Head Start Pre-Order Keys

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If you pre-ordered from one of our retailers who is advertised as a Head Start Program Retailer (ie. Best Buy, Game Stop, physical EU retailers) and you participated in the Open Beta or have an Open Beta key, you can use that key to gain entry into the Head Start program.

Direct to Drive and Steam are not included in the head start program.

If you have any further questions - please post them here so we may address them in a timely manner.

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Does 6-month/Lifetime subscribtions give early access??

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i have yet to receive any pre-order codes(beta or early start), from the two UK retailers i've tried ordering with. have confirmation emails from both, but no codes so far. contacted the first, HMV, and was told that the could would be sent 'within the week of release' which means that the code may well be useless by the time it arrives. have yet to contact the second retailer, GameStation, as i only order from them this evening and thought i'd at least wait till tomorrow before following it up with them.

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how is it so many D2D customers are claiming they are able to access the headstart then?

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I have 2d2 preorder and tried to get on. Says the server is down on the loader but the website says it is up.

"No shards found: You have a ticket with 1 permission pairs, but no shards where found."

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first of Im in NA
Are the head start offers still viable ie can I preorder and still get in

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Why in the hell would you not make the 3 day head start open to all people who pre-ordered!??! obviously you don't give a **** about your loyal customers, and just about how much money Gamestop and the rest of them will pay you to have rights to the "3 day head start", which is now 2 because the servers have been down all day. Read the forums, people are already leaving a game that hasn't even launched yet!

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I ordered from HMV (uk) and, like others who did the same, have recieved no codes whatsoever.

They seem to think that codes are not to be sent until next week, when its released. Miscommunication?

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I went to purchase the pre-order of this game on your website cryptic.

Clicking on the link you had up for the past week "preorder now, gain early access"

After which it took you to a list of retailers,

Why are those of us who chose to order from our prefered retailer not allowed a headstart? when you provided links on your website for preorders through a link that stated early access?

No where did it state hey heres a list of retailers, but don't order from these two you won't have a headstart.

Complete and utter *edited* but nothing that can be done about it now. Just thought I'd point out where the obvious confusion is coming in from all the D2D preorders who ordered by clicking on links on your website.

*keep it clean!* Edited for language - Awen

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Im guessing from the crap that happened with all the preorder items the devs posted about that ATARI caused alot of this crap

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I went to purchase the pre-order of this game on your website cryptic.

Clicking on the link you had up for the past week "preorder now, gain early access"

After which it took you to a list of retailers,

Why are those of us who chose to order from our prefered retailer not allowed a headstart? when you provided links on your website for preorders through a link that started early access?

No where did it state hey heres a list of retailers, but don't order from these two you won't have a headstart.

Complete and utter **** but nothing that can be done about it now. Just thought I'd point out where the obvious confusion is coming in from all the D2D preorders who ordered by clinking on links on your website.

I am going to have to agree with this. 100%

If I had been told there was no head start through D2D I would have ordered somewhere else.

This is the kind of thing that ruins people opinions on a game. I was excited about the game and this is almost enough for me to cancel my account and order.

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Had the D2D said NOT ABLE TO PARTICAPATE IN THE EARLY START PROGRAM i might have waited to get the game. There is no disclaimer on the preorder site that says only two retailers in the US can use the start early program. There is nothing the in the description of the D2D that says anything about not able to start until release.

I see a fate similar to auto assault.

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Absolutly. Even mythic opend up the head start program for everyone because of this kind of BS mis communication. Did they pay you guys extra $$ to get the exclusive head start? This seems pretty shady imo. Fix it!

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Same here. I orderer via Amazon.de cause it was linked on the CO Site.

Even the german CM Wishstone told us yesterday that all but Digital-Download customers will be able to participate in the Headstart but after contacting Amazon.de support several times today I know better.

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I wonder if it's because the people who have D2D who can get in are people who had active beta accounts and that's somehow flagged them for early access. OR if they have 6 month or life time added and that does it.

Anyone here have that so we can figure it out?

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To add insult to injury, the "product title" that you buy from D2D, as it appears on your invoice/receipt reads:

"Champion's Online Pre-Order Bonus and Beta Access"

False advertising?

I totally agree that things should've been much more clearly stated on the page that Champions takes you to, to pre-order the software. Obviously, the majority would've purchased from the vendors that had headstart agreements with Cryptic.

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Its because of the subs.

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Hmm, boasting a program you can't even stick to is a little weird... Even more so was it confusing to figure out whether or not I get a key since ordering from Amazon.

Your site says I get a key, and their site says so too. But there's no way for me to actually poke anyone for this supposed key :p

Yay, might cancel my order if I'm "uneligible" just not worth it really

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Stuck at the stupid shard message. What's wrong with you people?
I pre-ordered 2 copies, but I guess I'll have to cancel it and go back to WoW...

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Honestly, this post does not help much. One of the keys from Amazon does not give EA. The other is NOT RECOGNIZED. From what Amazon told me, they MAY have another key for me tomorrow, but you told them there would be a LIMITED NUMBER and NOT EVERYONE would be served (Why that, I can't guess)

Further, I don't know if THOSE keys (assuming you send more than a few) will work or not.

I finally got access to EA, but because I have a 6-month sub. However, my account does NOT say access to EA. And you did not answer that question, so I don't know if you wont disable that "undue" access to top it off.

The bonus items are also a mystery : I still have no way to get them, and they're also supposed to be "a limited stock".

There are also no news on the website to say whether you're trying to fix the issue, or are even aware of it. The threads in the boards were wiped without any answers. And my open support ticket was never even read, it seems.

Could you AT LEAST communicate a bit more ? This whole launch has been an horrible mess and what you posted does not solve the issue.

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I got my code from gamestop, now i just gotta wait for the download. :D

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Just a heads up if it hasn't been mentioned already....

If you have not pre-ordered and already received your head start key from Gamestop.com (can't speak for other online retailers) DO NOT do so expecting to be able to participate in the head start. Their customer service line is stating that the keys take 2+ days to be sent out AFTER your order is placed. If you place the online order today you might get lucky and receive a key by Sunday but don't count on it.

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I have preordered with a partner and i have recieved an open beta code. However according to you the key is already in use, also my orignal open beta code wont work either. So im staring at a screen saying i am not part of any headstart even though i should be.

The devs really need to jump in and show some heroism to us people in need.

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lol, people want to play your game and pay you hard earned cash for it.
company's response?
A swift kick in the gonads.

I have several buddies who pre-ordered off D2D, now I won't be able to play with them during the head-start. It's a dang shame. Droves of people are excited about this game, and all Atari/Cryptic is doing is stirring up unneeded bad karma during launch.

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Agh, enough of this sh*t already. I'm just calling to my bank and cancelling the deal. I'm not going to pay for a Pre-Order that is a fking joke.

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Yes I played in the beta and I went out last night preordered from D2D thinking that would get me into the head start because of what it said on the champion website. I read here that I would still be able to play by using my beta key to get into the head start isn't that right? It doesn't work....

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Ive tried this, but whenever i stick my beta key in, it says "already in use".

I preordered specifically for the early access, which now appears pointless. :(

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I went to purchase the pre-order of this game on your website cryptic.

Clicking on the link you had up for the past week "preorder now, gain early access"

After which it took you to a list of retailers,

Why are those of us who chose to order from our prefered retailer not allowed a headstart? when you provided links on your website for preorders through a link that stated early access?

No where did it state hey heres a list of retailers, but don't order from these two you won't have a headstart.

Complete and utter bull**** but nothing that can be done about it now. Just thought I'd point out where the obvious confusion is coming in from all the D2D preorders who ordered by clicking on links on your website.

I couldn't agree more, the CO website ushered us to D2D as well as posts freom different Dev team members.

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Direct to Drive and Steam are not included in the head start program.



WTF...... why wasnt this info here earlier ?????
This is bull****... im about to cancel my account over this,,,,,,, <not that hard.... just tell you bank you are a victime of a fraud.....

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I preordered on Play.com

Play customers customers will receive entry to our Open Beta, beginning August 17, as well as entry to our Early Start Program. Additionally, they will receive a Physical Damage Resistance item, Neutronium Shoulder Generators and an Insectoid Airfoil Costume Piece. When they purchase the retail copy, Play customers will receive 30 days of game time.

Yet the server is showed as offline on the patcher, and i can't play. (i did activate my pre-order key.)

