EA Ships My Guitar, Gives Me a Free Game

[Electric_Zen]

UPS says my guitar is scheduled to arrive on Monday. I just got this e-mail:
__________________________________________________ ________

Greetings Rocker,

Congratulations on your purchase of Rock Band!

After reviewing our records, we see that your recent request for a replacement guitar has been subject to an unacceptably long delay due to a late shipment from our manufacturer.

By the time you receive this, your replacement guitar should be on its way to you. However, the Rock Band team is committed to providing a world-class customer experience and we do not believe we have met this commitment in connection with your request. As a token of our appreciation for your patience and understanding, we will be offering you a FREE EA game. Details will follow shortly.

We are sorry if your first experience with Rock Band has not met your expectations. We hope our gift will show you how committed we are to your satisfaction.

Thank you,

The Rock Band Team
__________________________________________

My expectations are very low for how this free game thing will turn out, but it does show that they still wuv me.

[ZkDotNet]

I just got that too. Probably Madden or something. *shrug*

[xCHRISx]

Hey, it's better than a kick in the pants. My bets are on NHL 06!

[natesac]

i just got the same thing, I hope its Tiger woods.

[Eman311]

I just got the same email verbatim.

That's quite a nice gesture.
It best not be a game I alreayd have, like Madden 08 lol.

[steelcurtain187]

Pretty nice! I hope I get the email too ;)

[admanimal]

Cool I got it too. Well at least they are making an effort to make us happy, I guess.

[topperharley]

I got it as well. Sweet deal.

[jdr7650]

fingers crossed for SKATE.

[Xzyliac]

If it's a "free game" as in one of those buy one get one free coupons for the EA store I apologize in advance for laughing.

If it's legit free I'll be pretty surprised. If the game is recent, decent, and not an EA Sports game I'll weep joy.

[Paradox]

who cares about the free game, anyway? I just want my freaking guitar!

[masterburrfoot]

I would take another free guitar for bass rather than a free game.

[Xzyliac]

I would take another free guitar for bass rather than a free game.

Damn I wish EA would give me a free game. Some people can't be satisfied, pacified, or bought.

[GregoryHarbin]

I would take another free guitar for bass rather than a free game.

Return the game to Wal*Mart, save the $60, and then in January, buy yourself an extra guitar with the money.

¿Comprende?

[mattitude]

I honestly don't care what the game is, the fact that they're even doing this is super cool of them.

Man, this faulty equipment must be costing them a FORTUNE...

[masterburrfoot]

Damn I wish EA would give me a free game. Some people can't be satisfied, pacified, or bought.
I didn't ask for a free game, they offered. Besides I was just saying that a guitar controller should be close in value to a free game, and it would be better for me personally to have to not wait until Feb. to get another guitar to play for bass since I own a PS3 rather than an xbox 360.

I can, in fact, be satified, pacified, and bought with free stuff, he he he.

[jordan15b]

same hear hopes for skate that game rulz

[masterburrfoot]

Return the game to Wal*Mart, save the $60, and then in January, buy yourself an extra guitar with the money.

¿Comprende?
You know, I'm really not trying to complain here...I was just saying that I would rather get another guitar than a game.

¿Comprende?

[MrNazraq]

Chances are, they will give you a list and you can choose from that list. They'll probably give you a list of ALL current EA titles. I have a friend that works at Namco, and that's what they do...

[masterburrfoot]

I think it's sweet that EA is willing to go the extra mile in giving a free anything for the hassle of a broken peripheral. They certain don't need to since they are being very dilligent about replacements.

[Badosh]

ok, so is everyone who ddi the waranity going to get that e-mail
i mean i really dont care bout the game, i just would like to know

[turnthree]

Got the same email.

[Superchivo]

i didn't get one :(

[DesiredFX]

I got it, too.

It's very cool that even though they say the manufacturer was slow in getting them the product, they're still taking the blame on themselves for not being able to deliver the highest possible customer service.

As for the free game? I want Rock Band stand-alone for the PS2. Give me a chance to use my guitar controllers that are getting dusty while waiting to get another Strat for use with my PS3.

But it will probably be from a list of price-cut or soon-to-be price-cut games. Madden 2007, not Madden 2008.

