ORIGINE3 - How can we rectify this issue as a community?

[Bipin 3,403]

For those of you who are unaware, Maxis explicitly stated that a promo code would be given out for pre-ordering the new Sim City, during the June 5th, 2012 chat Q/A session. When the Q/A session rolled around, the code was given out several times. The issue lies not in there being no promo code, but rather there being no promo code for Sim City 2013. All users I had spoken to who had attempted to pre-order Sim City 2013 through Origin were unsuccessful when attempting to use the promo code. They were able to use the promo code on currently released games, but not pre-orders. This lead many to believe a "Bait and Switch", so to speak, was the case.

Considering EA's bumpy track record, a "Bait and Switch" is not out of the question. Of course, it could also be a simple error with the code. I personally have witnessed similar issues with other companies. Regardless of intent or not, the issue must be rectified, but how are we to go about doing that as a community? We were promised 25% off in clear text (which I have screenshotted and recorded with Fraps) so what will we do collectively to get the 25% off we deserve?

[gstommylee 6]

I would contact origin support and let them know.

  Edited June 6, 2012 by gstommylee  

[The Avatar 1,089]

First of all, great topic. Something definitely needs to be done about this.

I think we should all post on the EA forums, specifically in the Origin and SimCity Forums, and contact Origin here.

  Edited June 6, 2012 by MamaLuigi945  

[Haljackey 17,393]

If you are skeptical of trusting Origin, just buy the hard copy. I'm sure game stores will offer sales and stuff.

[gstommylee 6]

If you are skeptical of trusting Origin, just buy the hard copy. I'm sure game stores will offer sales and stuff.

Deluxe edition is only available via orgins

[cirugo 1,889]

don't buy it. the only way that you are going to be able to stop this trend is to vote with your feet. If you buy it anyway they have no reason to question their business model.

[The Avatar 1,089]

@Hal, it's not a matter of trusting Origin; the code didn't work for the people who tried using it to get 25% off pree-ordering SimCity. "We were promised 25% off." I could really use that 25% off, especially when SimCity Digital Deluxe is $80.00.

[gstommylee 6]

don't buy it. the only way that you are going to be able to stop this trend is to vote with your feet. If you buy it anyway they have no reason to question their business model.

the problem is not with the game requiring origins its that the promo code that we were given isn't working.

Anyone sent a tweet to www.twitter.com/simcity letting them know the code isn't working? Or make a post at their facebook page.

  Edited June 6, 2012 by gstommylee  

[Bipin 3,403]

Just sent a tweet. Lets see what happens!

[gstommylee 6]

Just sent a tweet. Lets see what happens!

I am wondering if the code isn't entered into their systems yet thats why its not being recognized as valid

[Haljackey 17,393]

If you are skeptical of trusting Origin, just buy the hard copy. I'm sure game stores will offer sales and stuff.

Deluxe edition is only available via orgins

I doubt that. people will shelve out a few extra bucks at the game store if they stock it with the deluxe version.

I'm sure you can acquire the content in the deluxe edition with a standard copy anyway via Origin or something.

...Then again I've never used Origin or another online game hoster like Steam. What are inexperienced people like me in for when this game comes out?

  Edited June 6, 2012 by Haljackey  

[Craig-Abcvs 1,595]

Please use this thread only for the purpose of discussing the issue of problems with the pre-order promo code.

This thread is not to be turned into yet another anti- EA / Origin discussion. If that happens the thread will be closed.

The best option if people are having problems with the pre-order promo code is to contact EA / Origin directly, rather than fill up pages ranting about it here.

Craig-Abcvs

Simtropolis Moderator

[Cockatoo 2,257]

The 'injustice' tag you've put on this topic is cute...

Let's hope you guys get this sorted.

[I. Lostalim 589]

This thread is not to be turned into yet another anti- EA / Origin discussion.

Why are there so much of these!?!?!?

  Edited June 6, 2012 by I. Lostalim  

[The Avatar 1,089]

(Not trying to start an anti-EA/Origin discussion here, just answering a question.)

EA is heavily criticized for its actions and games. Look up "EA in a Nutshell."