Has the server been really down for hours? or should i contact billing?

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I am also canceling my pre-order. This is very unprofessional, especially after I helped the company out by playing the Beta and giving feedback.

Horrible customer relations.

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I am also canceling my pre-order. This is very unprofessional, especially after I helped the company out by playing the Beta and giving feedback.

Horrible customer relations.

i think everyone that didnt get the same benefits and has the ability to cancel should.. i got shafted because i used d2d and they won't let me cancel.. i don't deal with companies who promote dirty/shady business practices.. their support for the enraged customers is even lacking.. it's like.. "oh we don't care if you're a devoted customer and preordered it months in advance.. you didnt get it from our 'approved' people to buy from" yet you posted on your own site a link to them selling it.. i'll probably go into my bank monday and tell them to put a stop payment on it, since i can't freaking do it on the phone..

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well, can't even get into the start... so there goes that... now stuck waiting for the main launch - pre-order access my ass... Last time i order **** from D2D..

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I went to purchase the pre-order of this game on your website cryptic.

Clicking on the link you had up for the past week "preorder now, gain early access"

After which it took you to a list of retailers,

Why are those of us who chose to order from our prefered retailer not allowed a headstart? when you provided links on your website for preorders through a link that stated early access?

No where did it state hey heres a list of retailers, but don't order from these two you won't have a headstart.

Complete and utter bull**** but nothing that can be done about it now. Just thought I'd point out where the obvious confusion is coming in from all the D2D preorders who ordered by clicking on links on your website.

I am going to have to agree with this. 100%

If I had been told there was no head start through D2D I would have ordered somewhere else.

This is the kind of thing that ruins people opinions on a game. I was excited about the game and this is almost enough for me to cancel my account and order.

i have too agree with this 100% aswell its total crap that i from going to a place where u did say preorder and get EA and bonus that now i find out that i get jack didilly it aint a very good start for many i beleave from what i read as it was i was only doing the 6 mounth subie cause i thought **** like this might happen

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Bit naughty all this tbh. The UK also has a Bank Holiday weekend so could've had some extra play :D Ah well, wait till next Tuesday then.

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I'll join the armada of disappointed customers.

The Early Start was hyped everywhere around the net, from Cryptic's website to any fansite out there. It was very unclear that only selected retailers offer this option.

Furthermore, I cannot remedy this mistake. Even if I cancel my order and reorder from BB... According to the conditions outlined above, you must play in the open beta to enjoy the early start.

Unfortunate.

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How come Canada doesn't get any Early Start programs, and if we do, why is there zero information about it?

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Bit naughty all this tbh. The UK also has a Bank Holiday weekend so could've had some extra play :D Ah well, wait till next Tuesday then.

this could also make it harder for those of us dealing with retailers and their screw ups. :(

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If you pre-ordered from one of our retailers who is advertised as a Head Start Program Retailer (ie. Best Buy, Game Stop, physical EU retailers) and you participated in the Open Beta or have an Open Beta key, you can use that key to gain entry into the Head Start program.

Direct to Drive and Steam are not included in the head start program.

If you have any further questions - please post them here so we may address them in a timely manner.

Man I don't usually do this but sir. This is some of the weakest crap I have ever heard of. I honestly would not have bought your game if I wasn't going a get headstart as there are better games coming very soon (some where everyone that buy pre-order gets headstart rights even). It really can't be no skin off of anyones back to let all the pre-orders in. Christ we even paid more than most of the physical retailer.

I look even less forward to playing now. See ya when the better games get a bit boring I guess.

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Seriously, Cryptic is making direct2drive look bad. This is the first headstart program I know of that is restricted to only people who preordered from select retailers. Usually, as long as you preorder you get into the open beta. I guess i'll just go with **** since that game allows everyone to get into the headstart regardless of where they preordered from. Hell, I bought the pre order pack for **** from newegg.com and i'll be getting into that headstart program without an issue. Cryptic should have stuck with ncsoft since they have no idea how to handle customer relations. Cryptic makes great games, but these customer relations debacles should sink the company.

And Awen I hope you realize if cryptic doesn't turn a profit from champions that you will be one of the first people to get laid off. Your just a csr, your not a valuable member of the team like Ray Yu is or any other coder. So seriously work on fixing this or look for another job.

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Bestbuy Canada doesn't even have Champions Online available to order never mind anything about special offers. The same with gamestop.ca. So Canadians could only get pre orders via D2D, steam etc...

The worst thing for a mmo is bad word of mouth and this type of publicity is bad and will likely get into the reviews which will come out next week. Great way to hamstring yourself.

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Wow this is sad, I'd been thinking about preordering for several weeks and finally did 3 days ago.... though unlike allot of you complaining about D2D I actually read both Cryptics site and each retailers and took what they had listed (which matched) as what they where giving. Thus I ordered from GameStop and not D2D since all D2D ever offered was beta and a backpack (which I thought was weird since it was less than everyone else). Now those in the EU have a valid complaint since the e-mail did state any retailer but if you're in NA.... I would recommend actually reading what your clicking on before you hit pay because there not going to magically add a pony because you wish it so and they didn’t say the WOULDN'T add a pony.

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I too got suckered into the D2D deal and now I find out that I can't play? I wished I could cancel and at the very least gotten a retail version. But I wanted to play early and see what t got me. Your fanbase is mad. I believe it's time to do something about it Cryptic. Or are you going to ignore them like most MMO companies.

I would have gotten the 6 month subscription. Infact I almost did but you where having problems with your billing system. I think I'll pass on that now.

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I have been posting around in the other topics as well. This seems to be incredibly unfair now that it has come to ilght that you can bypass the exclusive vendors and just opt for a 6 month or lifetime subscription and get in. Alot of us preordered only to get into the game early and chose our retailers on the basis of whom we trust. Not in game items, not beta access, head start. Now we learn that after all of this misinformation from our vendors that if we give Crytpic 6 months or lifetime money up front we can still get in. This is just downright poor customer service.

The way to fix a problem is not to make your customers pay more for the privelege. We as preorder customers should not be excluded from the headstart just because we chose other vendors. I personally do not like Best Buy or Gamestop because they have horrible business practices. I chose D2D because I have used it for years and have always been satisfied. When I learned that my friend was online playing all day because he chose to go for the 6 month sub I was furious.

I refuse to pay for a lengthy subscription when your business practices are proving to be shady and customer service is already inconsistent at best. I am sure that Cryptic/Atari are counting on the fact that most of us are just upset and will still log in on Tuesday and give them our money. I love this game and enjoyed the beta and until this morning was excited for the launch. Now, I may just eat my non-refundable purchase and not play this game at all.

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Hey guys! I've been having the error for the shards also, and I bought it via D2D ...but i just bought the 6 months and directly they let me throught and right now its patching...so its up to you guys! Cya later InGame!

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Hey guys! I've been having the error for the shards also, and I bought it via D2D ...but i just bought the 6 months and directly they let me throught and right now its patching...so its up to you guys! Cya later InGame!

See previous posts. The answer isnt to fix the problem by making us pay more money. This is about customer service more than it is about jumping in a few days early.

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If you pre-ordered from one of our retailers who is advertised as a Head Start Program Retailer (ie. Best Buy, Game Stop, physical EU retailers) and you participated in the Open Beta or have an Open Beta key, you can use that key to gain entry into the Head Start program.

Direct to Drive and Steam are not included in the head start program.

If you have any further questions - please post them here so we may address them in a timely manner.
Has this changed? I bought through D2D, and realized afterwards (reading these forums) that preorder does not automatically mean headstart. I was kinda bummed, but whatever. I bought what I bought, right?

Lo and behold though, I tried logging on just to see if it would let me on during headstart...and it did! So has this changed, or have I fortuitously slipped through the cracks?

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages. Please keep your language clean and your criticism constructive or this thread will be closed.

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I'm confused. so if you get the 6 months subscribtion you can start now already? I thought the servers would go live on the 1st.

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages.

and on this note can i once again ask just what you plan to do about the retailers that are not delivering what they offered(UK retailers not distributing Early Start Codes)?

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I'm confused. so if you get the 6 months subscribtion you can start now already? I thought the servers would go live on the 1st.

one of the pre-order perks offered(by some retailers) was an Early Start. access to the game before the 1st. i believe this was also included with the 6 month and lifetime sub offers.

