Community Discussion 1: Showing Grace

Crackerbox · **Posted:** 10 Dec 2011, 20:57

Kimarhri wrote:

But the difference is that no one mentions it now

Really? I still hear people bitch about WoW's launch all the time. Of course I don't understand it, because I played WoW on day one, and my server never crashed once, nor did I ever have to wait in a queue.

Kimarhri · **Joined:** 13 May 2011, 14:57 **Posts:** 364

Crackerbox wrote:

Kimarhri wrote:

But the difference is that no one mentions it now

Really? I still hear people bitch about WoW's launch all the time. Of course I don't understand it, because I played WoW on day one, and my server never crashed once, nor did I ever have to wait in a queue.

It comes up when there is a new MMO on the horizon or when one is about to launch, like now. It's not a very talked about topic because it's way in the past. The game itself has it's own problems currently that are to be addressed and discussed, the launch of WoW is just something used to be compared to when talking about a different game.

wurgy · **Posted:** 10 Dec 2011, 23:29

In my case I bought the deluxe download on the 21st. I decided here a couple weeks ago to cancel that and get a CE. I ended up buying one from Best Buy and supposedly I'll have it on the 20th. I couldn't put in my pre-order code but I still got my early access email even though I don't have I pre order key on the account. In all likelihood I could lose my early access and even not get the game by the 20th because I ordered late and I'll get a song and dance number from best buy about them not getting enough units shipped and blah blah blah blah. Could the worst situation if it happened suck major? Oh yeah, I but ya know what, for me I've been camping this game since late 2008, and if I have to wait a week or even a month I'm still gonna play. I could get worked up about it and ruin my childlike joy that I will have once this shows up on my doorstep but that wouldn't do me any good and it's not going to change anything. In this case I think it's better to grin and bear it and wait till my Star Wars Christmas comes. ;-)

Smuggled in from docking bay 94.

Sheppard · **Joined:** 26 Jul 2011, 13:58 **Posts:** 310

There have been many post in this thread that make me proud to be a member of this community.

It is not often that you can have civil disagreements on the internet, much less in a community based around an MMO. I am glad to see that our members can actually have adult discourse.

That all being said, I do feel badly for the people that are not going to be able to play at launch.

I know some people have said things like, "It's just a game" but that really isn't the point. It, at least to me, is more about the fact that people are ultimately going to be excluded from participating in the launch because of how this was handled.

Bioware is doing their best to fix the situation I am sure, but that doesn't change the fact that some bad decisions were made on their part. But they are only human after all, and at least they are attempting to resolve the issues. Some people would not even acknowledge the problems.

I am hopeful that the issue of a grace period will become non existent though. By that I mean, Bioware is able to somehow ensure that all customer's receive their copy on the 20th or earlier.

Snodge · **Posted:** 11 Dec 2011, 04:55

Also, this from twitter:

SWTOR wrote:

RT @RayMuzyka: @Ebonhawke14 @HunterMG96 We hear you & are taking the grace period issue very seriously. We’re looking at all our options. @SWTOR @bioware

StepWolf · **Joined:** 12 Aug 2011, 11:43 **Posts:** 97

For those interested and for those who bought their CE copy from GameStop, I received the following email:

Thank you for contacting GameStop.com.

Since you paid for overnight shipping, we will ship your game on 12/19/11 so you will receive it the day of release 12/20/11.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to respond to this email.

I realize that this is not set in stone. However, it does provide some hope.
_______________________________________________________________________

r2d2arm · **Posted:** 11 Dec 2011, 12:39

I've posted this on other websites, so will copy my reply to this topic!

I contacted Amazon a few days ago. I initially had free shipping on the order which was giving me a delivery estimate of December 28th or later

I had no options of changing shipping to release date like some others on Amazon have. I really have no clue why this isn't an option. I started checking my order weekly starting in November to see if the estimate would change or if I'd get new shipping options. I wasn't too worried until the Bioware CS "bot" members stated in various threads that information regarding a grace period will be given at a later time. When I read that, I had a feeling the grace period will get ditched. Sure enough, when the updated FAQ hit last week, that's what happened! Anyways, below is Amazon.com's response to my inability to change my shipping to release date. I also explained in my email that a production registration code is necessary to play the game when it launches and asked if Amazon would provide this code.

Amazon.com response:

Quote:

Hello,

Thank you for asking if “Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector’s Bundle ” is eligible for Release-Date Delivery. I’ve checked the product detail page on Amazon.com, and it appears the item is not currently eligible for this shipping option. I see that the release date of this game is on November 20, 2011 (typo!).