[aiter13]

I've been battling with the since the game released on the 20th. My yellow drum pad didn't work, so I put a request in for a replacement (express 3-5 days). Two days later my guitar breaks down and put in another request (express as well). So I've been going back and forth with them since then. Earlier in the week I get a response to one of my questions, essentially saying "We'd like to send you a free ea game due to the amount of time you've been waiting. I asked what games I could pick from and the next day she responded any game that is CURRENTLY RELEASED and published by EA. I picked The Simpsons Game, and according to my tracking number it will be at my house on the 4th. That is how it went for me, so I'd assume it will be similar with the rest of you. I appreciate the gesture and all, except my battle has been for over 10 days and just today I got my seventh reference number asking me what I needed replaced and for what system. So basically since the 20th, I wasted numerous hours trying to get my replacements and all I have to show for is a game that is on its way, while I'm still waiting for the things I actually want to be shipped. I realize that they are trying and all, and it's a fantastic gesture sending a free game, but they really need some help with their customer service. So far I've had responses from Camille T, Glenn A, Deval, Elysia, Steve P, Joseph B and Amber. So that's seven different people responding to one problem, that easily rectified. Makes no sense. Has anyone else had a similar experience with this? Or was I just lucky? Sorry for the length.

[DesiredFX]

i didn't get one :(

Your turnaround was a lot faster than mine--I put in my request on the 21st and you put yours in on the 26th, but from what I've seen, it's very likely you'll get your replacement before I get mine.

[Badosh]

Ok, I Put My "Request" in on the 25th
when should i (for those who have it) except to get the e-mail, if even you tihkn ill get one

[Jonesey]

I got the e-mail as well. Wonder if I can choose an 09 game? =)

[jaredstokes]

I got the email too.

I feel it is a good way to ease the frustration level and win customers.

But it would have been smarter to make a quality product to begin with. I am not refering ot the Rock Band game, just those crapy controllers.

OH and it would be nice to play world tour over live and have user made content aviable for play in rock band. :) Look what it did for Valve.

[Yordakin]

I think it's sweet that EA is willing to go the extra mile in giving a free anything for the hassle of a broken peripheral. They certain don't need to since they are being very dilligent about replacements.

LOL. Check the forums over the last few days, and find out how diligent they have been. I am happy about the free game, however, EA's customer service department dropped the ball BIG time on this release. They are going to lose a fair amount of money over this, and someone will lose a job most likely. These things don't happen when diligence is applied.

[toefer]

Ok, I Put My "Request" in on the 25th
when should i (for those who have it) except to get the e-mail, if even you tihkn ill get one

For what it's worth, I put mine in on the 21st.

[_GABO_]

As a token of our appreciation for your patience and understanding, we will be offering you a FREE EA game. Details will follow shortly.

Man, that's awesome. Hope for TimeSplitters: Future Perfect (it's amazing, too bad EA shut down the servers in June).

[smith5879]

Did anyone order on the 24th and get the email? My school email will be down until 8am.

[tyrocks]

opps...I got one for my replacement too...then I checked my other email, and got another one...What happened was 1st time I used one email and made a process for a replacement, and my computer crashed...So i didnt think it processed, so I used a different email, now I am getting 2 free games, but I am a nice guy, so I will call them and tell them what happened, and ship the game back.

[bounchfx]

Crysis please!

[tyrocks]

I just read on the gamespot forums of rockband, that the game is Madden 06.

[EliteXFactor]

I just read on the gamespot forums of rockband, that the game is Madden 06.

That'd be funny.

[jdr7650]

After the shakedown from the last few days I am surprised that there is much of anyone on the gamespot forums. I would hate to be one the honest people that work for them about now.

[tyrocks]

what happened to Gamespot??

[Senkoy]

I pay to god i can get the orange box that way i can get my money back for the pre order since i have it fully payed for already. I doubt i can but it would be super sweet.

[Magnet]

I got the e-mail too about the free game. Nice gesture.

[pdawg17]

I ordered the morning of 11/21 and have not gotten the email :(

[Electric_Zen]

what happened to Gamespot??

They fired their senior editor of ten years (locked his office and escorted him off the premises) because he gave a bad review to Kane and Lynch, after Eidos purchased a big ad-buy for that game.

They then heavily edited the text review and pulled the video review off the site.

[jdr7650]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3164656
about the gamespot thing

I just got an odd e-mail saying that my request went through for my replacement but somehow they got no information on what instrument or which system it was for so I had to reply back letting them know. Odd stuff. Did this happen to anyone else?

[tyrocks]

wow. theres something fishy about that whole situation. Just cuz he gave his opinion on a game?

[DesiredFX]

wow. theres something fishy about that whole situation. Just cuz he gave his opinion on a game?

I think the second article indicates that there's a bit more to it than one opinion on one game.

There seems to have been a shift in what they consider to be appropriate editorial content (ie, soft, sales-oriented approach) and Gerstman apparently didn't seem to get that from the beginning.

Not that I think he should have--a move like this simply proves that Gamespot has lost all credibility.

