Official Word on Canadian Delay (For Real This Time)

[foolosophy]

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/49887


MTV Games, which owns Rock Band developer Harmonix, has confirmed to Shacknews that Canadian stores will not receive any version of the musical supergroup simulator until December 17.

It was posted in the other thread but I think it warrants it's own, granted this is the first official word.

So what's the worst part? Still no explanation. Disappointment all around.

UPDATE: http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/11/rock-band-postp.html

Another source confirming this.

[IbanezBassist_v2]

You'll be just as disappointed as the rest of America that doesn't get it this holiday season.

[Electric_Zen]

So what's the worst part? Still no explanation.

Explanation: Supplies are short.

[shivish]

This is just a thought but maybe they're delaying it for Canada so they can meet all the demands for the pre-orders in USA......so im guessing stores just let too many people pre-order. Instead of delaying for everyone they delay for Canada.... americans win again.

[Desensitized]

Explanation: Supplies are short.
Translation: America means more than Canada.

That will REALLY make the Canadian fans feel better.

(By the way, that wasn't a knock at you, just the situation.)

[foolosophy]

This is just a thought but maybe they're delaying it for Canada so they can meet all the demands for the pre-orders in USA......so im guessing stores just let too many people pre-order. Instead of delaying for everyone they delay for Canada.... americans win again.

I know this will sound childish and immature, but I think I would lose a bit of respect for Harmonix (or EA or MTV, whoever's idea it would be) if they decided to exclude Canada like that. Well I can't speak on experience of the market so I have no statistics to prove that they shouldn't be doing this. All I know is, to me, this is a bad decision. Feel free to flame away at me for being "passionate" about a game, that's just how I am. I don't think I'm impatient because if I had a month or maybe even just a few week's worth warning I would be more than willing to wade the storm. But with 8 days away, it's hard. I'm sorry I feel this way, it's just not fair, in my mind.

[icantwaitforrockband]

any excuse they have is a bad one...so it doesn't matter either way.

[Desensitized]

any excuse they have is a bad one...so it doesn't matter either way.
Exactly. There is no real good excuse for it. They just wanted to make sure America had more copies than was available so they cut the Canadians out because we're less important.

[Rook_x51]

I know this will sound childish and immature, but I think I would lose a bit of respect for Harmonix (or EA or MTV, whoever's idea it would be) if they decided to exclude Canada like that. Well I can't speak on experience of the market so I have no statistics to prove that they shouldn't be doing this. All I know is, to me, this is a bad decision. Feel free to flame away at me for being "passionate" about a game, that's just how I am. I don't think I'm impatient because if I had a month or maybe even just a few week's worth warning I would be more than willing to wade the storm. But with 8 days away, it's hard. I'm sorry I feel this way, it's just not fair, in my mind.

I just hate the fact they waited so long. Who's running this show anyway?

[espher]

God****ingdammit.

[Maherj]

My concern is this. If they can't fulfil pre-orders in Canada right now, how are they able to meet the US pre-orders? Why is there a release difference just because there is a border? My thoughts is first come-first serve. Regardless of where, if you pre-ordered you should have a copy, not just because of where you live.

But boo to the news. I hope everyone that was able to lock down a US pre-order enjoys! :)

[LongDarkBlues]

They can only make so many copies of the peripherals - wouldn't you rather they delayed your release less than a month than ship out the seemingly-flaky earlier hardware builds from the in-store demos?

[foolosophy]

They can only make so many copies of the peripherals - wouldn't you rather they delayed your release less than a month than ship out the seemingly-flaky earlier hardware builds from the in-store demos?

No I would rather they split a percentage of the bundles to Canada. Last time I checked we were part of North America, why is there suddenly a delay (like the poster above said) just because of this border?

[Desensitized]

They can only make so many copies of the peripherals - wouldn't you rather they delayed your release less than a month than ship out the seemingly-flaky earlier hardware builds from the in-store demos?
I don't mind the delay, but it would've been nice to know a bit sooner. You know, before pre-orders in the US filled up.

Plus this blatantly states the US is more important than Canada. Not very many people are gonna like that.

[espher]

Advance warning so other arrangements could have been made would have been nice.