We only offer the Release-Date Delivery option when we know we can get the item from our suppliers in time to meet our delivery promise to you. It is possible that this item will become eligible as the release date gets closer and we’ve confirmed our inventory.

At this time, I can only suggest that you check back on Amazon.com at a later time. If this item becomes eligible for Release-Date Delivery, that information will be posted on the item detail page here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005B8DRVU

Eligibility for Release-Date Delivery is indicated for each product on the product page, in the order pipeline, or at check-out. If the option does not appear, either the item or the shipping address is not eligible.

…

However to make this right for you, I have upgraded the shipping method to One Day Shipping at no additional cost so that you receive the game at the earliest. The new Estimated Delivery Date is December 22, 2011.

…

The product registration code will be emailed to you once the package containing the game is shipped out from our fulfillment center.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward seeing you soon.

I’m really curious about the email with your production registration code. If it is true, then a grace period should not be needed, assuming the emails roll out smoothly. I was happy to get a free shipping upgrade. Not quite the 20th, but it closer at least.

jediraven82 · **Joined:** 30 Nov 2011, 11:27 **Posts:** 14

I shot an e-mail to Amazon yesterday and here is the response I got:

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear that you didn't receive the release date delivery option for the Star Wars: The Old Republic Collector's Bundle. I'm contacting our technical team to rectify the situation about the release date delivery.

I just wanted to let you know I'll write back in 2-3 business days with more information.

Thanks for giving me time to find the best solution.

Thank you for your recent inquiry. Did I solve your problem?

If yes, please click here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/survey?p= ... WQTCR&k=hy

If no, please click here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/survey?p= ... WQTCR&k=hn

Best regards,

Manish S
Amazon.com
Your feedback is helping us build Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company.

So I'm cautiously optimistic that they will give me release date delivery. I know I will only be without access for 2.5 days based on when FedEx/UPS usually show up, but I've got that time off of work and planned on playing the game those days. Once the weekend arrives it'll be nothing but family stuff for Christmas and the following week is some 12 hour days at work.

RokaImo · **Posted:** 11 Dec 2011, 15:33

r2d2arm wrote:

I’m really curious about the email with your production registration code. If it is true, then a grace period should not be needed, assuming the emails roll out smoothly. I was happy to get a free shipping upgrade. Not quite the 20th, but it closer at least.

I really can't see them mailing out codes to folks.

Firstly the shipping process is automated from what I know. The packages are labelled then scanned and the computer system generates a notification telling you the product has been shipped along with tracking info.

Secondly, they're not going to open every customers product, find the code in the disc case/manual, jot that down and them email it out. That would take more hands on time with it and slow things down. It would also create issues where shippers could in theory take items from the opened box, or forget to repack something if they don't know where the code is.

Lastly.. the registration code, as some have suggested in other forums, won't be printed on the outside of the box, as then anyone who finds a copy in store could just look at the code, copy it down/photo it and enter it when they get home and get the software without paying for the product. I also doubt the code will be in some "code" that a scanner could pick up and attach to shipping emails/notices.

Those answering inquiries are a total different area of the company from the shipping/warehousing, and are probably going off of a script that they have in regards to customers concerns on things (I know I did when I did some work as a call agent for a high speed internet service).

Jakonius · **Joined:** 18 Nov 2011, 19:57 **Posts:** 53

This is one of those discussions where again I feel bad for those who have legitimate reasons for wanting the grace period. However, I imagine they are concerned that it would be taken advantage of, and rightly so. Not everyone is as considerate as the members of this community and probably for every 1-2 people with hardship there are half a dozen that would take advantage of a grace period. I mean when you start a job you don't work the first few days for free do you? The early access was a reward for purchasing the game early, there is a month of free access for purchasing the game period, which is a great thing they are doing.

I personally don't like it in situations such as these when a developer changes its mind on something that could affect a lot of people. I like to stick to my guns at least then if it fails I can feel good about sticking to what I knew.

I guess what I'm saying if anything is that yes I know it sucks, but at the same time you will get to play this awesome game. I hope it doesn't ruin your experience and like what was said earlier in this thread, I'm sure Bioware is working on something that is mutually acceptable.

Hopefully in a couple of weeks this will be behind us so everyone can enjoy what looks like the best MMO to date.

Here's something you'll really like!

Community Discussion 1: Showing Grace

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