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and on this note can i once again ask just what you plan to do about the retailers that are not delivering what they offered(UK retailers not distributing Early Start Codes)?
Please contact customer support and they will be able to assist you.

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages. Please keep your language clean and your criticism constructive or this thread will be closed.

Then how about giving us some information on why people can completely bypass the system put in place that is "quite clearly explained" by locking themselves into a 6 month or lifetime subscription? I never saw that on the retail pages that if we give Cryptic money up front we get a pass to get in.

I think most of us would be happy if we just got some real feeback instead of canned responses.

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Awen,
Since we apparently have your attention, what about the fact that the Pre-Order page still states that Gamestop in the US is a valid retailer to pre-order and get head start, but there are those of us who have been told (by a Gamestop CSR no less) that keys are not being sent out any more? I don't mean to be rude here but that is a serious disconnect between Cryptic and its retail partners is it not? Not to mention false advertising on Cryptic's part...

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages. Please keep your language clean and your criticism constructive or this thread will be closed.

If they were all clear, then why are there so many issues? Also why is it that if I buy a lifetime or 6 month special offer I will gain access when it is not noted in said offers that it allows access to Headstart?

It seems that it isn't quiet as clear as you make it out to be.

Maybe it's just me.

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To add insult to injury, the "product title" that you buy from D2D, as it appears on your invoice/receipt reads:

"Champion's Online Pre-Order Bonus and Beta Access"

False advertising?

I totally agree that things should've been much more clearly stated on the page that Champions takes you to, to pre-order the software. Obviously, the majority would've purchased from the vendors that had headstart agreements with Cryptic.
Beta is over... Early access now...

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I pre-ordered from best buy on Monday but still have not been given an early start code. Has anyone else had this issue? I have emailed support but have not been give a response yet.

The initial post in this thread said if you purchased from early start retailers you can use your open beta key, does this mean anyone can essentially play? or am i misunderstanding the language.

Thanks in advance.

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Yep I pretty much pre-ordered thru gamestop only because I read that I could particiapte in head-start. Without a key however i might as well have ordered from D2D which I would of prefered to do.

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages. Please keep your language clean and your criticism constructive or this thread will be closed.

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE "we don't care about you. you got what you got, deal with it. if you don't shut up about it, we'll just close the thread and ignore you like we have been doing."

didn't seem too clear to me when i bought it, or to the many others who are complaining. now d2d and others are gonna get charged at least one chargeback fee cuz im taking my money back.. and you wont be getting at least one subscription, not to mention the countless others..

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages. Please keep your language clean and your criticism constructive or this thread will be closed.

Would it really kill you to give headstart access to everyone? If not, as a show of faith, it would be nice if you at least came back with something to offer us other than the responses you have given. It would be different if it was the customers sole mistake, but this was a combination of misleading links and blantant mistyping/understanding of whoever posted the original info on D2D.

Its obviously a big problem with communication as this is not an isolated deal with a small group of people in the same general area. This is a problem that occured with many people in many different locations. To simply shrug it off and to point out we got duped and you had no hand in it is uncalled for.

It was posted in various places by other forum mmebers about misleading links from both Crytic and D2D. Read the posts about the "pre-order and get into the headstart program" taking people to a retail page that has all retailers on it and not just the headstart retailers. So the "quite clear" part is not clear when put into such context as misleading links to a page. yes that page was clear, but the links were not and the information found in the links Cryptic provided to us were not so clear. Keep in mind what I said, Cryptic linked us to the D2D site containing the information for preorders. We did not simply go there and find the game, Cryptic linked us there.

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Awen. Could you give us some feedback as to why EU customers of Play.com have received the costume unlocks, but not the additional defensive power? It seems weird we'd get half our bonuses but not the other.

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Awen,
Since we apparently have your attention, what about the fact that the Pre-Order page still states that Gamestop in the US is a valid retailer to pre-order and get head start, but there are those of us who have been told (by a Gamestop CSR no less) that keys are not being sent out any more? I don't mean to be rude here but that is a serious disconnect between Cryptic and its retail partners is it not? Not to mention false advertising on Cryptic's part...

My friend is a manager at a local GameStop, she just gave away her last key yesterday. They only received 2 to begin with (though they are a small store surrounded by 5 other bigger GameStop / EBs.

Long story short, don't believe what GameStop tells you. I have always been offered preorder bonuses after a game launched when I bought the game if they had any extra left, and this is at stores where I don't even know the people working there.

GameStop is completely out on keys probably on their webpage, the one that had the biggest pool of keys, their stores still have some. Just uber rare.

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Would it really kill you to give headstart access to everyone?

Yes, because that would be breach of contract.

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I got the gamestop preorder code but I can't get in says no shards found ticket open, wtf gives?

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I cannot get into the Head Start.

I pre-ordered as soon as the option was available. I did this by using the link provided on the Champion Site. At that time there was a single page blurb about the nice Open Beta, the head start program, and nice items if you pre-order. So I clicked on it which took me straight to File planet and D2D as the retailer.

Now if you click on "Pre-Order" you get this long page with each retailer listed individually and the perks you get with each one.

It wasn't until later (after I purchased) that the Champions Web site changed the link on it to include the information that items and access was different depending on where you bought it.

As far as I am concerned, Champions Website stated that a pre-order would come with "perks" if I purchased, so I did. It wasn't until after I ordered that champions website changed and clarified the information

So naturally I am very put out with this.

I would very much like to be contacted regarding this.

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I cannot get into the Head Start.

I pre-ordered as soon as the option was available. I did this by using the link provided on the Champion Site. At that time there was a single page blurb about the nice Open Beta, the head start program, and nice items if you pre-order. So I clicked on it which took me straight to File planet and D2D as the retailer.

Now if you click on "Pre-Order" you get this long page with each retailer listed individually and the perks you get with each one.

It wasn't until later (after I purchased) that the Champions Web site changed the link on it to include the information that items and access was different depending on where you bought it.

As far as I am concerned, Champions Website stated that a pre-order would come with "perks" if I purchased, so I did. It wasn't until after I ordered that champions website changed and clarified the information

So naturally I am very put out with this.

I would very much like to be contacted regarding this.
Well said! I was linked to D2D the same way "from the CO website pre-order plus benefits" page, not to GameStop or BB, or given the option for such.

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Yes, because that would be breach of contract.

breach of contract? its their game...they can do whatever they want. i seriously doubt D2D has any say as to how they run their game.

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You should give some tough loving to the webmaster who designs the CO's homepage. Next time when you make a link on your front page stating "Pre-order now, get early access!", don't include the links that doesn't actually offer the early access.

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I do not understand all the drama.
Its pretty much clear to me: http://champions-online.com/retail

And just to point: Early Start and Open Beta Acess its not the same thing.

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You should give some tough loving to the webmaster who designs the CO's homepage. Next time when you make a link on your front page stating "Pre-order now, get early access!", don't include the links that doesn't actually offer the early access.

that is the crux of the issue to be sure. Would of been the easiest solution really.

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages.

I couldn't disagree more. While this argument might have been viable ten years ago... It is irrelevant today, especially with the kind of product you are offering.

Personally, I never visited your official retail page, and I am sure many others did not. I read the good publicity on various websites, I found out there is an early start program, went to Amazon.com (my favorite on line retailers) and ordered the game. Needless to say, Amazon.com did not specifically say their pre order does not include early start. Nor do I expect third party websites to state "only select retailers will get the early start".

Again, unfortunate.

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breach of contract? its their game...they can do whatever they want. i seriously doubt D2D has any say as to how they run their game.

It would be breach of contract because it is obvious they entered into an exclusivity contract with both retailers to offer the head start only to those buying from them. If they let us in they would be breaking that contract. Though in all honesty at this point it wouldnt matter because those games have already been sold. If you bought the game from either retailer tomorrow you would not get a key until after release.

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Yes, because that would be breach of contract.

Why dont' they say that? I would rather hear it from the source. Part of that coming back with a show of faith. They could say this and it would help a lot I am sure, "I'm sorry, but our hands are legally tied to only allow X retailers to have the headstart bonus. But as a show of faith, we are going to give you an additional 30 days free and a free item in game that no one else will be able to get to show how sorry we are for our partners causing you such headache. But at this time we are unable to right the wrong, and for that we are truely sorry."

Do you see the more sincere words used, its called damage control. ya you didn't fire the rocket, but you were in the area and not have to put out the fires.

