So the code never arrived and I called Gamestop 1-800 again today.  After a bit of explaining on my part of what I have already done and went through, they gave me a code over the phone.  I'm able to dl the client now (though on the beta site it shows it unavailable I found a link to the client on http://gw2.mmorpg-life.com/guild-wars-2-beta-client-download/144/

I was able to login to the beta forums...and...yeah...happiness at last!

Originally posted by Lucrecia

So the code never arrived and I called Gamestop 1-800 again today.  After a bit of explaining on my part of what I have already done and went through, they gave me a code over the phone.  I'm able to dl the client now (though on the beta site it shows it unavailable I found a link to the client on http://gw2.mmorpg-life.com/guild-wars-2-beta-client-download/144/

 

I was able to login to the beta forums...and...yeah...happiness at last!

Glad you finally got through all that. See you next BWE.

As a general rule I try and avoid Gamestop as much as possible. And the primary reason is because of situations like you've just described. They are notorious for 'Fing stuff up.

---

Originally posted by Lucrecia
So the code never arrived and I called Gamestop 1-800 again today.  After a bit of explaining on my part of what I have already done and went through, they gave me a code over the phone.  I'm able to dl the client now (though on the beta site it shows it unavailable I found a link to the client on http://gw2.mmorpg-life.com/guild-wars-2-beta-client-download/144/
 
I was able to login to the beta forums...and...yeah...happiness at last!

---

I had to keep asking the Gamestop guy to remember to put the code onto my reciept. Apparently, the beta code appears as a DLC in thier system and does not automatically apply if you prepurchase. They have to actually prepurchase and then attach a code. At least, this is how my Gamestop guy explained it to me as he looked for how to apply the code to my reciept.

Pre order you get nothing (only from third party retailers)

Pre Purchase beta weekend events 3 day headstart on release ( guildwars homepage)

My advice do not preorder from any third party retailers. Do the digital pre purchase from the guild wars homepage only.

http://www.guildwars2.com/en/

Originally posted by Lucrecia

 

Not that it matters at all...but why does it take 2 days to email a code?!

Because they ahve to think up another line of bullshit to feed you.

The screw up is on Gamestop's part, for not working these details out ahead of time, making it foolproof in their register software and sending out messages to all stores with the proper proceedures.

However, Arenanet bears some blame for the mess as well. In Europe, people buying a pre-purchase actually got a pre-purchase box with the code inside. That way, you always knew what you were buying and didn't have to rely on a cashier generating the proper code for you. In Europe, in addition to the pre-purchase box, if you were just pre-purchasing the Standard Edition, the code was also your retail key, so you didn't have to return to the store when the game launches to get another box.

For what ever reason, they decided to go the digitally generated code route in the US. Not only did that lead to a lot of mix ups, but is also a big reason that Amazon US could not accomodate pre-purchases. (If there had been an actual SE pre-purchase box to ship and no second shipment needed on release, Amazon could have sold it via their system and policies).

Water under the bridge...

What about pre-purchasing now to get the WBE access, three day head start and bonus item?

In the US, at least, pre-purchases are back up o the official website.

The codes that Arenanet have stopped issuing to retailers are not the pre-purchase keys. Pre-purchase codes are being issued.

They have stopped distributing pre-order codes, until closer to launch, to prevent them from accidentally being distributed to pre-purchase customers.

Gamestop

Back to Gamestop, there are seperate SKUs (item numbers) in their system for normal sales and pre-purchases of GW2. Gamestop routinely pre-sells games to customers, often with out any special benefit, which is one reason why when customers go in asking to pre-purchase GW2, most clerks are getting confused and just pre-selling a non-pre-purchase order.

To get a pre-purchase code via Gamestop, you need to tell them that their system has seperate SKUs for normal purchases and the special pre-purchase offer. The proper SKU will have a code generated with it for three day headstart, WBE acces and bonus item. You may need to wrestle with them, but don't leave the store without either your money or your code! (They may need to call other stores, district managers or headquarters, but it can be done. The SKU info should be enough to help them figure it out though).

A friend of mine pre-purchased from Gamestop Thursday and was told they would mail him a code with in two days. I knew that was wrong and it took him a few phone calls, to the store where he bought it and another area store, but he did eventually get a 3-day, pre-purchase code and was fine for the weekend.

