Canadian Delay Controversy

[fiddilydee]

I have been searching for days now for the Canadian release info. And like everybody else on here getting very sketchy often contradicting information. I have been lurking on the forums here namely that other "Canadian Release" post.

I don't know which is worse the way people act when they find out they may have to wait a month or the runaround Harmonix is giving these guys. I would think that if someone was willing to plunk down 200$ for a new game (looking to takeover an already flooded market of rhythm based games) the company making the game would not go out of there way to piss those people off.

I love the part reffering us to EA.

Seriously we just designed the game how could we possibly know when it comes out.

They must just mail off the final copy and forget about it. I know if I spent a year working on any sort of release I would want to know every detail. But hey we, the public, should just call up EA to find out so we can tell the fine folks at Harmonix. Did any of you guys even meet anyone from EA.

Seriously I love Harmonix but I'm not stupid this is buck passin...

[Eman311]

Don't blame Harmonix for hardware shortages.

[fiddilydee]

So far nothing stated on any website about the delay says it was caused by shortages.

[Eman311]

There is an article about how the bundle will be in short supply due to manufacturing the peripherals. If they had the supply for a simultaneous release they would've done it.

Another possible thing i've heard is having everything also labeled with french (is that common in canada?) which could cause a delay.

[Etapi1000]

There is an article about how the bundle will be in short supply due to manufacturing the peripherals. If they had the supply for a simultaneous release they would've done it.

Another possible thing i've heard is having everything also labeled with french (is that common in canada?) which could cause a delay.

The packaging requirements in Canada could not possibly be the cause of the delay, as French has been required on packaging here for more years than I have been around, and EA and Harmonix are well aware of that. So IF there is going to be a delay, that certainly is not the reason

[fiddilydee]

The point is we are left to speculate like this. We all know what can go wrong, They won't even say whether or not anything did. Just ask EA because we don't really care.

[espher]

So far nothing stated on any website about the delay says it was caused by shortages.

So far nothing stated on any website officially confirms a delay or gives any 'official' reason for a delay, so tossing blame about and crying about it isn't solving anything.

[fiddilydee]

I dont really care, the longer I have to wait to get it, the longer I have to wait to pay for it which is fine by me. I just can't believe the attitude of the creators of this game. Who do you think would have an easier time getting a straight answer from EA, an everyday customer or an affiliate company. Harmonix wants us to call EA so we can find out and tell them. Ridiculous

[espher]

So... have you called EA? Or did you instead decide to spend more time crying about it here?

:D

[tbradshaw]

I don't know which is worse the way people act when they find out they may have to wait a month or the runaround Harmonix is giving these guys. I would think that if someone was willing to plunk down 200$ for a new game (looking to takeover an already flooded market of rhythm based games) the company making the game would not go out of there way to piss those people off.

I love the part reffering us to EA.

Seriously we just designed the game how could we possibly know when it comes out.

They must just mail off the final copy and forget about it. I know if I spent a year working on any sort of release I would want to know every detail. But hey we, the public, should just call up EA to find out so we can tell the fine folks at Harmonix. Did any of you guys even meet anyone from EA.

Seriously I love Harmonix but I'm not stupid this is buck passin...

Geez. That's a lot of poor comprehension.

1) It appears that no one has sited a firm date for a Canadian release.

2) How, in the world, do you equate a lack of definitive response on the site forums as a "runaround". There's been no runaround, there's just been no answer and a whole bunch of forum posts from fellow fanboys that are bummed that they don't know when they are going to get the game.

3) I'm the one that referred us to EA, not Harmonix. Kind of makes sense... since release dates are a distribution question and EA is the... distributor.

4) There are almost 150 employees at Harmonix, are you proposing that every single employee would know every single schedule target for every aspect of the game? Do you have a job? Do you know every single scheduling detail for every project at your place of employment? We get fantastic service from employees that make time out of their schedule to share a glimpse of the inside scoop with us, some of their fans. Half the time they have to go through the hassle of getting clearance just to talk to us... now you're going to rag of them for not being nosy enough to find out the business end.