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It would be breach of contract because it is obvious they entered into an exclusivity contract with both retailers to offer the head start only to those buying from them. If they let us in they would be breaking that contract. Though in all honesty at this point it wouldnt matter because those games have already been sold. If you bought the game from either retailer tomorrow you would not get a key until after release.

then how is it some people from D2D were able to get in and some could not? and the EU customers were not able to get in at all, even though they were told they could? for the contract to be binding it has to be consistent, otherwise its worthless.

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All of the pre-order offers were made quite clear on our retail pages. Please keep your language clean and your criticism constructive or this thread will be closed.

That is a negative.

The preorder link which quoted "early access" took you to a list of retailers you could preorder from.

It did not in fact list which ones would permit you to have early access and which would not.

It was only later through an email on the 23rd and an announcement did the link change.

Essentially a lot of us were duped into ordering from our prefered retailer. The mass of us aren't blubbering idiots. If it was stated that only bestbuy and gamestop preorders would get a headstart anywhere in the links one must click on to purchase the game most of us would have ordered from there.

IT DID NOT

That is what the whole situation boils down to.

[Archived Post]

then how is it some people from D2D were able to get in and some could not? and the EU customers were not able to get in at all, even though they were told they could? for the contract to be binding it has to be consistent, otherwise its worthless.

Because they decided to buy 6 month or lifetime subscriptions thereby bypassing the vendor clause. It is stated nowhere that you can do this nor should you have to pay more money for early access.

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This is bull**** i cant believe i just payed 50 bucks and you wont even let me play 2 days friggin early because i didnt feel like driving to best buy what a-holes.


This has ****ed me off so badly that if i had the option i would get my money back right now. If it was a headstart for just gamestop and bestbuy i guess you should have called it....

"BEST BUY AND GAMESTOP Headstart" and not "Pre-Order Headstart"

Ya got my 50 bucks 2 days early and i now have time to cut the grass thanks alot cryptic btw I played COH for 12 subscriber months and never got a sneaky reach around like this you guys need to do some house cleaning.

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EVERYONE can play in earlystart.. you dont even need to preorder...

you just need a beta key and a subscription! thats all you need!
YOU DONT NEED THE GAME! NO PREORDER NEEDED!

if you dont believe me.. ask the many players without Preorder that are playing right now!

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Because they decided to buy 6 month or lifetime subscriptions thereby bypassing the vendor clause. It is stated nowhere that you can do this nor should you have to pay more money for early access.

Some of them did that yes, but evidently some did not.

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All of you who ordered through BB and Gamestop just wait, you'll get yours come Tuesday. When you see me running around with my super awesome Mechanoppendage backpack, you'll stop in awe, mouth gaping wide and WISH you had been forced to wait around four additional days.

And when you cry and whine to Cryptic about how you were duped into this, they'll turn a blind eye at you and say you should have read the fine print. Because fine print is what matters, not an honest loyal customer.

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Why is it that I can post in this thread but not in the one I created about this very issue?
This is ridiculous.. I pay for an early start (THROUGH GAMESTOP, yes i did my homework and ordered from your "prefered" retailer) and I do not GET an early start. Totally bogus, everyone posting in this thread feels ripped off. If I dont get into the early start sometime today I am going to put a stop payment on my account as well through VISA, you have failed to deliver what was promised and I am totally within my rights to do so.

Here's what is going to happen, I am going to wait until your MMO matures, and hits the 20 dollar bargain bin. Then and only then will I EVER consider playing it again. This is just like the train wreck that was age of conan.. and the fact that you simply ping pong people back and forth with gamestop tech and your own is very shady.. help people out, if they have undeniable proof that they have a key then you should just set up their account for them.

Very unhappy..

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EVERYONE can play in earlystart.. you dont even need to preorder...

you just need a beta key and a subscription! thats all you need!
YOU DONT NEED THE GAME! NO PREORDER NEEDED!

if you dont believe me.. ask the many players without Preorder that are playing right now!
The problem is instead of pre-ordering, you could have done beta and subscription. But if you already pre-ordered, that's $50 or $60 gone that you can't get back, so now you have to invest at least $120 to play early...penalty for being a loyal fan and buying early.

And I can verify as a witness that pre-23 Aug, the website did take you direclty to D2D from the Cryptic Pre-order page with no statement about not being part of head start. I tried different ways 3 or 4 times before ordering and the Cryptic site took me to D2D every time! That's how I got dupped into it or I would have gone to Gamestop/EB Games (canadian retailer).

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I do not understand all the drama.
Its pretty much clear to me: http://champions-online.com/retail

And just to point: Early Start and Open Beta Acess its not the same thing.

That is because this page is NOT what was up as the Pre-order page when pre-ordering begun. This is a nice long page with loads of information. What was up at first was a simple square with a few small pictures, and text regarding what was going to be offered and near the bottom was the logo's of the company s that would have it such as Gamestop, Best buy, and File-Planet.

When you clicked on the link it took you to file planet.

[Archived Post]

GOD LET THERE BE BRAIN!
everyone who cant enter the Earlystart

HERE HOW IT WORKS!
1. buy a subscription
2. start the game
3. play
5. ???
6. Profit

[Archived Post]

That is because this page is NOT what was up as the Pre-order page when pre-ordering begun. This is a nice long page with loads of information. What was up at first was a simple square with a few small pictures, and text regarding what was going to be offered and near the bottom was the logo's of the company s that would have it such as Gamestop, Best buy, and File-Planet.

When you clicked on the link it took you to file planet.

Are you sure? Bought my key 10 days ago.

[Archived Post]

GOD LET THERE BE BRAIN!
everyone who cant enter the Earlystart

HERE HOW IT WORKS!
1. buy a subscription
2. start the game
3. play
5. ???
6. Profit

NO!! why should we have to pay extra money to get something we should have gotten initially.. this is similar to a bait and switch.. heres the product we'll give you.. but then when you get the product they give you something else..

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i preordered through D2D on 8/21. I thought I would have the headstart.

This sucks.

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This is bull**** i cant believe i just payed 50 bucks and you wont even let me play 2 days friggin early because i didnt feel like driving to best buy what a-holes.


This has ****ed me off so badly that if i had the option i would get my money back right now. If it was a headstart for just gamestop and bestbuy i guess you should have called it....

"BEST BUY AND GAMESTOP Headstart" and not "Pre-Order Headstart"

Ya got my 50 bucks 2 days early and i now have time to cut the grass thanks alot cryptic btw I played COH for 12 subscriber months and never got a sneaky reach around like this you guys need to do some house cleaning.

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NO!! why should we have to pay extra money to get something we should have gotten initially.. this is similar to a bait and switch.. heres the product we'll give you.. but then when you get the product they give you something else..

YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR PLAY!
This is NOT a free MMO!
You have to buy a Subscription to play this MMO!

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Are you sure? Bought my key 10 days ago.

Yes, the website changed on the 23rd after they sent out an email stating the early start was only offered to gamestop and bestbuy. That is when they changed the website and changed the wording.

So basically ordering before the 23rd and you were duped, after the 23rd and I guess Cryptic can blanket response anything that is posted.

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YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR PLAY!
This is NOT a free MMO!
You have to buy a Subscription to play this MMO!

effing moron.. i know that.. how do i buy a subscription for one month insteadn of 6 months or lifetime? thats just another ploy from this drowning company to get more money out of us.. or what about the 30 days free they owe me already?

[Archived Post]

Are you sure? Bought my key 10 days ago.


Absolutely positive.

I bought the pre-order 08 /04 /2009

[Archived Post]

YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR PLAY!
This is NOT a free MMO!
You have to buy a Subscription to play this MMO!

your first months subscription is included in the retail price. so therefor, if you pre-ordered, you have a subscription

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The problem is instead of pre-ordering, you could have done beta and subscription. But if you already pre-ordered, that's $50 or $60 gone that you can't get back, so now you have to invest at least $120 to play early...penalty for being a loyal fan and buying early.

