. I want to be spoiled. And yes, Bethesda should CREDIT ID Software. It's not like it's gonna cost them money after al.

"Now is the best time to brush up on your face-blasting skills - after all, you never know when you'll be called back into action.."

Doom 3?
Quake 4?
Wolfenstein 2009/New Order?
Rage?

All of the above?

Edit: Oh and Heretic/Hexen. Forgot about those.

Edit 2: sweet looks like the first two guesses were right