5) I don't know that they just "ship of the final copy"... but they did have their release party last night and they've already been playing the final version of the game for quite a while. Yes... Harmonix is done with the retail game and now is shifting to DLC development (hopefully taking a little bit of a celebratory break.)

6) Those employees that are still involved with the retail game (that has already gone gold and left the studio) are the business staff. Business staff aren't really who are visiting the forums with us. Those employees that graciously share their time with us are programmers, designers, artists and other creatives.

Don't be so pretentious as to blame Harmonix for "buck passing" when it's another fan on the forums (me) that suggested it. Know your source.

[crivit]

Seriously I love Harmonix but I'm not stupid this is buck passin...

HMX is the developer, EA is the distributor. It's EA's job to get it into stores, it's ultimately thier decision when it comes out where. That's not buck passing, it's just the way it is. While it would be nice to hear something official about it, EA may not have set a firm release date for Canada yet, so HMX may not have any concrete answers. If that is the case thier silence is the lesser of two evils opposed to "confirming" something that may not be accurate.

[fiddilydee]

Geez. That's a lot of poor comprehension.

1) It appears that no one has sited a firm date for a Canadian release.

2) How, in the world, do you equate a lack of definitive response on the site forums as a "runaround". There's been no runaround, there's just been no answer and a whole bunch of forum posts from fellow fanboys that are bummed that they don't know when they are going to get the game.

Not so HMXSean is doing just that in the other post. Or was up until 2 days ago.

3) I'm the one that referred us to EA, not Harmonix. Kind of makes sense... since release dates are a distribution question and EA is the... distributor.

4) There are almost 150 employees at Harmonix, are you proposing that every single employee would know every single schedule target for every aspect of the game? Do you have a job? Do you know every single scheduling detail for every project at your place of employment? We get fantastic service from employees that make time out of their schedule to share a glimpse of the inside scoop with us, some of their fans. Half the time they have to go through the hassle of getting clearance just to talk to us... now you're going to rag of them for not being nosy enough to find out the business end.

Every single scheduling detail? or the release date of the most important thing they have ever released. Think.


5) I don't know that they just "ship of the final copy"... but they did have their release party last night and they've already been playing the final version of the game for quite a while. Yes... Harmonix is done with the retail game and now is shifting to DLC development (hopefully taking a little bit of a celebratory break.)

That doesnt really have anything to do with what I'm talking about

6) Those employees that are still involved with the retail game (that has already gone gold and left the studio) are the business staff. Business staff aren't really who are visiting the forums with us. Those employees that graciously share their time with us are programmers, designers, artists and other creatives.

They should still know, if that information was available fan boys all over would know it and remember it, why can't one employee of the company who made it.

Don't be so pretentious as to blame Harmonix for "buck passing" when it's another fan on the forums (me) that suggested it. Know your source.

It wasnt it was HMXsean.

[JackBNimble]

For this to be the OFFICIAL RB site ,there is some pretty shoty info going around.
If we were told from the bigining that we would get the game a month late, we would be good with that.But there is 10 days left and no one has the balls to come out and give us a straight answer.

And I can tell you now that if there was rumors of an American delay, and you were kept in the dark about it ,you americans would react no different.

All we want is someone from this OFFICIAL RockBand site to give us an answer one way or another.I thought they had relations with EA or am I just being silly to think that?I don't think it's to much to ask for confirmation on this issue before Nov 20th.

[tbradshaw]

Every single scheduling detail? or the release date of the most important thing they have ever released. Think.

I realize that you probably don't know anything about software development or game development (and that's totally cool, most people don't), but no. No matter how important the release date is to you, the consumer, or how important you think it is for the employees, every employee is not in-the-know on the details of the release process after things have transitioned to the distributor.