And I can verify as a witness that pre-23 Aug, the website did take you direclty to D2D from the Cryptic Pre-order page with no statement about not being part of head start. I tried different ways 3 or 4 times before ordering and the Cryptic site took me to D2D every time! That's how I got dupped into it or I would have gone to Gamestop/EB Games (canadian retailer).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

i am in the same boat as you....... i am canceling everything now and revoking payment on my cards.... i am going back to WOW, they are opening another expansion soon, i can wait for that, at least you know their customer service is very good

wish you well champions, you will need it

[Archived Post]

GOD LET THERE BE BRAIN!
everyone who cant enter the Earlystart

HERE HOW IT WORKS!
1. buy a subscription
2. start the game
3. play
5. ???
6. Profit

Sigh, once again this is about customer support primarily. Everyone who did not buy the game at a sponsored vendor for headstart who is playing right now opted for at least a 6 month subscription. Therefore, by giving even more money you are allowed to play early rather than being included in the headstart for preorderingi n the first place.

There is a higher chance of getting more money out of a customer that way. If someone comes in and stays for their 30 free days and cancels that is money lost fro Cryptic. If someone pays up front for 6 months and quits they have your money already. This is a dirty tactic and shows a lack of customer appreciation that is typical of MMO distributors today. There are a couple of hundred of us complaining and a vast majority will still play. Personally my faith is waning and I am seriously considering eating the money and not playing at all. I certainly will not pay $60 up front just for a few days of play time that we shoudlve been offered in the first place.

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I have watched this thread for a while now, and I think that it is safe to say that for every participant in this discussion there are five others thinking on about these lines:

The distinction between Early Start and Beta Access was NOT made clear in advertising, and it was intentionally not made clear. It was a direct result of some shady business decisions, and that is not a way to make a game-base happy.

Now, it is worth stating that it wasn't necessarily Cryptic's decision to do so, and whether it is or not, they are not likely to bad-mouth themselves or their business partners on their own website, but regardless of who's decision it was, it was a bad one.

This 'business maneuver' has gained the party in question some short-term earnings, but it gained them no long-term customers. It did, however, lose them some long-term customers, and it earned some venomous word-of-mouth from those that it offended, which will amount to more lost potential business. That should be a message that this kind of thinking (and the business strategies that come from it) are not, actually, good for a business that ultimately depends on a long-term client base for sustainable income.

I have no intention of allowing a denied weekend of play determine whether I will be a customer of Cryptic. I enjoyed the Beta, for which I paid nothing, and I enjoy the game. This did make me re-think the option of a long-term commitment to Cryptic, however, as I was on the fence about a long-term subscription and will now pass, leaving intact my ability to leave the game if such business practices as this continue.

This is a customer service debacle, and one that I hope was protested at many levels, internally, before the fact. MMO's live or die based on many things, among them customer response and service. I, for one, hope that Cryptic and it's partners learn from this mistake. As far as I am concerned, this equates to 'Strike One.'

[Archived Post]

YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR PLAY!
This is NOT a free MMO!
You have to buy a Subscription to play this MMO!
Carnage, check the website first. You'll see that it is not offering anything for subscription other than 6 month or lifetime. No one month at a time options.

For those that did beta for free and paid 6 month sub, that's fine. That's a $60 investment just like pre-ordering. For those that paid $50 or $60 for pre-order, that INCLUDES A 30 DAY SUBSCRIPTION. So technically we are subscribed...but our only option right now is to additional subscrbe for at least another 180 days on top of 30. So we are subscribed but not included at this time because of the way it was advertised for pre-order before the retail page update.

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If you pre-ordered from one of our retailers who is advertised as a Head Start Program Retailer (ie. Best Buy, Game Stop, physical EU retailers) and you participated in the Open Beta or have an Open Beta key, you can use that key to gain entry into the Head Start program.

Direct to Drive and Steam are not included in the head start program.

If you have any further questions - please post them here so we may address them in a timely manner.

I cant believe cryptic is doing all this again, they have done this kind of bull**** in almost every other game theyve released. Btw how am I the only one to notice that champions online is like a washed out super cartooned out version of City of Heroes/Villains? Even the Qualarr invasion reminds me EXACTLY OF CITY OF HEROES.

PLEASE COME UP WITH SOME NEW CONTENT FOR YOUR GAMES BEFORE YOU F*** US ALL IN THE A**


Then proceed to give us all our money back for this non-early start bull****.

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effing moron.. i know that.. how do i buy a subscription for one month insteadn of 6 months or lifetime? thats just another ploy from this drowning company to get more money out of us.. or what about the 30 days free they owe me already?

you need to buy a Subscription for the 30 Days!
Its like in WoW and other MMO!

you obviously cant buy 1 month right now.. buy 6 month or wait till 1st but dont cry about earlyaccess because EVERYONE CAN PLAY EARLY ACCESS

[Archived Post]

Wow, I can't even read quickly enough to get to the last page of this thread, it's growing like crazy. As someone who odered from D2D I'm very annoyed. I don't remember ever seeing something that said I'd get early access, but I assumed that since I got into the limited beta early access was included, and no where did I once see any contradiction. There was no warning about this until it was far too late. As a 4 year vet of CoX and as someone who bought CO long ago, this is a hit below the belt.

[Archived Post]

I cannot get into the Head Start.

I pre-ordered as soon as the option was available. I did this by using the link provided on the Champion Site. At that time there was a single page blurb about the nice Open Beta, the head start program, and nice items if you pre-order. So I clicked on it which took me straight to File planet and D2D as the retailer.

Now if you click on "Pre-Order" you get this long page with each retailer listed individually and the perks you get with each one.

It wasn't until later (after I purchased) that the Champions Web site changed the link on it to include the information that items and access was different depending on where you bought it.

As far as I am concerned, Champions Website stated that a pre-order would come with "perks" if I purchased, so I did. It wasn't until after I ordered that champions website changed and clarified the information

So naturally I am very put out with this.

I would very much like to be contacted regarding this.

^^ This is exactly the case for me also. The site changed this week to talk about head-start exclusivity. Although i am not super upset about not getting in the head-start, i am pretty upset about the way cryptic is handling this situation. I may cancel my payment based on their customer service alone.

[Archived Post]

Did any of the merchants not providing access to the head start actually claim they did?

[Archived Post]

you need to buy a Subscription for the 30 Days!
Its like in WoW and other MMO!

you obviously cant buy 1 month right now.. buy 6 month or wait till 1st but dont cry about earlyaccess because EVERYONE CAN PLAY EARLY ACCESS

people were supposed to be able to have early access WITHOUT paying for the 6 month or lifetime subscription. that is the issue.

[Archived Post]

people were supposed to be able to have early access WITHOUT paying for the 6 month or lifetime subscription. that is the issue.

NO Beta is OVER!

you have to PAY to PLAY!

you didn't bought a subscription - you cant play!

[Archived Post]

you need to buy a Subscription for the 30 Days!
Its like in WoW and other MMO!

you obviously cant buy 1 month right now.. buy 6 month or wait till 1st but dont cry about earlyaccess because EVERYONE CAN PLAY EARLY ACCESS

you = fail.. your opinion matters nothing to me at all.. so further stating it would be futile on your part.. obviously you dont get the point in the argument so go back to playing the game if you've already got access.. this issue doesn't concern you.. same to any others that have access.. go play the game and stay out of a conversation that should be between the offended and cryptic

[Archived Post]

Did any of the merchants not providing access to the head start actually claim they did?

No, which is why most of this thread is terribly amusing.

[Archived Post]

NO Beta is OVER!

you have to PAY to PLAY!

you didn't bought a subscription - you cant play!

ok, it is like talking to a brick wall with this one.

[Archived Post]

ok, it is like talking to a brick wall with this one.

well.. keep whining you cant play a MMO without subscription

[Archived Post]

you = fail.. your opinion matters nothing to me at all.. so further stating it would be futile on your part.. obviously you dont get the point in the argument so go back to playing the game if you've already got access.. this issue doesn't concern you.. same to any others that have access.. go play the game and stay out of a conversation that should be between the offended and cryptic

I agree. If we had the option to actually purchase a subscription we would. But, you can only buy 6 month or llifetime right now. This is part of the issue. You didnt buy from one of our approved vendors? its ok, give us $60-$200 and you can play early too!

[Archived Post]

No, which is why most of this thread is terribly amusing.

I agree, 100%

[Archived Post]

NO Beta is OVER!

you have to PAY to PLAY!

you didn't bought a subscription - you cant play!

is this really your train of thought? can your brain really function so poorly that you dont understand how things work?

There is a reason why you dont have to pay for a first month subscription fee, that reason is because its included in the retail price.

please, please, please ask someone near you to explain to you what reality is.

[Archived Post]

I ordered from D2D also, but I think what everone missed, including myself is the one word "Selected". It said, "Get into early access from selected retailers.