I understand supply is short, but it's going to be a pretty big kick in the balls if there are copies still on shelves in the U.S. while I'm waiting around a month.

Oh well, this somewhat reduces the crunch on my wallet at least.

Galaxy, Creed, Mass Effect, and CoD 4 -- here I come.

At least I only put down five bucks when I pre-ordered this, oh, back in June.

[shivish]

I don't mind the delay, but it would've been nice to know a bit sooner. You know, before pre-orders in the US filled up.

Plus this blatantly states the US is more important than Canada. Not very many people are gonna like that.

Exactly, we found out about this supposed delay right when pre-orders were finished and done. Now there is basicly no way to get this game for the original price.. sure you can buy one of ebay for more then $200, but i pre-ordered it and i deserve to have this game on the release date.

[selloutbands]

no i am stuck with 1 guitar no gh3,at least i have frets on fire it may not be rockband at least it has some great songs on it,AND THANKS FOR TELLING CANADIANS SO LATE NOW I CANNOT EVEN PREORDER IT FROM THE US.

[LongDarkBlues]

Man, I love Canada way more than the US, but it's hard to deny the population difference - there's just more customers in the US - it's almost 10 times larger population-wise, so that's 10 times the preorders needed.

Also, the PS3 is doing much worse in terms of sales numbers in Canada compared to the US (where it's still not doing great) - and according to the NPD survey, Canada never got into the PS2 - it's at a paltry 12% install base.

Halo 3 sold around 180,000 copies in Canada out of the total 4,200,000 - that's less than 5% of global sales, whereas the US made up 1,700,000 of those - 41% of total sales.

Anyway - I'm sorry guys - that sucks. But it's pretty clear from a sales POV that if you have to delay a region, it's goign to be one that doesn't demand as much or make up as large a portion of sales.

[Ardius]

Cue eye rolls.....
Ok, perhaps you have been unexpectedly disappointed...but seriously, I think you canadians are on a pretty high horse if you cant deal with a small delay which has a good explanation as well! Yes, you have a right to whine....but this is like the 20-something thread about this and its getting annoying. How would you like to be in our (european) position? We arent looking at getting it until perhaps February/March!
Ok, yeah, were "used" to it, but that doesnt make it any better when we see you lot whining about such a small and pitiful delay.

Get over yourselves and accept it, its pretty fair that the country thats building the game and its hardware is going to get priority - even if you are used to being included in American releases.

[blacklabelkills]

I'm going to take all of Canada's aggression out on HMXSean if I ever meet him.

[JackBNimble]

I don't mind the delay, but it would've been nice to know a bit sooner. You know, before pre-orders in the US filled up.

Plus this blatantly states the US is more important than Canada. Not very many people are gonna like that.

I AM CANADIAN, and I am just as disappointed as the rest of you.We got our confermation now it's time to SUCKITUP!

For any of you to go around blaming Americans or talking stupid like this guy all your doing is making yourself and all Canadians look bad!Enough already!Ya this SUCKSS,but this is getting out of hand.It's time to move on.

[municipalblack]

This really pisses me off. A little more then a week before the release date and NOW we get word that there's a delay? It is absolutely pathetic that it took this long for us to be informed, and I've lost respect for EA (not that I had much to begin with) and MTV. I'm not going to blame Harmonix for this one as they're not the publisher but come on no word at all from you guys?
I hate to say this but maybe MTV/EA needs to take a page from Activisions book and learn to release a game in the US and *gasp* Canada.
It's a good thing I like Harmonix so much otherwise I'd be skipping out on RB all together right now.

[foolosophy]

Man, I love Canada way more than the US, but it's hard to deny the population difference - there's just more customers in the US - it's almost 10 times larger population-wise, so that's 10 times the preorders needed.

Also, the PS3 is doing much worse in terms of sales numbers in Canada compared to the US (where it's still not doing great) - and according to the NPD survey, Canada never got into the PS2 - it's at a paltry 12% install base.

Halo 3 sold around 180,000 copies in Canada out of the total 4,200,000 - that's less than 5% of global sales, whereas the US made up 1,700,000 of those - 41% of total sales.

Anyway - I'm sorry guys - that sucks. But it's pretty clear from a sales POV that if you have to delay a region, it's goign to be one that doesn't demand as much or make up as large a portion of sales.