[thearjunsingh]

way to get off topic guys

[erickOnasis412]

I just read on the gamespot forums of rockband, that the game is Madden 06.

why don't they just ship us the $1 bill instead

[guan69]

Thanks for the heads up, guys. I just checked my email and I got the message from EA too. I'm hoping for a copy of Burnout: Revenge.

[Micker]

Placed my order for drums on 11/22, still no drums and no email with my free game!!!!

[admanimal]

At least one or two people in the Tech Support forum have said they got a copy of The Simpsons game from EA for free (by complaining enough over the phone). So if that is an indication, there should at least be some newer games that we can choose from.

[Kyle11268o]

I ordered a replacement guitar on the 23rd, and got the email regarding the free game.

I never called EA or complained to anyone.

[toefer]

I assume EA will at least give you a limited choice. The point of offering you a free game is to make you a bit happier after having to wait for their slow service. I don't think giving you Madden 06 is going to make you forgive them, and might even make you hate them more. And if they don't allow you to at least choose from a couple of games, it seems like they're just dumping an unsuccessful game on you, which might also make you hate them.

[pdawg17]

Placed my order for drums on 11/22, still no drums and no email with my free game!!!!

Me neither (11/21 for me)...I didn't think I could be more frustrated than before but I am :mad:

[Hanover]

Same here...no free game, and I've waited almost two weeks now for my drum replacement. They've been shipped though, supposed to be here tomorrow.


Placed my order for drums on 11/22, still no drums and no email with my free game!!!!

[DesiredFX]

Not that this is right, but if you look at the email, it specifies that it's to someone with a guitar problem.

Under the circumstances, I imagine someone who's had to wait this long for a drum request can call Customer Support and ask about the offer, at which point they'll probably give it to you.

[joeincolorado]

While I'm happy for everyone else...I'm a little upset for myself. I've called EA 3 times about the matter, trying to figure out why everytime I check my tracking number all I get is "Billing Information Received" and no answer but, "It's in UPS's hands, speak with them." Then, I get the vice-versa from UPS telling me to contact EA. I don't appreciate the runaround personally. It's been 9 days since I requested a replacement and it's just getting old. I just want a solid answer. I have yet to hear that there is any kind of shortage from EA. If they would just tell me that, I wouldn't be so upset about the experience.

[JPRaup]

Placed an 2 day express order for new guitar on 11/25
Not a single email (no confirmation or free game email) and no guitar and its 12/2

:(

[Badosh]

Placed an 2 day express order for new guitar on 11/25
Not a single email (no confirmation or free game email) and no guitar and its 12/2

:(

Excat same date and no e-mail
but the guitar is supposed to be here tomorow
so what the heck are they just picking random people and they get free games

[admanimal]

Excat same date and no e-mail
but the guitar is supposed to be here tomorow
so what the heck are they just picking random people and they get free games

I think most of us are those who ordered within the first few days of launch and have had to wait nearly two weeks for a replacement.

[DesiredFX]

I think most of us are those who ordered within the first few days of launch and have had to wait nearly two weeks for a replacement.

Yeah, I asked for mine on the 21st, and I still have no indication that I'll have my replacement before Tuesday, which will be the fourteenth day since I turned in my request.

[djbarg]

Wish I were getting a free game. I requested replacement on the 24th, and still have to even receive an email from EA. Checking my tracking # on UPS shows that it should be arriving Monday the 3rd. Let's see: even taking into account that I ordered my replacement on the weekend, that still means I will be waiting 6 business days (not 2 days like they say) and I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY EMAIL VERIFICATION FROM EA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Talk about poor customer service!

<done with rant>

Thanks

[ugp]

I got the same E-Mail yesterday. My new guitar will arrive tomorrow. I had the strum bar issue. It would not strum down only around 10% of the time. A free game is a free game and it does show they are trying to make the best of the situation and make people happy for the delays. Although with a game like this with the hardware it requires it is going to happen and have malfunctions.

[peltzie]

heh, its like email from EA "We have realized your problem and will make it right by sending you a free EA game!"

2 days later, look in your mailbox
"YAY! I GOT A COPY OF MADDEN 2001!!! WOO!"

seriously though, a free game is a free game. dont like it? eBay is your friend.

[admanimal]

I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY EMAIL VERIFICATION FROM EA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Not a single person that I know of received any email from EA prior to the free game email, unless they specifically asked EA customer support to email them some info.

[SoberScott]

I complained a lot and they did the same for me. You should get a choice of any current title for any console. I chose Masss Effect.

[vipeness]

if EA does this for all, it would be the best thing ive seen in gaming for a company to say, sorry

[beatnikdaddio]

you guys are lucky..... i've had an RMA out since the first day and the tracking number they gave me STILL ONLY shows "billing information received".

no replacement guitar.
no free game offer.
no sorry.
no nothing but a hard time.