Harmonix does have company wide lunch meetings that include a lot of "everybody on the same page" style briefings, but chances are this does not include the latest transient details on EA's progress with international release.

This really is an issue that involves primarily the distributor. I'm sure that Alex and the other top business staff has their thumb on the issue, and maybe Sean can get info. But it really is in EA's ballpark now.

[AdamWill]

...you get an automatic fail for using 'transition' as a verb. :)

[thegame696911]

I realize that you probably don't know anything about software development or game development (and that's totally cool, most people don't), but no. No matter how important the release date is to you, the consumer, or how important you think it is for the employees, every employee is not in-the-know on the details of the release process after things have transitioned to the distributor.

Harmonix does have company wide lunch meetings that include a lot of "everybody on the same page" style briefings, but chances are this does not include the latest transient details on EA's progress with international release.

This really is an issue that involves primarily the distributor. I'm sure that Alex and the other top business staff has their thumb on the issue, and maybe Sean can get info. But it really is in EA's ballpark now.

Its almost like u really think u work there...... tool.

It's people like u that piss me off the most, I pre ordered this game nearly 2 months ago and was told the NORTH AMERICAN release date is Nov 20th. It is now nearly one week away and us Canadian fans have been told nothing. I am not so called "blaming" HMX for this, but do u really think that a week away they dont know the situation for Canada....... I just think they have alot of people who are willing to pay $170 and to give them an answer to something i believe to be very simple is quite anoying.

Sean has been amazing on this forum, he has given us insight to how the game is made and the general mood in the HMX offices, and we appreciate that. But there is no way that one of us are gonna get answer from EA......... but i know HMX knows the situation for Canada by now. That is why us Canadians are so upset, a week away and nobody can give u a straight answer on a product that is supposed to be released here the same day as the States (according to an EA press release).

Anyways, thats my rant.............. like it or not.

[Ardius]

Ah, well this will all be forgotten in a few months time. This "controversy" can't be helped and theres nothing you can do about hardware delay.
I find it rediculous that the canadians are in an uproar over a small delay, when us europeans have been side-lined for over 15 years! This is actually a pretty good release delay for us, as we normally dont get overseas games for almost 6 months and over a year in some cases.
Just goes to show how much you lot appreciate how early you get it. :rolleyes:

[sa_nick]

Man, until now I always though Canadians were a little smarter, nicer and a generally more agreeable bunch than some americans can be. I spose there's jerks everywhere though.

Sure you can ***** about being upset but 1) it's not gonna help and 2) ur blaming the wrong people.

And just to give you some perspective, all other countries outside the US and Canada have even less of an idea of when the game will be released for them. I'm an Australian and all I know is that the game wont be here until Q1 next year. That's any time from Jan-March, so it could be 4 months until it's out here.

Luckily I'm importing though. Perhaps you guys should stop *****ing and do the same.

[Nitz13]

did you even read thegame's post???
yeah its harsh Europe and other countries outside NA have to wait till 2008
but answer this question. Were you promised a November 20th release? only to have a Dec 20th date show up 2 weeks before release??

I mean I Wouldn't have had any problem if when release dates were given they said Dec 20th or even into 2008, fact is we were told Nov 20th North American Release
Were not upset its being delayed nor do we blame HMX, we just want an answer to if its delayed and why it was delayed surely 1 week before launch someone knows....

[ActionHank]

And just to give you some perspective, all other countries outside the US and Canada have even less of an idea of when the game will be released for them. I'm an Australian and all I know is that the game wont be here until Q1 next year. That's any time from Jan-March, so it could be 4 months until it's out here.

Luckily I'm importing though. Perhaps you guys should stop *****ing and do the same.

Again, half of why this whole episode is distressing to Canadian fans is that were are still officially being led to believe that the game is going to be released on November 20th.

You folks outside of North America have always known that you would have to wait a little while longer for the game, you were able to respond appropriatley. You for example, say you're gonna import the game. Many Canadians have not made arrangements to do so on the basis that the game was meant to be available from retailers over here.