I guarantee you places like Toronto and Vancouver will sell out within 10-12 hours of the release date, everywhere. Obviously there's places where games are sparse and don't sell well, but then you have cities like Toronto and Vancouver that are comparable to any city in the US (I mean come on, the Headquarters of EA is in Vancouver!). I don't mean to exclude anyone living outside of these cities, I'm just trying to make a point. Like someone else said, if there are boxes on the shelf of the first day of release in the US this will look bad.

Oh and by the way, assuming Canadians are on a "high horse" for complaining here is just crude. If I had a gap large enough to make plans to either go down to the States and pre-order a copy I would've. But I was under the assumption that I was to be receiving a copy of this bundle November 20th, when I pre-ordered in August.

[Rook_x51]

Man, I love Canada way more than the US, but it's hard to deny the population difference - there's just more customers in the US - it's almost 10 times larger population-wise, so that's 10 times the preorders needed.

Also, the PS3 is doing much worse in terms of sales numbers in Canada compared to the US (where it's still not doing great) - and according to the NPD survey, Canada never got into the PS2 - it's at a paltry 12% install base.

Halo 3 sold around 180,000 copies in Canada out of the total 4,200,000 - that's less than 5% of global sales, whereas the US made up 1,700,000 of those - 41% of total sales.

Anyway - I'm sorry guys - that sucks. But it's pretty clear from a sales POV that if you have to delay a region, it's goign to be one that doesn't demand as much or make up as large a portion of sales.

That doesn't make sense. If you have X available units available, you aren't going magically make more by releasing all X to the US. Having the stock split between the two countries will still yield X units sold.

[foolosophy]

I also find it hard to believe it's a supply issue. How can they expect to meet Canadian quota in less than a month? If they couldn't make enough for all of North America at this point, how could they possibly make all of that within the given timespan?

[gobacktogo]

I shall now go into himbernation until Dec. 17th, I don't mind waiting (it's half the fun I think) but I just don't want to have it spoiled with videos and reviews, etc.

[Desensitized]

I AM CANADIAN, and I am just as disappointed as the rest of you.We got our confermation now it's time to SUCKITUP!

For any of you to go around blaming Americans or talking stupid like this guy all your doing is making yourself and all Canadians look bad!Enough already!Ya this SUCKSS,but this is getting out of hand.It's time to move on.
You're an idiot. I'm upset about the delay, but I said "Not very many people are gonna like that." I never said ME.

I can wait until Dec. 19th, that's why I'm still posting in other threads. But the reason it was delayed was because they would prefer to give the American's more pre-orders. That's fact.

But I DON'T CARE. And people are allowed to complain about this because they are getting screwed, whether it bothers you or not.

[Sairynn]

The amount of maple syrup tears all over this thread is staggering. I feel sorry for you guys, but HMX, MTV, and EA are all American companies... I'd be surprised if the US didn't get the game first (not that it should be that way, but that's always how it is).

[JackBNimble]

You're an idiot. I'm upset about the delay, but I said "Not very many people are gonna like that." I never said ME.

I can wait until Dec. 19th, that's why I'm still posting in other threads. But the reason it was delayed was because they would prefer to give the American's more pre-orders. That's fact.

But I DON'T CARE. And people are allowed to complain about this because they are getting screwed, whether it bothers you or not.

You show me where you got these facts from and who is getting screwed?
I'm sure you're upset ,I'm not happy either but talk like this puts a bad name on not only you but your fellow Canadians.You should really think about what your saying before you say it,because people like you are making us all look like *******S!

And you Sairynn can stay the F.ck out of it!

[borsdy]

Oh lordi, this is so terrible to hear :(

[sporkBrigade]

Plus this blatantly states the US is more important than Canada. Not very many people are gonna like that.

WTF?

Seriously, where the hell did this come from? You're all saying it over and over again, but no one who works for Harmonix/EA/MTV has ever said this is the reason for the delay. I know you guys don't want to believe the French translation thing. It's a little short sighted on your part, to be honest. If you stopped and thought about what making such a small change when dealing with mass production of something can do, you wouldn't be coming up with conspiracy theories. So instead, focus on this. They're going to make more money selling these things to Canadians then to Americans. The profit margins are going to be higher due to the different value of our dollars.