As far as the CE goes, there are very limited quantities, so if Gamestop says they are out, have them double check for a pre-purchase SKU, but they may indeed be out, probably for good. Arenanet have said they will not increase the CE distribution to make up for retailer overselling. So, if you pre-purchased the CE, make sure your code is a pre-purchase code. A pre-order code might be an indication that the retailer just has you in for a pre-order of the CE, which may not represent an actual guaranteed copy from their limited allocation.

Once again, even with the CE, things were done better in the EU. Pre-purchasing the CE in the EU got you a pre-purchase box and code specific the the CE, which will entitle you to your CE box when the game launches. No guess work there, if you have the CE pre-purchase box in hand, you have the only ticket for picking up a CE box when they ship.

Digital Deluxe Edition

The Digital Deluxe Edition, which has the digital items from the CE, with out the physical items, is not available from retailers. However, Arennet have said they will be selling an upgrade to the DDE for standard edition owners at, or just before, launch and for a limited period after.

Originally posted by fiontar

The screw up is on Gamestop's part, for not working these details out ahead of time, making it ...

<snip>

... standard edition owners at, or just before, launch and for a limited period after.

Dude, you know way too much about this stuff.  Spill -- you an ANet employee in disguise?

Originally posted by Unlight

Originally posted by fiontar

The screw up is on Gamestop's part, for not working these details out ahead of time, making it ...

... standard edition owners at, or just before, launch and for a limited period after.

Dude, you know way too much about this stuff.  Spill -- you an ANet employee in disguise?

Nope. However, I am a sponge for information and details. :)

(Most of the info on Gamestop came from researching the issue when my friend had problems getting the pre-purchase key).

Originally posted by Lucrecia

So the code never arrived and I called Gamestop 1-800 again today.  After a bit of explaining on my part of what I have already done and went through, they gave me a code over the phone.  I'm able to dl the client now (though on the beta site it shows it unavailable I found a link to the client on http://gw2.mmorpg-life.com/guild-wars-2-beta-client-download/144/

 

I was able to login to the beta forums...and...yeah...happiness at last!

        Geez, it's a shame you had to go through all that frustration just to get the code you should have received when you pre purchased the game.. But, the good news is you finally managed to get the code, DL the client, and can now post on the forums..  :)

Ok now I'm very worried again.  I did notice my receipt said pre-order (even though I paid in full and this reflected on my bank statement)...but, as you mentioned preorders do not guarantee you your CE copy.  I did tell that damned clerk, Corey was his name (just in case I need to hire a hitman for him screwing me over ;) Anyone need a little extra cash?),  that I wanted a prepurchase.  We did stand there for 20 or so minutes as he called other (just as oblivious) stores and they said they were out of prepurchase codes.  I figured...fine I have it paid in full now and I'll just straigten it out with their HQ and/or arenanet over the phone the next day (I did similiar dances with Gamestop in the distant past so I knew the drill [store clerk isn't clued in/call the HQ and try not to rant in their ear]).  But as it stands now, even though I (eventually) was able to get the correct code, my receipt does say pre-order.  If I come in on launch day and I don't get the product that I paid in full on I will likely be filing my first ever lawsuit.  For all I know they did this total f*** up on purpose if only to get people's money and invest and earn some interest off of it before they knew they would have to give the money (minus the interest they gained) back at our expense and loss (not getting the product I am expecting to get is a major loss to me). 

Don't believe that happens?  It does.  It's why my job does not offer direct deposit.  It means if I don't cash my check right away (wait a day or two) they get to handle the money in their accounts for that much longer which gives them *wait for it* extra interest which does add up considerably over time (even though they are just nickle and diming us in the short term)....

Ok, a bit on the conspiritorial side (even though I deal with this situation personally through my workplace) but if I do not get the CE that I paid for I will be having a look into it.

Edit:  I don't know guys...what should I do?  Call them again? Explain my worry?  Sound all emo....go /wrist myself if they explain that I purchased a pre-order that will not guarantee my CE box?

I'm really actually pretty damned stressed now...like I should be calling a 1-800-DONT-JUMP hotline stressed....&^*$^%^%# GAMESTOP!

Originally posted by Lucrecia

 

Edit:  I don't know guys...what should I do?  Call them again? Explain my worry?  Sound all emo....go /wrist myself if they explain that I purchased a pre-order that will not guarantee my CE box?

I would suggest going outside and getting some fresh air.

The next GW2 beta event hasn't even been annouced yet. It should work itself out by then. If it doesn't work itself out in the next or so I would get a refund and buy directly from Arenanet. You might not be able to get a CE version. However a few months down the road I doubt it will matter.