Mind if I ask where you're planning to import from, anyhow? Most US online shops aren't prepared to ship to Canada given the size of the rock band packaging.

[thegame696911]

Man, until now I always though Canadians were a little smarter, nicer and a generally more agreeable bunch than some americans can be. I spose there's jerks everywhere though.

Sure you can ***** about being upset but 1) it's not gonna help and 2) ur blaming the wrong people.

And just to give you some perspective, all other countries outside the US and Canada have even less of an idea of when the game will be released for them. I'm an Australian and all I know is that the game wont be here until Q1 next year. That's any time from Jan-March, so it could be 4 months until it's out here.

Luckily I'm importing though. Perhaps you guys should stop *****ing and do the same.

I am in no way "Blaming" harmonix for a delay that may or may not exist (that sentence almost proves how out of control this has gotten)

Oh btw, about importing the game....... my uncle lives 5 min from the border. Had i known about the "delay" i would have pre ordered it in buffalo, clearly a week away from release its just a little too late for that plan.

Like Nitz13 said, my problem lies not with the fact I may have to wait a month after a release date i was told (wink,wink). But is with the lack on information to us Canadians, had alot of us been told of the delay a month ago we could have made other plans. But instead most of us waited and read the forums thinking "it must be a mistake, surely". Only to be now a week away with no plan and no release date........... we think :confused:

[tbradshaw]

Its almost like u really think u work there...... tool.

Like I think I work there? What are you, twelve?

I have some idea what things are like in game development because I have pseudo internship with id Software each summer and I'm friends with a number of the staff. I've had the opportunity of working closely with them each summer for about five years and I've gained a little insight into the process from chatting about releases. Not that game industry specific knowledge is necessary in this case, as virtually all software companies use a distributer, and a few of us old enough to hold a post-collegiate job work in software.

The weekly company wide meetings (which are relatively uncommon in the software industry) are documented in the ScoreHero staff diaries in which they described their visit to Harmonix.

Name calling reflects poorly on yourself.

[thegame696911]

Out of everything i wrote, thats what u took from it.......... u prove my point.

[tbradshaw]

...you get an automatic fail for using 'transition' as a verb. :)

Transition is both a noun and an intransitive verb.

[thegame696911]

Transition is both a noun and an intransitive verb.

Do u get off on sounding really smart ???

Stick to the topic.....

[tbradshaw]

Out of everything i wrote, thats what u took from it.......... u prove my point.

You didn't have a new point. You rephrased the same thing that's been repeated in the half dozen or so threads on this topic.

Also, "you" has three letters. ;)

To be clear, I think it's a serious bummer that it appears that Canadians are getting hosed on the release date. I can appreciate the frustration and the desire to "get some answers". But I also recognize that hard and accurate information about release dates of video games is almost always a ***** to confirm.

I'm used to seeing the reverse. GameStop and/or Amazon will often have a release date for an id Software game, when the official policy for all id games is "when it's done" and it's still in QA (i.e. there is no release date at that point).

In this case, the game has left Harmonix and is in EA's court and it appears that things aren't going as they should have. You said yourself that the press release promising a "North American" release was an EA press release. Until EA makes an official statement about a Canadian release, I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't anything a Harmonix employee would be allowed to say. (Conjecture at this point, I have no idea what the distribution agreement is between MTV/Harmonix and EA.)

I haven't been combative here (well, until you started name calling), I've just been trying to provide some perspective. If there's anything of perspective to take from this conversation, it's that these forums aren't a great place to find primary sources for new information. The strength of these forums have been a dedicated community of fans that have been scouring the web and reporting back every snippet of information as it releases. It's worth remembering that every big "scoop"--with few exceptions--has been from another site, usually by negotiation with the PR firm.

The primary use of this forum is communication with the community with some spice from the Harmonix employees that swing through. We're not going to get a press release on here.

[tbradshaw]

Do u get off on sounding really smart ???