It would be counter to profit to deny sales in Canada at this time for ANY reason whatsoever. Meet American demand? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. If you produce 1,000 units and sell 1,000 units, it doesn't matter where you sold them. Especially if a portion of those can be sold in Canada for a higher profit margin. So if you need convincing, know this. Companies and distributors are motivated by profit beyond all else. If they could have, Canada would be receiving their Rock Band bundles BEFORE Americans.

The fact is the delay happened because it had to happen. Translation on boxes, and probably a few other factors here and there that they don't want to get into is the cause, and that's just how it goes. It's not a slap in the face to Canadians, and the timing of it couldn't be helped. Just stop taking so many things personally and be happy you'll have the game at all before Christmas. There are going to be plenty of people who won't.

As for the timing of the announcement, only gamers could be narcissistic enough to think they're owed so much before a product is released. In our weird market we feel like companies owe us a whole laundry list of demands before anything comes out. But Harmonix has made only one promise from the beginning, and I've yet to see them fall short. They've promised you will have everything you need to make an informed decision once this product is released so that you feel you will get the worth of your dollar. The way I see it, they had 8 more days before they dropped the ball, so just be happy with that. Other companies, especially in any other industry out there, wouldn't have done even that.

[foolosophy]

I think constructive analysis on the situation at hand is acceptable, so long as we can stay away from stereotyping and nation blaming. I updated the first post with WIRED's confirmation.

[Desensitized]

You show me where you got these facts from and who is getting screwed?
I'm sure you're upset ,I'm not happy either but talk like this puts a bad name on not only you but your fellow Canadians.You should really think about what your saying before you say it,because people like you are making us all look like *******S!
I'm not that upset and I'm not making anyone look like *******s. But thanks for singling me out like a douchebag.

There was a guy in the other topics calling HMX down for not responding to us and I took Sean's word for it, but I'M the one that makes Canadians look like *******s.

I also said I don't care about three times now, but you seem to keep missing it. Strange, that.

Canada is getting screwed because they're not getting it at the same time as Americans, it might be a legit reason for it, maybe not, but the NORTH AMERICAN date was Nov. 20th and now it's not. So, yeah, Canadians are getting screwed over. But here's the thing, (and pay attention) I DON'T CARE. I'm still willing to wait for the game an extra month, it doesn't really bother me.

But thanks for singling me out as I'm CLEARLY the one in all these threads overreacting the most.

[shivish]

I just want a official announcement that the delay is in fact happening before i go and pre-order it from USA and hand over an extra $50 so i can get it a few weeks early.

[Arreck]

lol, the 17th is the first day of end-of-term exam week for me. Figures.

[Electric_Zen]

I'm going to take all of Canada's aggression out on HMXSean if I ever meet him.

Yeah, you should totally kick Sean's ass. You'd be the hero of the internets.

[Desensitized]

WTF?

Seriously, where the hell did this come from? You're all saying it over and over again, but no one who works for Harmonix/EA/MTV has ever said this is the reason for the delay. I know you guys don't want to believe the French translation thing. It's a little short sighted on your part, to be honest. If you stopped and thought about what making such a small change when dealing with mass production of something can do, you wouldn't be coming up with conspiracy theories. So instead, focus on this. They're going to make more money selling these things to Canadians then to Americans. The profit margins are going to be higher due to the different value of our dollars.

It would be counter to profit to deny sales in Canada at this time for ANY reason whatsoever. Meet American demand? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. If you produce 1,000 units and sell 1,000 units, it doesn't matter where you sold them. Especially if a portion of those can be sold in Canada for a higher profit margin. So if you need convincing, know this. Companies and distributors are motivated by profit beyond all else. If they could have, Canada would be receiving their Rock Band bundles BEFORE Americans.

The fact is the delay happened because it had to happen. Translation on boxes, and probably a few other factors here and there that they don't want to get into is the cause, and that's just how it goes. It's not a slap in the face to Canadians, and the timing of it couldn't be helped. Just stop taking so many things personally and be happy you'll have the game at all before Christmas. There are going to be plenty of people who won't.