[Azurespecter 506]

When I went to check out the promo code, it immediately had a link to a list of all origin games that the promo code could be used for. SimCity (2013) was clearly not on the list. And nowhere did Origin say the promo code could be used for any game of theirs. Problem solved.

[marquisite 2]

There is fine print on the Origin SimCity Chat page which reads:

VALUE OF DISCOUNT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM PRODUCT LIST PRICE AT TIME OF PURCHASE. EXCLUDES STAR WARS® THE OLD REPUBLIC™, PRE-ORDERS, GAMES RELEASED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE, VALVE GAMES, SELECT PARTNER TITLES DISTRIBUTED BY ORIGIN, VIRTUAL CURRENCY AND GAME TIME CODES

SimCity (2013) would be a preorder. That's why this particular coupon isn't working. Maybe there's another one floating about specifically for SimCity (2013)?

  Edited June 6, 2012 by marquisite  

[DavidB_ 83]

Why does the game have to be so expensive, I can't afford the game AND a PC upgrade! Good luck with trying to find a valid promo code

[§haÅ--Ñ€ §hÅŽo 370]

Wait, what if we already preordered? Are we just left to pay $80 then?

[idcaf 65]

can someone pleas sent me a promo code on the PM?

[Bipin 3,403]

Well, here is the online statement that "Bait and Switched" every single Simtropolis member who knew about the promo code giveaway:

http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=http%3a%2f%2fwww.origin.com%2fsimcity-chat&d=27025116808743569&mkt=en-GB&setlang=en-GB&w=2ea68d,c3de85e8

I mean really, who would of suspected this was not to work on SC2013?

[meowza 230]

Maybe Maxis could do something about this.

  Edited June 6, 2012 by meowza  

[tomfoolery_79 85]

I already talked about this in another thread (where I was warned about profane language). This was classic bait and switch and nothing we can do about it. They said "Come to our SIMCITY live event for a 25% of promo code". They never said it was for SimCity, but clearly it was implied by coming to said event. I also tried the code and found it not working. The list of acceptable games did not have it on there. What's worse is even after the promo, I've seen all those games cheaper at other times past.

Doesn't this look implied?!?

Join Maxis Senior Producer Kip Katsarelis for a live Q&A of SimCity Tuesday, June 5^th.

Starting at 12:00 p.m. PT, Katsarelis will be laying down all the newest details on PC’s ultimate city simulator, as well as taking all your burning questions. Want to make sure you remember? Sign up for a reminder by entering your e-mail in the “Cover It Live” box to your right.

If that wasn’t enough, we’ll also be giving out a special 25% off promo code during the chat, so come back here the day of the event to find out what it is.

And remember, SimCity releases next year, so pre-order the Limited Edition at no extra cost on Origin and receive the SimCity Heroes and Villains set.

  Edited June 6, 2012 by tomfoolery_79  

[DavidB_ 83]

Aha, I understand now, cleverly worded it was... They never said that the 25% off could be used against SimCity 2013, and it will almost certainly expire before February next year.

[The Avatar 1,089]

Has anyone posted on the EA forums/contacted Origin yet?

[Azurespecter 506]

Has anyone posted on the EA forums/contacted Origin yet?

It's intentional. I guarantee that Origin isn't going to respond, "Oh really? The promo code doesn't work for your pre-order of SimCity? Our mistake, let's reduce the price of a game we already know you will pay full price for."

This ain't Burger King, you can't have it your way. =(

[The_City_Builder 299]

Was it ever even stated that the code was going to be exclusive to SimCity?

[jacksunny 741]

It was never even stated that the code was for Simcity, never mind being exclusive to it.

[The_City_Builder 299]

Okay, then I don't get the big deal. It says that the code doesn't count for pre-orders. This isn't a mistake people, the code just doesn't work for SimCity and any other game that can be pre ordered.. Nothing will get "fixed" nor changed.

  Edited June 6, 2012 by The_City_Builder  

[DavidB_ 83]

Has anyone posted on the EA forums/contacted Origin yet?

It's intentional. I guarantee that Origin isn't going to respond, "Oh really? The promo code doesn't work for your pre-order of SimCity? Our mistake, let's reduce the price of a game we already know you will pay full price for."

But are they sure we will buy it? I won't until I can justify the price.

In short: It's a misunderstanding between us and them!