[Archived Post]

No, which is why most of this thread is terribly amusing.

Nor did any of them specifically claim not to. Every headstart I have ever personally been a part of was for ALL customers. Not just those who support sponsors or pay up front for time.

[Archived Post]

THe funny part is I was happy to see they extended the 6 mo/lifetime sub and probably would have bought it during head start after satisfying myself that the problems in beta weren't back. I wonder if any marketer at Cryptic is adding up the people in all languages stating their change of mind here and adding a "for every visible one there is xx not-posting ones deciding the same thing" and working out the hit they're going to take on subscription base?

Its Marketing 101...it takes $10 to win back or find a new customers for every $1 it would have cost you to keep a current customer by making them happy.

[Archived Post]

While no games start off perfectly, this is quite a problem.

Personally I thought that since Direct 2 Drive was on the list of pre-order stores, that I would save a quick trip to Best Buy. After I ordered and had everything processed, I found out that I wouldn't have Early Access so I thought that since they weren't giving out keys until september 1st, and I was unable to get into the EA, I would just get a refund and preorder it through Best Buy.

lo and behold the 49.99 s no refundable even without them sending you the key code. I find it hard that all these problems are coming right now. When LOTRO did the EXACT same system of special subscription pricing, and unique items from preorders. However there weren't nearly the amount of glitches with the servers, they had enough servers, and I had no problem at all.

Sadly this early access program seems to be gliched, and the more people who complain, and read complaints and about problems. End up having bad thoughts about the game, which can bring the entire game down. I sure hope they get a handle on this issue, and either open it up early, or do something that can bring ustomer confidence up. I was really hoping to get te lifetime subscription because of how well the system worked in LOTRO. but with all the problems I'm reading about, and people who are deciding to give up on the game, not to mention the issues I have had with this game and Direct 2 Drive, that I'mwondering if the game will last long enough to be worth the up front money.

I do love this game, which is why I wanted the early access syste. I onlt hope that Cryptic can bring some order to all of this. It's not good hooking us all in wit such an amazing game, and then denying us the ability to play is hard on a lot of us. I was hoping to be able to play this weekend, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

Please Cryptic let the preorders all be able to play. Most I don't think care too much about the special bonuses, We just want to play.


Sorry for therambling at te end. I'm just hoping to really play. This game captures the superher and comic book world so well, I really can't wait to play.

Ian

[Archived Post]

And Awen I hope you realize if cryptic doesn't turn a profit from champions that you will be one of the first people to get laid off. Your just a csr, your not a valuable member of the team like Ray Yu is or any other coder. So seriously work on fixing this or look for another job.

You sir, are an ass. The game will be better off without you. Seriously, insulting a customer service rep? How low are you.

As for the rest of you, I can't play either because I ordered from Amazon, but I'm not *****ing out a bunch of people who are probably working on it RIGHT NOW.

Get over yourselves.

[Archived Post]

^^ This is exactly the case for me also. The site changed this week to talk about head-start exclusivity. Although i am not super upset about not getting in the head-start, i am pretty upset about the way cryptic is handling this situation. I may cancel my payment based on their customer service alone.

Me too.. The trolls that are enjoying their play time don't seem to realize we really have been screwed over. My thoughts (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=853315#post853315) are just let every pre-order in now. That is the ONLY way I get any respect back for Cryptic.

[Archived Post]

I agree, 100%

I was about to go do something else, but than Carnage entered the picture to spice it up a bit.

[Archived Post]

NO Beta is OVER!

you have to PAY to PLAY!

you didn't bought a subscription - you cant play!

You just don't get it? If you buy the game, you can play it for 30 days... You don't have to buy the game, then buy gaming time for it too, since the 1st month is free.

[Archived Post]

Unfortunately, to many of you. You subscribed, just not the way they wanted you to.

[Archived Post]

I am amazed at this. I went through THEIR SITE and ordered from D2D. On their site and the product's description it said Open Beta and Head Start access with preorder. There is no doubt this is false advertising and also fraud.

The best is, the people who pay in full for an unreturnable product (digital download) are the ones being hurt here. I guess the company got their cash so they don't care. The people in the head start could have just payed 5-10 dollars at Gamestop or Best Buy. The people who digitally downloaded paid in full, yet you abandon them? Sadly I was really excited about this weekend but now I will just have to watch my friends play instead.

After looking forward to this product for months, I will now not pay for anything beyond what I have already been forced to pay. I will not support this company or this game in any way. What a disappointment.

[Archived Post]

This is exclusionism, discrimination, and outright deception by cryptic. If we still give cryptic our money after this we will live in a world where mmo companies are allowed to deceive us, bait and switch us, and rip us off. I love the mmo genre to much to allow cryptic to get away with this. I am as mad as hell and I am not going to take this bs anymore. Therefore, I will be disputing my direct2drive charge as soon as possible.

[Archived Post]

Sniping each other is not going to generate answers. People are going to come in here and troll, let them, just ignore it. We are here to get some real feedback from Cryptic. Dont insult them or other customers. We are simply asking for some basic customer service. Most of what everyone was talking about has been misleading and caused alot of us to make misinformed decisions. We just want some satisfaction and not canned responses from the PR team.

[Archived Post]

you = fail.. your opinion matters nothing to me at all.. so further stating it would be futile on your part.. obviously you dont get the point in the argument so go back to playing the game if you've already got access.. this issue doesn't concern you.. same to any others that have access.. go play the game and stay out of a conversation that should be between the offended and cryptic

You should listen to this guy from a few hours ago. He seemed a lot more balanced on the issue:

jesus after seeing this lynching and all the commotion, i'm rethinking whether i want to play at all.. people in this game are seeming to be a-holes more and more.. sorry.. but thats just what it seemed like..

i didnt get headstart either cuz i went with d2d like i have in the past with all my digital purchases.. i didnt know gamestop even had a digital download/purchase center else i woulda went there.. while i'm slightly ticked i didnt get it, its my own fault for not reading.. i understand where the ppl that are lynching him are coming but still.. a little maturity please people.. from all sides.. god if i wanted to play with immature ppl i woulda stuck with wow

oh and this isnt aimed at everyone.. just the people that blew up on either side..

My point being that the angry mob is whipping itself into ever greater outrage. You were calm this morning, and accepted it was your own fault. Now you're yelling at folks. We've not finished cleaning up after the lifetime subscription angry mob, so it would be nice if folks would try to get a sense of proportion, and stop making threats.

[Archived Post]

You just don't get it? If you buy the game, you can play it for 30 days... You don't have to buy the game, then buy gaming time for it too, since the 1st month is free.

Thats confusing. But heres the scoop. You dont get the 30 day play time if you dont buy the game. If you buy the game $49.95, some of that money pays for the 30 days. Nothing is free. Its what they call a marketing ploy.

[Archived Post]

You sir, are an ass. The game will be better off without you. Seriously, insulting a customer service rep? How low are you.

As for the rest of you, I can't play either because I ordered from Amazon, but I'm not *****ing out a bunch of people who are probably working on it RIGHT NOW.

Get over yourselves.

Truly. Very low. Some people need to spent some frustration in a punch bag, not here.

[Archived Post]

The additional subscription has nothing to do with whether or not your key works. I have a friend who got his pre-order through Best Buy. I got my pre-order through Gamestop. His key worked fine. He is in the headstart as I type this and he has not purchased any sort of subscription. My key from Gamestop generates the "this product key is already active" error; thus, I am unable to join the headstart. I sent an email to the preview@crypticstudios.com address two days ago and have not received a reply. I also opened a trouble ticket with billing support early this morning which also has not generated a reply.

[Archived Post]

well.. keep whining you cant play a MMO without subscription
Problem is, you're talking to a bunch of people who DO have a subscription, and who have told YOU several times that they have a subscription.

Starting to get the comparison to a brick wall yet? If not, keep reading. It will come to you eventually.