As for the timing of the announcement, only gamers could be narcissistic enough to think they're owed so much before a product is released. In our weird market we feel like companies owe us a whole laundry list of demands before anything comes out. But Harmonix has made only one promise from the beginning, and I've yet to see them fall short. They've promised you will have everything you need to make an informed decision once this product is released so that you feel you will get the worth of your dollar. The way I see it, they had 8 more days before they dropped the ball, so just be happy with that. Other companies, especially in any other industry out there, wouldn't have done even that.

Meh, it doesn't really bother me that much, I can wait for it.

But I don't buy the whole 'translation' issue, it rarely is the reason games get delayed anymore.

Again, it doesn't really bother me, but there will be quite a bit complaining soon. Just thought I'd give you all a heads up.

[sporkBrigade]

That doesn't make sense. If you have X available units available, you aren't going magically make more by releasing all X to the US. Having the stock split between the two countries will still yield X units sold.

Very good point. Not very likely that a company focused on profit would overlook something that obvious. Therefore...

It's unfortunate, by the way. In case I didn't say that before. It's unfortunate the delay happened. But the chances are low it had anything to do with America vs. Canada.

Though you f**kers did burn down our White House once...

[Electric_Zen]

Though you f**kers did burn down our White House once...

I'm pretty sure that was the Brits. Canada simply let them use their territories as a staging ground because Flute Hero 4 was a US-only release for the first six months.

[LongDarkBlues]

That doesn't make sense. If you have X available units available, you aren't going magically make more by releasing all X to the US. Having the stock split between the two countries will still yield X units sold.
Yeah, but they are obligated to meet the preorders - it would be a cluster**** if they only shipped enough for 1/4 of the Canadian preorders.

[JackBNimble]

Plus this blatantly states the US is more important than Canada.

You wanna ask me again why I singled you out?

[Nitz13]

Yeah, but they are obligated to meet the preorders - it would be a cluster**** if they only shipped enough for 1/4 of the Canadian preorders.

if they are obligated to meet pre-orders shouldn't they delay RB for Everyone including America?? so they can fill ALL the pre-orders?

and if it does turn out to be Canadian Packaging issues then I'm quite disappointed that such huge and successful companies, EA and HMX can't even get a simple package law correct. Not like the Canadian Packaging laws haven't been around for ages.... c'mon

I would like to know the real reason behind this delay, so far the only Reasons I've seen are pretty pathetic

[sporkBrigade]

Yeah, but they are obligated to meet the preorders - it would be a cluster**** if they only shipped enough for 1/4 of the Canadian preorders.

Absolutely untrue. Harmonix/EA/MTV have absolutely nothing to do with preorders. Preorders are something taken on by the individual stores, ie. Gamestop. For example, Best Buy no longer takes preorders for games. That's a policy decided upon by the stores themselves, and no one else has anything to do with it.

So no, EA has no obligation here. It's Gamestop who decides how many bundles to buy and which stores they go to based on pre-orders. So a purchase in America is the exact same as a purchase in Canada. So no, preorder demand is not the reason. It's something else. Oh what could it be...


I'm pretty sure that was the Brits. Canada simply let them use their territories as a staging ground because Flute Hero 4 was a US-only release for the first six months.

When will we learn our leason.

[mick123]

Seriously, where the hell did this come from? You're all saying it over and over again, but no one who works for Harmonix/EA/MTV has ever said this is the reason for the delay. I know you guys don't want to believe the French translation thing. It's a little short sighted on your part, to be honest. If you stopped and thought about what making such a small change when dealing with mass production of something can do, you wouldn't be coming up with conspiracy theories.

EA is a multi-billion dollar company which has released countless products on the Canadian market over the course of several decades. Each and every one of those products has had to meet Canadian labeling regulations. Sometimes, the regulation is met by simply slapping a sticker with French information on the side of the box. So, no, French labeling is not a credible explanation for the delay: it's not an onerous requirement, and it's a requirement with which EA is very well aware.

More accurately, we could say that, if labeling is the explanation, then someone at EA made a very large error. But if we allow errors as explanations, then there's no reason to assign blame to labeling, as it could be almost anything. A different error which would also explain the delay is thinking that the Canadian market doesn't matter in some sense, so that delaying the release here also doesn't matter. Notice such an explanation is not a "conspiracy theory" because there is no conspiracy involved; we're just talking about EA here.