EA is totally sucking in their handling of this. customer service has been less than helpful too.... they told me that i now have to pursue this matter now with UPS, who reports that THEY HAVE NEVER RECEIVED THE GUITAR FROM EA to even ship to me.

i dont know what else to do.

[Electric_Zen]

I complained a lot and they did the same for me. You should get a choice of any current title for any console. I chose Mass Effect.

Huh? I know that EA acquired Bioware, but Microsoft is publishing Mass Effect. If that's really an option, then I will be one freaking satisfied customer!

[beatnikdaddio]

with each new report of a FREE GAME OFFER or a I GOT MY REPLACEMENT GUITAR, i get a little more steamed. i cannot get ANY answers from EA!

[ChampDoglas]

I got the email saying I would get a free game and "by the time you get this the guitar should be on its way". However I check the tracking number they gave me and it has not yet been shipped. Anyone else in the same situation. Im not as bothered by it as much as others because I prefer to use the wireless Les Paul anyway. I would love to get mass effect for free.

[khiebjr]

instead of giving away free 59.99 games, give me a 59.99 credit to Buy another Guitar !!!

What does everyone think about that ?????

[EliteXFactor]

I got the email saying I would get a free game and "by the time you get this the guitar should be on its way". However I check the tracking number they gave me and it has not yet been shipped. Anyone else in the same situation. Im not as bothered by it as much as others because I prefer to use the wireless Les Paul anyway. I would love to get mass effect for free.

Same here, it says Billing Information Received still.


instead of giving away free 59.99 games, give me a 59.99 credit to Buy another Guitar !!!

What does everyone think about that ?????

Nah.

[ericL]

My request from 11/25 is still "Billing information received" at UPS, but on the EA site, it seems to be making progress. Its status started out as "New RMA," then moved to "Label Printed" and as of this morning is "Parts Shipped." Maybe that means they've sent it to UPS, but that's just a guess.

You should be able to check the status of your request at support.ea.com under the "My Questions" link on the left, in case you haven't found that. It at least lets me know stuff is happening. ps No email for me yet.

[DWDrummer121]

Yeah, I got the e-mail too. I'm really, really happy about the free EA game, but I was hoping that we could choose the game 'cause, if I could, probably get another RB. :b

[turnthree]

My request from 11/25 is still "Billing information received" at UPS, but on the EA site, it seems to be making progress. Its status started out as "New RMA," then moved to "Label Printed" and as of this morning is "Parts Shipped." Maybe that means they've sent it to UPS, but that's just a guess.

You should be able to check the status of your request at support.ea.com under the "My Questions" link on the left, in case you haven't found that. It at least lets me know stuff is happening. ps No email for me yet.

Mine says 12-03-07 Updated by EA

[skagen]

Has anyone even gotten the instructions on how to get the free game yet? I got the email, but no follow up email on how to actually get the game. I got my replacement guitar, no letter or anything, though i haven't opened it up yet.

[kidwei]

I got the email saying I would get a free game and "by the time you get this the guitar should be on its way". However I check the tracking number they gave me and it has not yet been shipped. Anyone else in the same situation. Im not as bothered by it as much as others because I prefer to use the wireless Les Paul anyway. I would love to get mass effect for free.

i'm in the same boat..

i somehow doubt mass effect will be an eligible game, since it's published by microsoft. but that would be sweet.

[scott1891]

So my wife got home before me and saw that there were 2 boxes at the door . I was perplexed at first then thought maybe they sent me a spare box as well as a replacement. To my surprise it was 2 guitars....anyone else have that happen....

[godmodeon]

I still haven't even received my shipment tracking number. I got the e-mail like 2 or 3 days ago when everyone else did. I wonder if they're ever going to let me know. Also, by no surprise my drum pedal is finally starting to fall apart. I wonder if my mic is next? I'm not a picky person, but the drums were my favorite part. I filed the replacement pedal thing, and got a tracking number immediately, yet still haven't seen one for my replacement guitar, which I filed in the first 3 hours of owning the game.

Oh well, I'll try to bide my time.

[Electric_Zen]

To my surprise it was 2 guitars....anyone else have that happen....

Apparently so:

http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=13014

[ManOwaR]

NHL 1995....

j/k.

[davidshek]

instead of giving away free 59.99 games, give me a 59.99 credit to Buy another Guitar !!!

You do realize that it doesn't cost EA 59.99 to print up a new game disc, case and manual, right? It probably costs them less than $1 apiece in materials to mass-produce the stuff for "freebies".

I'm fairly certain they'd rather do that than give you a $60 credit towards something else :)