Stick to the topic.....

I was accurately replying to another post. I actually had to look it up because I thought perhaps I had used "transitioned" wrong and didn't know it. Turns out I was fine. Why are you being so aggressively condescending?

[Jon_Snow]

Yeah, the tone of some of the complaining in these "delay" threads definitely has a juvenille whining quality to them.... we Canadians I would argue are generally more level headed, patient, and tolerant as a whole than our counterparts to the south - but the fact is that those of us in Canada have a right to be pissed off.

I think most of us could stomach waiting a month (or more) if it were explained to us truthfully as to the reasons for such a delay. Instead, little more than ONE WEEK before the NORTH AMERICAN release, we still don't know the truth.

Think about it... ONE WEEK before release of one of the biggest games of the year and a country of 30 million people have been left in the dark. At least Europe knows its situation.

If Canadians can be allowed to break out of our "nice guy" mold from time to time, this is one of those times. Yeah, its just a videogame... but I've spent $200 dollars on a EB pre-order and for that hard earned cash I've only got alot of unanswered questions to show for it. :confused:

[thegame696911]

I was accurately replying to another post. I actually had to look it up because I thought perhaps I had used "transitioned" wrong and didn't know it. Turns out I was fine. Why are you being so aggressively condescending?

Well since YOU (happy?) ask, most people in this forums are quite supportive and understanding of the Canadian situation. You on the otherhand simply state the obvious, as if we aren't aware of Hamonix's position. Based on what you have typed, I know people like you......... you enjoy putting people in their place. The fact that you choose these forums to do it is sad, that is my problem with YOU !

These forums are pretty much the only place for people who are passionate about Rock Band to come and discuss (or complain) and frankly thats what these forums are for, a place people can be heard. For better or worse. You knew what this thread was about when you entered it, frankly if you are so tired of us complaining........ don't click on the thread and move on.

And we get your a smart guy...... you have inside knowledge of the bussiness, thats great. But if us creating a thread and "*****ing" about a question that should be answered by now bothers you....... quite frankly, I don't care.

[thegame696911]

Yeah, the tone of some of the complaining in these "delay" threads definitely has a juvenille whining quality to them.... we Canadians I would argue are generally more level headed, patient, and tolerant as a whole than our counterparts to the south - but the fact is that those of us in Canada have a right to be pissed off.

I think most of us could stomach waiting a month (or more) if it were explained to us truthfully as to the reasons for such a delay. Instead, little more than ONE WEEK before the NORTH AMERICAN release, we still don't know the truth.

Think about it... ONE WEEK before release of one of the biggest games of the year and a country of 30 million people have been left in the dark. At least Europe knows its situation.

If Canadians can be allowed to break out of our "nice guy" mold from time to time, this is one of those times. Yeah, its just a videogame... but I've spent $200 dollars on a EB pre-order and for that hard earned cash I've only got alot of unanswered questions to show for it. :confused:

Amen my friend.

[Ultrace]

The packaging requirements in Canada could not possibly be the cause of the delay, as French has been required on packaging here for more years than I have been around, and EA and Harmonix are well aware of that. So IF there is going to be a delay, that certainly is not the reason
Actually, it certainly could be. Bottom line is, you don't know the reason, or else you would be telling us what it is. If they're having a hard time meeting hardware supplies for the launch, it's perfectly conceivable that having to print separate packaging with French on it could have been too much of an issue. While that reasoning may sound lame to you, you can't say it's not the issue.

[Imakida]

but the fact is that those of us in Canada have a right to be pissed off.

Ehh it is so not a question of right! You also have the right to talk to an attorney after and arrest or the right to be happy that you'll get the game before christmas (hopefully) and before everywhere else except the USA. :rolleyes:

Edit: Anyway I said before this "confirmation" that anyone who thought that there would be no delay we're in complete denial. It's a shame that there is a delay, but it's no surprise. Be patient and you'll be rewarded with a big box and a lot of DLC by the time you'll get the game!