It's very difficult to think of any explanation for failing to inform consumers earlier about the delay, since EB seems to have been informed quite some time ago, and the decision to not promote the product in Canada must have been made several months ago, suggesting they knew several months ago that the Canadian launch would be delayed. The failure to inform consumers would appear to just be a mistake on EA/Harmonix's part, a mistake which betrays indifference, at best, towards Canadian consumers.

Personally, I'll cancel my pre-order for the SE and just import the DVD alone, and remind myself in the future that I should avoid EA products, as they are not an ethical company. I would guess that the lack of availability for the holiday season will non-trivially reduce total sales for the product. Which is a shame for the developers, but then again, they (literally) sold out to EA, knowing what kind of a company EA is.

[sporkBrigade]

if they are obligated to meet pre-orders shouldn't they delay RB for Everyone including America?? so they can fill ALL the pre-orders?

and if it does turn out to be Canadian Packaging issues then I'm quite disappointed that such huge and successful companies, EA and HMX can't even get a simple package law correct. Not like the Canadian Packaging laws haven't been around for ages.... c'mon

I would like to know the real reason behind this delay, so far the only Reasons I've seen are pretty pathetic

It's not a matter of getting the law wrong. It's simply the time it takes to mass produce cardboard boxes with both versions of text on them.

Here's how to think about it. They wanted to release this game before Guitar Hero 3. Trust me, they wanted to, no matter what anyone says. They couldn't do it. The game wouldn't be finished in time, the hardware wasn't going to be ready for mass production. Nov. 20th is probably the earliest possible release date they could manage. And that's with all the stars aligned, and everything perfect. No snags, no obstacles, nothing. This translation thing, it's an obstacle. A bigger one than you'd expect. And 1 month delay is nothing when you're talking last second mass production like this.

[Yasihiko]

I'm pretty sure that was the Brits. Canada simply let them use their territories as a staging ground because Flute Hero 4 was a US-only release for the first six months.

I can see that being a quick Players Choice.

[thegame696911]

So i guess shacknews has better connections that our own Harmonix community leader.

I really hope EA burns to the ground (I dont care if its not even there fault) someone needs to pay for this. lol

[Rook_x51]

Yeah, but they are obligated to meet the preorders - it would be a cluster**** if they only shipped enough for 1/4 of the Canadian preorders.

So instead they ship 0/4 of the pre-orders?

[TheTogfather]

You have my sincerest sympathy, o' northern brothers and sisters. If I lived closer to our de-militarized border I would totally help w/ some smuggling action...

[maddrummerdan86]

there is no excuse for this!
either they think usa is more important and just want money, or
they are a bunch of ***** who cant make a deadline date on multi language packaging....two majour companies, i doubt it, most likely the first one
i hate harmonix, stick ur stupid guitars up your stupid asses!

[Desensitized]

You wanna ask me again why I singled you out?
For one sentence, you assumed I was attacking HMX while crying and moaning?

It was one sentence.


there is no excuse for this!
either they think usa is more important and just want money, or
they are a bunch of ***** who cant make a deadline date on multi language packaging....two majour companies, i doubt it, most likely the first one
i hate harmonix, stick ur stupid guitars up your stupid asses!
See this?

Thanks for lumping me into that.

[Rook_x51]

EA is a multi-billion dollar company which has released countless products on the Canadian market over the course of several decades. Each and every one of those products has had to meet Canadian labeling regulations. Sometimes, the regulation is met by simply slapping a sticker with French information on the side of the box. So, no, French labeling is not a credible explanation for the delay: it's not an onerous requirement, and it's a requirement with which EA is very well aware.

More accurately, we could say that, if labeling is the explanation, then someone at EA made a very large error. But if we allow errors as explanations, then there's no reason to assign blame to labeling, as it could be almost anything. A different error which would also explain the delay is thinking that the Canadian market doesn't matter in some sense, so that delaying the release here also doesn't matter. Notice such an explanation is not a "conspiracy theory" because there is no conspiracy involved; we're just talking about EA here.