[Archived Post]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sarkastikartist
you = fail.. your opinion matters nothing to me at all.. so further stating it would be futile on your part.. obviously you dont get the point in the argument so go back to playing the game if you've already got access.. this issue doesn't concern you.. same to any others that have access.. go play the game and stay out of a conversation that should be between the offended and cryptic
You should listen to this guy. He seemed a lot more balanced on the issue:

Quote:
Originally Posted by sarkastikartist
jesus after seeing this lynching and all the commotion, i'm rethinking whether i want to play at all.. people in this game are seeming to be a-holes more and more.. sorry.. but thats just what it seemed like..

i didnt get headstart either cuz i went with d2d like i have in the past with all my digital purchases.. i didnt know gamestop even had a digital download/purchase center else i woulda went there.. while i'm slightly ticked i didnt get it, its my own fault for not reading.. i understand where the ppl that are lynching him are coming but still.. a little maturity please people.. from all sides.. god if i wanted to play with immature ppl i woulda stuck with wow

oh and this isnt aimed at everyone.. just the people that blew up on either side..


I agree 100% with that sarkastikartist guy, seriously, the attitude on some people is deplorable.

[Archived Post]

If you pre-ordered from one of our retailers who is advertised as a Head Start Program Retailer (ie. Best Buy, Game Stop, physical EU retailers) and you participated in the Open Beta or have an Open Beta key, you can use that key to gain entry into the Head Start program.

Direct to Drive and Steam are not included in the head start program.

If you have any further questions - please post them here so we may address them in a timely manner.


Who wants to play spot the differance? look at the quote, now look at the one below please take note of the CAP'ed words in the middle.:p

EARLY START PROGRAM

Exclusive Early Event!
August 23, 2009

We hope you’re enjoying the Open Beta. If you can’t get enough of Champions, you might want to know that you don’t need to wait until September 1st to play!

If you pre-order from Gamestop or Best Buy (for US customers) OR ANY UNITED KINGDOM, FRENCH, OR GERMAN RETAILERS, YOU'LL RECIVE ENTRY TO OUR EARLY START PROGRAM. Early Start begins on August 28th, and runs through the release of Champions Online on September 1st, allowing you to play the game four days before anyone else.

But that’s not all! Early Start customers will be rewarded with an extra special treat: A world event, available in-game only before September 1st. The “Qularr Invasion” event will allow players to earn exclusive loot that will never be available in the game after launch. So pre-order now, get in early, and be a Champion!

[Archived Post]

D2D:

Direct 2 Drive customers will receive their Champions Online client through digital distribution. These customers will receive a Mechanoppendage Backpack costume piece and 30 days of game time.

GameStop:

U.S. GameStop customers who preorder will receive Open Beta Access, the Early Access Program and Level One Flight. When they purchase the retail copy, customers will receive $5 worth of Cryptic Points, an Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and 30 days of game time.

It's right there in front of you.

http://champions-online.com/retail

[Archived Post]

Me too.. The trolls that are enjoying their play time don't seem to realize we really have been screwed over. My thoughts (http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=853315#post853315) are just let every pre-order in now. That is the ONLY way I get any respect back for Cryptic.

Obviously they entered into a contract with Game Stop and Best Buy for the exclusive rights to the head start about a week ago, considering that's when the website changed. It is unfortunate that they would do this after people had pre-ordered from a vendor that they linked on their website. If they actually cared about their customers, they would change it so people who pre-ordered prior to the web site change would still be eligible for the Head Start.

I guess we will see if it was worth it to make some easy money from Game Stop and Best Buy while ****ing off a large chuck of what would have been your most loyal fan base.

[Archived Post]

Goons at best buy/gamestop going in first.
Rather lame.

I feel kind robbed and my character build has not even been nerfed yet.
:(

[Archived Post]

Just a note to the person/people who was/were using beta+subscription without pre-order:
Even tho you get early access this way, once launch hits, you cannot play before getting the retail key.
Thus you have paid for the subscription in vain.

[Archived Post]

D2D:

Direct 2 Drive customers will receive their Champions Online client through digital distribution. These customers will receive a Mechanoppendage Backpack costume piece and 30 days of game time.

GameStop:

U.S. GameStop customers who preorder will receive Open Beta Access, the Early Access Program and Level One Flight. When they purchase the retail copy, customers will receive $5 worth of Cryptic Points, an Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and 30 days of game time.

It's right there in front of you.

http://champions-online.com/retail


Please read previous posts. Until recently clicking on the preorder from the Champions site took you to Fileplanet or D2D. So after you read that you can get early access and click you are sent to a vendor with no early access. This was not explained. There are alot of posts about this in this thread.

[Archived Post]

You should listen to this guy from a few hours ago. He seemed a lot more balanced on the issue:



My point being that the angry mob is whipping itself into ever greater outrage. You were calm this morning, and accepted it was your own fault. Now you're yelling at folks. We've not finished cleaning up after the lifetime subscription angry mob, so it would be nice if folks would try to get a sense of proportion.

i tried to stay calm about it.. but then the more i read.. the more i sat.. i thought about it.. the more it ticked me off.. i shouldn't have to read the fine print on every single game i buy.. especially when the manufacturers site directed me to it when i bought it initially.. who cares about 6 month or 12 month subscriptions.. whoopee.. worry about the customers that have already paid and loyal customers who have been playing cryptic games since the launch of city of heroes.. ive been an avid follower of the game.. ABSOLUTELY LOVED beta.. couldnt get enough of it.. went thru withdrawal when servers would go down.. but this just seems so ethically wrong that its offended me to no end.. i wanted to play the game.. this just bugged me too much and as i sit and thought about it, it bugged me more and more

[Archived Post]

D2D:

Direct 2 Drive customers will receive their Champions Online client through digital distribution. These customers will receive a Mechanoppendage Backpack costume piece and 30 days of game time.

GameStop:

U.S. GameStop customers who preorder will receive Open Beta Access, the Early Access Program and Level One Flight. When they purchase the retail copy, customers will receive $5 worth of Cryptic Points, an Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and 30 days of game time.

It's right there in front of you.

http://champions-online.com/retail

Cryptic changed the website on the 23rd, before that it had no information just a link that stated "head start preorder early access" that took you to a list of retailers.

Seriously most of us are not idiots. If that was there before the 23rd any of us who ordered would not be here now complaining.

Its not rocket science. Everything people have stated concerning people ordering the wrong pre-orders has been rebuked.

[Archived Post]

Nor did any of them specifically claim not to. Every headstart I have ever personally been a part of was for ALL customers. Not just those who support sponsors or pay up front for time.

None of them said you don't get a pony either, I want my pony. Come on the ones that did offer it SAID so they ALL said EXCAXTLY what they offered. Why would you assume that a company thats not advertising a marketing deal would give you said deal? Are you expecting the fancy box from wal-mart? or how about the wings from gamestop? it doesn't say you don't get those either.

[Archived Post]

D2D:

Direct 2 Drive customers will receive their Champions Online client through digital distribution. These customers will receive a Mechanoppendage Backpack costume piece and 30 days of game time.

GameStop:

U.S. GameStop customers who preorder will receive Open Beta Access, the Early Access Program and Level One Flight. When they purchase the retail copy, customers will receive $5 worth of Cryptic Points, an Insectoid Airfoil costume piece and 30 days of game time.

It's right there in front of you.

http://champions-online.com/retail

Yea, its there now. But it wasnt set up as nice at it is now. Originally that page around the 17th when open beta started had a little blurp up top about early release and bonuses, and it had the words,and I quote, "selected retailers". That little phrase, that we all missed, was in the middle of the paragraph thats no longer there. Like I said they updated the page to make it easier to understand a few days ago. I agree this is ridiculous as it originally said "selected retailers". We all, including myself should have read it more closely and read the bonus criteria on the retailer site just to make sure it listed early access. Oh well. Live and learn.

[Archived Post]

It has always been clear about where you had to buy to get the early access. It's why I had tried to go through Gamestop first even though I hate ordering through them. After them jacking with me about the damn pre-order code I cancelled and went through Amazon forgetting that I couldn't get early access. This all happened early august. I didn't remember until I saw follow up replies in the tech support forum.

IT'S NOT CRYPTIC'S FAULT, BUT MY FAULT! For once, people, take responsbility for your mistakes. Act like adults. Cryptic is not trying to screw anybody over. You are all acting like Drama Queens.

[Archived Post]

Typical Cryptic crap start ...I expected nothing less from the developers of City of Heroes. Gamespot screwed me on not sending the Beta information that they advertised and now I cannot get into the Head Start.
I expected this from Cryptic and thank you for not disappointing me. Nobody can match what Blizzard has done with World of ********. Cryptic you suck.

[Archived Post]

So is there any solution yet for people like me who ordered from HMV (who IS one of the headstart offerers) and who have recieved no codes, due to HMV saying codes arent allowed to be given til next week?