[thegame696911]

I'm think it's just gonna be something around the lines of "hardware shortage delays". That they simply could not make enough product to supply of all North America at the same time.

Just kinda sucks they couldn't tell us that a little earlier :(

[foolosophy]

I'm think it's just gonna be something around the lines of "hardware shortage delays". That they simply could not make enough product to supply of all North America at the same time.

Just kinda sucks they couldn't tell us that a little earlier :(

It just seems kind of rash to exclude a country that is just north of the border. If anything they would be losing on the money they could be gaining because of our stronger dollar. I said it many times before, the way they should handle shortages is by dividing by percentage, 20% goes to Canada the other 80% stays in USA. It's not like there's less of us that want to get our hands on the game. This forum alone shows just how many Canadians are interested and are planning to purchase Rock Band.

[thegame696911]

Could'nt agree more you. Dear god I hope we are all wrong, and will be playing Rock Band a week from tuesday.

[Rook_x51]

That's the best possible solution, but if we have to wait it would be awesome to know how long!

[tbradshaw]

Well since YOU (happy?) ask, most people in this forums are quite supportive and understanding of the Canadian situation. You on the otherhand simply state the obvious, as if we aren't aware of Hamonix's position.

Each time someone complains about Harmonix "passing the buck" on a question that isn't theirs to answer, it's a clear gesture that they aren't aware of the separation of responsibilities between developer, producer, and distributor. Rather than jump to conclusions about their personality or the implications of their statement, I instead chose to try and help and explain that separation. It's a "benefit of the doubt" response. I assume that they/you aren't just pouting/crying/***** and instead are genuinely interested in an informative response. There rarely is one here on the forums, so I offered alternatives.


Based on what you have typed, I know people like you......... you enjoy putting people in their place. The fact that you choose these forums to do it is sad, that is my problem with YOU

This is just a blatant falsehood.


These forums are pretty much the only place for people who are passionate about Rock Band to come and discuss (or complain) and frankly thats what these forums are for, a place people can be heard. For better or worse. You knew what this thread was about when you entered it, frankly if you are so tired of us complaining........ don't click on the thread and move on.

A misunderstanding on my part. I was under the impression that those complaining were doing so for a real purpose other than just venting. I was trying to offer analysis of the situation that would make things seem less arbitrary, because knowing more about the situation always helps me chill out when I'm upset about something.


And we get your a smart guy...... you have inside knowledge of the bussiness, thats great. But if us creating a thread and "*****ing" about a question that should be answered by now bothers you....... quite frankly, I don't care.

The only annoyances about this thread have been:

1) There are already a dozen others on the exact same topic and there wasn't a need for another thread. Hopefully our moderator has relaxed after the release party and will now start merging these threads together.

2) You chose to make personal attacks at me, to which I responded.

Also, everyone seems to be really offended that they were not notified earlier that there was going to be a delay. But surely you have considered that there hasn't been an official word because they don't yet know if they can meet the target date and are not yet willing to give up trying to hit the production goals necessary?

Sometimes a lack of an answer isn't an insult, it's just an "I don't know." Sadly, it's rare that a company can just honestly say "I don't know" anymore without a huge bath of negative publicity.

[ChaosElement]

Sometimes a lack of an answer isn't an insult, it's just an "I don't know." Sadly, it's rare that a company can just honestly say "I don't know" anymore without a huge bath of negative publicity.

They should know. It's their JOB to know, and inform the end consumer, of any possible problems, especially the shareholders.

They deserve the negative publicity if "they don't know" as it shows incompetence on their part as they knew of these potential difficulties ahead of time and did nothing to resolve it.

Obviously, this is assuming that there will be a delay

[Rook_x51]

They should know. It's their JOB to know, and inform the end consumer, of any possible problems, especially the shareholders.

They deserve the negative publicity if "they don't know" as it shows incompetence on their part as they knew of these potential difficulties ahead of time and did nothing to resolve it.