It's very difficult to think of any explanation for failing to inform consumers earlier about the delay, since EB seems to have been informed quite some time ago, and the decision to not promote the product in Canada must have been made several months ago, suggesting they knew several months ago that the Canadian launch would be delayed. The failure to inform consumers would appear to just be a mistake on EA/Harmonix's part, a mistake which betrays indifference, at best, towards Canadian consumers.

Personally, I'll cancel my pre-order for the SE and just import the DVD alone, and remind myself in the future that I should avoid EA products, as they are not an ethical company. I would guess that the lack of availability for the holiday season will non-trivially reduce total sales for the product. Which is a shame for the developers, but then again, they (literally) sold out to EA, knowing what kind of a company EA is.

Quoted for truth.

[sporkBrigade]

EA is a multi-billion dollar company which has released countless products on the Canadian market over the course of several decades. Each and every one of those products has had to meet Canadian labeling regulations. Sometimes, the regulation is met by simply slapping a sticker with French information on the side of the box. So, no, French labeling is not a credible explanation for the delay: it's not an onerous requirement, and it's a requirement with which EA is very well aware.

More accurately, we could say that, if labeling is the explanation, then someone at EA made a very large error. But if we allow errors as explanations, then there's no reason to assign blame to labeling, as it could be almost anything. A different error which would also explain the delay is thinking that the Canadian market doesn't matter in some sense, so that delaying the release here also doesn't matter. Notice such an explanation is not a "conspiracy theory" because there is no conspiracy involved; we're just talking about EA here.

It's very difficult to think of any explanation for failing to inform consumers earlier about the delay, since EB seems to have been informed quite some time ago, and the decision to not promote the product in Canada must have been made several months ago, suggesting they knew several months ago that the Canadian launch would be delayed. The failure to inform consumers would appear to just be a mistake on EA/Harmonix's part, a mistake which betrays indifference, at best, towards Canadian consumers.

Personally, I'll cancel my pre-order for the SE and just import the DVD alone, and remind myself in the future that I should avoid EA products, as they are not an ethical company. I would guess that the lack of availability for the holiday season will non-trivially reduce total sales for the product. Which is a shame for the developers, but then again, they (literally) sold out to EA, knowing what kind of a company EA is.

I'll buy some other error before I buy "Fuxx0r the Canadians, Americans come first!!1" I also have always been a strong believer that we gamers have a warped sense of what information we're intitled to before the release of a product. But it is industry standard to give more of a heads up, I'll give you that. I just don't personally support that idea in the slightest. If a certain brand of tv came out 1 month after it was supposed to due to a manufactoring error, no one would care. For some reason gamers put their hearts into these products, though, and I just believe you shouldn't. It's a product.

I still don't disregard the translation thing, but you're making a great point. It could be some other error. Oh, and you are correct, you should avoid EA products. I mean, except this particular one, but it's one hell of an exception. :D

Edit: I Re-read your post, and I want to be clear. I disagree with you completely about "thinking that the Canadian market doesn't matter in some sense, so that delaying the release here also doesn't matter" is just as likely a reason as a labeling error. It's never been implied, suggested, and there's absolutely no evidence that this is the case. Simply the hurt hearts of Canadians Rock Band fans have produced that theory, and I reject it until there's even the slighest wiff of evidence to support it.

[thegame696911]

EA is a multi-billion dollar company which has released countless products on the Canadian market over the course of several decades. Each and every one of those products has had to meet Canadian labeling regulations. Sometimes, the regulation is met by simply slapping a sticker with French information on the side of the box. So, no, French labeling is not a credible explanation for the delay: it's not an onerous requirement, and it's a requirement with which EA is very well aware.

More accurately, we could say that, if labeling is the explanation, then someone at EA made a very large error. But if we allow errors as explanations, then there's no reason to assign blame to labeling, as it could be almost anything. A different error which would also explain the delay is thinking that the Canadian market doesn't matter in some sense, so that delaying the release here also doesn't matter. Notice such an explanation is not a "conspiracy theory" because there is no conspiracy involved; we're just talking about EA here.

It's very difficult to think of any explanation for failing to inform consumers earlier about the delay, since EB seems to have been informed quite some time ago, and the decision to not promote the product in Canada must have been made several months ago, suggesting they knew several months ago that the Canadian launch would be delayed. The failure to inform consumers would appear to just be a mistake on EA/Harmonix's part, a mistake which betrays indifference, at best, towards Canadian consumers.