Because I'm sitting here with a preorder that should entitle me to headstart, yet I'm not ingame.

[Archived Post]

None of them said you don't get a pony either, I want my pony. Come on the ones that did offer it SAID so they ALL said EXCAXTLY what they offered. Why would you assume that a company thats not advertising a marketing deal would give you said deal? Are you expecting the fancy box from wal-mart? or how about the wings from gamestop? it doesn't say you don't get those either.

oh and usually.. if you find something that gives you a better deal elsewhere.. the company will give you that deal.. i've seen it done in retail many times.. but d2d says their hands are tied and they cant help me (according to their customer service)... not according to my bank though, they've got an appointment scheduled for me on monday lol.. sorry cryptic.. while i cant say i didnt enjoy all of our times together.. this is just my principal to not do business like this.. off ot **** i go..

[Archived Post]

looks like to me they just moved the goal posts without informing people who pre-ordered before the change:confused:

[Archived Post]

Im going to afghanistan in 4 weeks just payed 50 bucks for a game i cant play for 4 days 10 percent of my time just got wiped thanks alot. Dont worry though theres a claus in your american citizen contract as well see everyone who became an american citizen in any state other than kansas between the dates of july 14 1912 and june 18 1915 will not be offered any protection from terrorist from the southern half or northwestern quarter of afghanistan. Hope for a northeastern terrorist. Just hope.


I can however offer you a US army pen courtesy of the united states government and your tax dollars.

[Archived Post]

It has always been clear about where you had to buy to get the early access. It's why I had tried to go through Gamestop first even though I hate ordering through them. After them jacking with me about the damn pre-order code I cancelled and went through Amazon forgetting that I couldn't get early access. This all happened early august. I didn't remember until I saw follow up replies in the tech support forum.

IT'S NOT CRYPTIC'S FAULT, BUT MY FAULT! For once, people, take responsbility for your mistakes. Act like adults. Cryptic is not trying to screw anybody over. You are all acting like Drama Queens.

I purchased through Gamestop and have no code. Do i get permission to act like a Drama Queen?

[Archived Post]

It has always been clear about where you had to buy to get the early access. It's why I had tried to go through Gamestop first even though I hate ordering through them. After them jacking with me about the damn pre-order code I cancelled and went through Amazon forgetting that I couldn't get early access. This all happened early august. I didn't remember until I saw follow up replies in the tech support forum.

IT'S NOT CRYPTIC'S FAULT, BUT MY FAULT! For once, people, take responsbility for your mistakes. Act like adults. Cryptic is not trying to screw anybody over. You are all acting like Drama Queens.

See the past few posts. The information was changed on the 23rd. If you came previous to that and read the "get early access click here" you were taken to a vendor that did not offer it. As someone else said, we are not morons. There is some very poor practices being put into place and the game isnt even live yet. Most of us just want some honest answers or even acknowledgment of this.

[Archived Post]

Im going to afghanistan in 4 weeks just payed 50 bucks for a game i cant play for 4 days 10 percent of my time just got wiped thanks alot. Dont worry though theres a claus in your american citizen contract as well see everyone who became an american citizen in any state other than kansas between the dates of july 14 1912 and june 18 1915 will not be offered any protection from terrorist from the southern half or northwestern quarter of afghanistan. Hope for a northeastern terrorist. Just hope.


I can however offer you a US army pen courtesy of the united states government and your tax dollars.

lol.. imagine how much that'd suck.. nice analogy tho :D

[Archived Post]

Just an FYI from a different angle. I preordered several months ago from Amazon. I knew there was no early access but I've always gotten excellent service from them so chose not to switch. I also got a lifetime subscription and was not given early access. It would be nice to get in early but I never expected to. I do agree that making this offer with only exclusive retailers is somewhat shady, and that enthusiastic fans might leap before they looked into getting the game from the wrong vendor, but I just can't get overly upset on the issue. Heck, one would think when I got the lifetime sub that Cryptic would want to send me an early start key personally! But I never saw anything that implied I'd get in early so I'll live with it.

Also, to cancel a preorder based on not getting to play this weekend seems a tad silly. Did you like the game or not? If so play whenever you can. It does not look great that this has been an early PR fiasco but other MMOs have had the same troubles, and will again. Cool down folks, all will work out.

[Archived Post]

Sadly I don't think people understand or will believe me when I say that when I ordered through their site (that linked to D2D) it said that any preorder included the early start. Their own link sent me to D2D with that information.

They then changed their site weeks after I ordered. Is it my fault they changed their mind or made a new deal? Or, if the information was wrong, shouldn't they shoulder that blame and allow all pre-orders to have early start access?

Don't you think it is just good business sense to solve this problem by making your customer base happy? Why antagonize a large portion of your best customers (people who were willing to preorder the game and PAY IN FULL up front)?

[Archived Post]

okay for everyone who wants to play...

you only need a Beta Key! It doesnt matter wich source!
buy a subscription 6 month or lifetime!
and you can actually play the Early Start!

everyone who dont want to buy a subscription and still wants to play.. I dont care and stop whining...

(proof: http://forums.champions-online.com/showthread.php?p=854937#post854937 )

[Archived Post]

I purchased through Gamestop and have no code. Do i get permission to act like a Drama Queen?

If you read my quote you see that I'm talking about the ones who said they were "uniformed" about only some retailers having early access. Look at my first sentence in the post. You will also see that I had tried to go through Gamestop also after a ton of frustration (which I expected because they are well accomplished at it) which is why I went to Amazon, my favorite retailer. I was so frustrated that I forgot that Amazon didn't have the early access. Which is my fault.

You problem isn't Cryptic's fault, it's Gamestop's fault and they are infamous for crap like that.

[Archived Post]

Also, to cancel a preorder based on not getting to play this weekend seems a tad silly. Did you like the game or not? If so play whenever you can. It does not look great that this has been an early PR fiasco but other MMOs have had the same troubles, and will again. Cool down folks, all will work out.

Alot of you are missing the point. Its not just about the headstart, its the customer service and the misleading business practice. There are many on here who have purchased through proper vendors and still have no access. There are many issues here that all stem back to one source, Cryptic customer service and the silence on the issue. That is, of course, unless you count the cut and paste PR canned responses that we have been getting. I for one would not mention this again if Cryptic just admitted that they completely screwed up in this regard.

[Archived Post]

Lets think about this logically for just a minute. Cryptic posts on their own website that Early Access is being offered if you preorder from select retailers. Right below this paragraph they list a link to direct2drive(aka Fileplanet) Why wouldn't one assume this qualified them for early access? Not to mention most people are MMO vets, and all other early access programs allow all pre-orders into their early access program. Furthermore, why would any reasonable person not come to the conclusion that retailers offering beta access for preordering would not also over head start access?

Either way cryptic is showing itself as a company that is either misleading or incompetent. Regardless of which it is I don't think i'm going to give any money to a company like this.

We must all stand up and demand three things in order for them to win back our trust and confidence in them as a legitimate mmo company, not some two-bit operation that constantly is misleading or miss communication with their playerbase. The three things that would clear up this situation are as follows:

1) An apology from Cryptic regarding this matter.
2) Immediate access to the head start program for all who preordered the game, regardless of retailer.
3) We are informed by Cryptic that Awen was asked to meet in the parking lot for a quick meeting and when she arrived her key card was taken and she was subsequently fired and escorted off of the premises.

Only then can we forgive Cryptic and move on.

[Archived Post]

Sadly I don't think people understand or will believe me when I say that when I ordered through their site (that linked to D2D) it said that any preorder included the early start. Their own link sent me to D2D with that information.

They then changed their site weeks after I ordered. Is it my fault they changed their mind or made a new deal? Or, if the information was wrong, shouldn't they shoulder that blame and allow all pre-orders to have early start access?

Don't you think it is just good business sense to solve this problem by making your customer base happy? Why antagonize a large portion of your best customers (people who were willing to preorder the game and PAY IN FULL up front)?

I think the morale of this story is dont go by what you think the game site said, but go by what it lists on the D2D site or other retailer you purchase from. Cryptic is not obligated to give early access to anyone. You didnt directly pay them, you payed, in this case D2D. I made the same mistake not reading carefully. Its like signing for a mortgage loan or car loan or any loan. You should always read every line. If something is not listed or you dont understand it, then question it before you put the money down.