Obviously, this is assuming that there will be a delay

Exactly. Regardless if it is fair to Harmonix, we are going to be angry at them for this. And since they have denied rumours of release delays in the past it should be a fair assumption that we can go to them to deny/confirm these delay rumours.

And since most of the interested parties (MTV and EA) are publicly traded companies we should be able to get some clear answers.

[ActionHank]

I just sent the following email to Harmonix, MTV Canada, and EA. Hopefully someone in one of those companies will have some firm info. Will let you know if/when I receive a reply:

"Hi there,

I've addressed this email to representatives of Harmonix, MTV Canada, and EA in the hopes of achieving some clarity amid growing speculation regarding Rock Band?s Canadian release date. Recent press releases concerning Rock Band have established a scheduled release date of November 20th for North America, which presumably includes Canada. However, a number of Canadian retailers - notably Futureshop and EB Games - are beginning to report that the game is now scheduled for release on December 20th.

Canadian gamers are looking forward to Rock Band as eagerly as their US counterparts, and we would greatly appreciate a firm response from an official source. We realize that delays are a reality of game distribution, especially with respect to a package as unorthodox as the Rock Band Special Edition bundle, and we merely wish to be informed with the game's original release date now fast approaching.

In targeting representatives of the game's developer, publisher and distributor I'm hoping that someone will have some first-hand information, or will at least be able to refer to another party with such information. Has the December 20th release date emanated from an official source? If not, is Rock Band still officially confirmed for a Canadian release on November 20th, or might the Canadian release be scheduled for another date altogether?

Thanks very much to all concerned. My friends and I are much looking forward to enjoying your game.

Sincerely,
_____"

[Rook_x51]

I just sent the following email to Harmonix, MTV Canada, and EA. Hopefully someone in one of those companies will have some firm info. Will let you know if/when I receive a reply:

"Hi there,

I've addressed this email to representatives of Harmonix, MTV Canada, and EA in the hopes of achieving some clarity amid growing speculation regarding Rock Band?s Canadian release date. Recent press releases concerning Rock Band have established a scheduled release date of November 20th for North America, which presumably includes Canada. However, a number of Canadian retailers - notably Futureshop and EB Games - are beginning to report that the game is now scheduled for release on December 20th.

Canadian gamers are looking forward to Rock Band as eagerly as their US counterparts, and we would greatly appreciate a firm response from an official source. We realize that delays are a reality of game distribution, especially with respect to a package as unorthodox as the Rock Band Special Edition bundle, and we merely wish to be informed with the game's original release date now fast approaching.

In targeting representatives of the game's developer, publisher and distributor I'm hoping that someone will have some first-hand information, or will at least be able to refer to another party with such information. Has the December 20th release date emanated from an official source? If not, is Rock Band still officially confirmed for a Canadian release on November 20th, or might the Canadian release be scheduled for another date altogether?

Thanks very much to all concerned. My friends and I are much looking forward to enjoying your game.

Sincerely,
_____"


Well done. That's a great email.

[thegame696911]

Agreed, well done.

[Arreck]

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/rumor-rock-band-delayed-in-canada-until-dec-19/

All right! We're in business!

[foolosophy]

Good job guys, we should message Kotaku and other gaming blogs.

[Arreck]

Actually now that Joystiq's on board, other blogs might repost it.

[Rook_x51]

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/rumor-rock-band-delayed-in-canada-until-dec-19/

All right! We're in business!

I also sent this to as many gaming news sites as possible (as well as emailing and calling EA).

Hopefully we get some freakin' answers soon.

[thegame696911]

wow i just sent a message to joystiq like an hour ago

[foolosophy]

http://digg.com/gaming_news/Possible_Rock_Band_delay_in_Canada

Help "Digg It" to get it on the front page. Spread the word!

[Yasihiko]

http://digg.com/gaming_news/Possible_Rock_Band_delay_in_Canada

Help "Digg It" to get it on the front page. Spread the word!