Originally posted by Istavaan
That's the risk you take when you buy a boxed version, i had an issue with gamestop awhile back and ever since i've been purchasing digital copies of games.

+1

Never Preorder from Gamestop unless you just must have a boxed version that you can go pick up. Order digital online, or from amazon.com, newegg.com, hell anybody but Gamestop.

The 16y/o kids there can tell you everything you want to know about the next COD for xbox 360, but are clueless about anything PC related.

Originally posted by Atlan99

Originally posted by Lucrecia

 

Edit:  I don't know guys...what should I do?  Call them again? Explain my worry?  Sound all emo....go /wrist myself if they explain that I purchased a pre-order that will not guarantee my CE box?

I would suggest going outside and getting some fresh air.

The next GW2 beta event hasn't even been annouced yet. It should work itself out by then. If it doesn't work itself out in the next or so I would get a refund and buy directly from Arenanet. You might not be able to get a CE version. However a few months down the road I doubt it will matter.

Thanks "GW fanboi/girls are so easily baited" guy on your sound advice.

Ok, going out for some fresh air, not a terrible idea....but the fact remains...I have been wanting the CE so the earliest I was able to purchase it I did so.  Unfortunatly I was out of the country on a Rotary trip handing out food and books to underpriviledged families in South America...there was absolutely no access to modern world amenities my entire month of April so as soon as I got back (well the very next day) I bought it (4/30)...so I am hoping desperatly that I get the CE that I have desperatly wanted since the announcement...though, to be honest I have wanted it since GW2 was announced years ago since I knew they would have a CE for the title.  I rarely afford myself such luxuries but when I do I really depend on getting them, so pardon me and my extreme fan-girlism.

I know with the last beta, pre-orders did stop being accepted as the beta only wanted a certain number of pre-orders and that limit had been reached.

Since another beta has not yet been announced, Areanet may still not be taking pre orders until the new beta is announced.

I think you're smart to contact them directly and find out if the code you were given was valid for the next beta and pre-release.

Originally posted by jdnewell

Originally posted by Istavaan
That's the risk you take when you buy a boxed version, i had an issue with gamestop awhile back and ever since i've been purchasing digital copies of games.

+1

Never Preorder from Gamestop unless you just must have a boxed version that you can go pick up. Order digital online, or from amazon.com, newegg.com, hell anybody but Gamestop.

The 16y/o kids there can tell you everything you want to know about the next COD for xbox 360, but are clueless about anything PC related.

Problem is...as I said at least a dozen times in this thread...I needed a box version...purchased the CE boxed version to be exact.  Gamestop would have been my last choice if I had a choice at all as far as where I can prepurchse the CE...so moot point, unfortunatly.

Originally posted by Lucrecia

Originally posted by jdnewell

Originally posted by Istavaan
That's the risk you take when you buy a boxed version, i had an issue with gamestop awhile back and ever since i've been purchasing digital copies of games.

+1

Never Preorder from Gamestop unless you just must have a boxed version that you can go pick up. Order digital online, or from amazon.com, newegg.com, hell anybody but Gamestop.

The 16y/o kids there can tell you everything you want to know about the next COD for xbox 360, but are clueless about anything PC related.

 

Problem is...as I said at least a dozen times in this thread...I needed a box version...purchased the CE boxed version to be exact.  Gamestop would have been my last choice if I had a choice at all as far as where I can prepurchse the CE...so moot point, unfortunatly.

You can digitally download the game. I did and it worked fine when I played the beta

Originally posted by drel

I know with the last beta, pre-orders did stop being accepted as the beta only wanted a certain number of pre-orders and that limit had been reached.

Since another beta has not yet been announced, Areanet may still not be taking pre orders until the new beta is announced.

I think you're smart to contact them directly and find out if the code you were given was valid for the next beta and pre-release.

At this point in time that's not the question that concerns me about my prepurchase.  Maybe i should update my OP to reflect this...I got a working code (after 3 days of fumbling with gamestop) and I am able to login to the beta forums and go as far as the login screen in the client (I get the message that my account is prepared but there is no beta event currently).

No, my issue now is, I noticed that even though I paid in full my receipt does indeed say preorder.  Paid in full but since it says preorder am I still guaranteed a copy of the limited CE (Collector's Edition)?  Is Gamestop pulling a bit of a scam, selling copies they don't have to sell to make interest?  What should I do?  I go into greater detail about this in an earlier post in this thread at the end of page 2.

Originally posted by drel

*snip*

You can digitally download the game. I did and it worked fine when I played the beta

ive never had a problem with gamestop.