VMware Player 12 was released in 2015, alongside VMware Workstation Pro 12. It was a significant release because it marked the transition from a purely "player" application to a more robust "Player Pro."
If you are using it for home use, you do not need a key; simply select "Use VMware Workstation Player for free for non-commercial use" during the initial startup. Broadcom Support: Vmware Player 12 Key
That’s right. You no longer need a key for at all. VMware Player 12 was released in 2015, alongside
If you’d like, I can help you for the latest free version or explain the hardware requirements for running VMware on your specific PC. You no longer need a key for at all
: Unlike the old "Player" version, the now-free Pro version supports advanced features like snapshots and virtual network customization. Official Downloads
: Added support for 4K UHD monitors and multiple monitors with different DPI settings.