Dugged. :)

[Rook_x51]

Dugged. :)

Dig-Dugged!

[tbradshaw]

They should know. It's their JOB to know, and inform the end consumer, of any possible problems, especially the shareholders.

They deserve the negative publicity if "they don't know" as it shows incompetence on their part as they knew of these potential difficulties ahead of time and did nothing to resolve it.

Obviously, this is assuming that there will be a delay

Well, right or wrong, this is the kind of opinion that keeps a company from making a response. :(

[Rook_x51]

Well, right or wrong, this is the kind of opinion that keeps a company from making a response. :(

A company is not going to avoid giving a response because of what a couple people post on their message boards.

They have a responsibility to deliver this type of information in a timely matter to all interested parties. Regardless of our opinions.

[tbradshaw]

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/rumor-rock-band-delayed-in-canada-until-dec-19/

All right! We're in business!

Oh nice. A grass roots public letter to all three could work. I'm with the other guys in this thread; try to get this on as many blogs as possible and hopefully a journalist will start asking the right questions for you guys.

Good luck!!!

[thegame696911]

A company is not going to avoid giving a response because of what a couple people post on their message boards.

They have a responsibility to deliver this type of information in a timely matter to all interested parties. Regardless of our opinions.

Trust me Rook dont even bother with this guy........ I've already wasted to much time.

[Rook_x51]

Trust me Rook dont even bother with this guy........ I've already wasted to much time.

I'm not against him at all. Why does this have to be us versus them?

[thegame696911]

It never was........ i was just looking on this forum for answers.

[tbradshaw]

I'm not against him at all. Why does this have to be us versus them?

Thanks. I've inadvertently gotten myself a foe, although I'm not entirely sure why. Hopefully after some clarity is established about the Canadian release he'll be less hostile.

/me shrugs

[espher]

Trust me Rook dont even bother with this guy........ I've already wasted to much time.

On the contrary, your time was well spent illustrating that not all Canadians are sane.

On that note, here's hoping for an answer soon, but I'm not too worried -- Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Super Mario Galaxy, Battalion Wars 2... I'm going to be busy for quite some time anyway. :3

[JavaMava]

On the contrary, your time was well spent illustrating that not all Canadians are sane.

On that note, here's hoping for an answer soon, but I'm not too worried -- Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, Super Mario Galaxy, Battalion Wars 2... I'm going to be busy for quite some time anyway. :3

I don't think any Canadians are sane, thats what makes us awesome.

[mellow_jam]

Hmm, well after the long read this thread has caused me - I've realized not a lot more than it seems like there are overgrown children, agitated due to lack of patience and cash flow. To the Americans and other countrymen besides my fellow Canadians, immaturity has no borders, and there are unsavoury people in each corner of the world; but for the record: the majority of Canadians are pleasurable and down-to-earth people. All of this unfortunate conflict will be long forgotten once our time has been consumed by the game after it's release, and to end on a positive note - no matter how long the delay is, it's inevitable; you will play the game, so relax.

[JackBNimble]

Hmm, well after the long read this thread has caused me - I've realized not a lot more than it seems like there are overgrown children, agitated due to lack of patience and cash flow. To the Americans and other countrymen besides my fellow Canadians, immaturity has no borders, and there are unsavoury people in each corner of the world; but for the record: the majority of Canadians are pleasurable and down-to-earth people. All of this unfortunate conflict will be long forgotten once our time has been consumed by the game after it's release, and to end on a positive note - no matter how long the delay is, it's inevitable; you will play the game, so relax.

I agree ........................this is no way for us as Canadians to be acting.Have some F'N PRIDE or have you all forgotten what that is?

[mellow_jam]

Not I, nimble Jack; pride is never to be forgotten, and never to be flaunted about. That, and I hardly see any headway being made by making fun of each other.

[sushi111]

All I know is lil' sushi wont see any RB under his nose the 20th of November :(