Personally, I'll cancel my pre-order for the SE and just import the DVD alone, and remind myself in the future that I should avoid EA products, as they are not an ethical company. I would guess that the lack of availability for the holiday season will non-trivially reduce total sales for the product. Which is a shame for the developers, but then again, they (literally) sold out to EA, knowing what kind of a company EA is.


So very well said, Still can't believe Harmonix has yet to comment on this at all.

[Nitz13]

So very well said, Still can't believe Harmonix has yet to comment on this at all.

Exactly! why should we be hearing this 8 days before the so called North American Release date from a bunch of second hand sources???

Like was said before it leaves us Canadians no time to purchase it from american sites and have it imported, unless of course we want to pay a small fortune.

I also have one more question, what is happening with PS2 version? wasn't that scheduled for like early Dec??

[Rook_x51]

So very well said, Still can't believe Harmonix has yet to comment on this at all.

I doubt they will come anywhere near this thread. Hell they avoided us while this was just a rumour!

[smashedbunny]

I doubt they will come anywhere near this thread. Hell they avoided us while this was just a rumour!

Ya if Hmxsean would have spent less time on his ***HOLE MOUSTACHE and more time doing his $%^&*@# JOB maybe We wouldn't be so pissed off!

[ChaosElement]

What the fish man! This sucks

[Rook_x51]

Ya if Hmxsean would have spent less time on his ***HOLE MOUSTACHE and more time doing his $%^&*@# JOB maybe We wouldn't be so pissed off!

Whoa buddy. Chill out.

I think you need to turn your computer off for a while. We're all angry about this, but there is no need for that crap.

[Nitz13]

Ya if Hmxsean would have spent less time on his ***HOLE MOUSTACHE and more time doing his $%^&*@# JOB maybe We wouldn't be so pissed off!

Wow yea, Cool it. Sure were all disappointed and upset, possibly Angry, but HMX is still a great company and I in no way blame HMXsean for any of this

[holyground]

While I agree that delaying canada sucks, I wonder about shipping costs. If the boxes are completely assembled outside NA, then there'd be no reason and it's heinous. However, if the boxes are assembled in the US, then there's a big financial reason to not ship to canada... which has nothing to do with HMX.

That being said, there are two seperate issues here, one of which I can understand, the other I don't. Delay in shipping? got it. Not saying anything to our neighbors. Bad form PR people.

[jq71586]

Ya if Hmxsean would have spent less time on his ***HOLE MOUSTACHE and more time doing his $%^&*@# JOB maybe We wouldn't be so pissed off!

Some of you guys need to put this in focus. It's a video game for crying out loud! How are some of you people going to act with real adversity in your life? Do you just ***** and moan until you get your way? Smashedbunny your profile says you are 31, if thats true I feel bad for you. Did you just miss maturity altogether?

On the other hand, I have respect for you guys who are not complaining up and down these boards and are taking action to get something that you really want. Whether it means coming down the US or having it shipped in. Most of you guys seem like solid people

I have no problem if someone vents in one message, but 5+ pages of hate towards HMX and Sean in particular are ridiculous. Sean's job (mostly) has to do with these boards and new updates and such. It's not his fault that there was a snag in production. I don't know exactly where he falls in the totem pole of workers at HMX, but some companies don't tell their people anything.

I've worked for a big company before and worked customer service and it sucks not being able to help people out when they yell at you that "you should know what is going on, you work there" but in reality the employees were never told anything by the "higher-ups".

I have no problem with you guys being aggravated and then talking about that aggravation in a calm manner and trying to figure things out logically. Some of you are acting like little girls who were told that they couldn't get a pony.

[Xenoburst]

After reading this entire thread I can honestly say I'm saddened.

And as sad as the delay is...it has more to do with how half of you fellow Canucks are acting.

[ChaosElement]

Hey is anyone here ordering from CD Universe? It says they ship to Canada for around $30 but I want to be sure

[smashedbunny]

Some of you guys need to put this in focus. It's a video game for crying out loud! How are some of you people going to act with real adversity in your life? Do you just ***** and moan until you get your way? Smashedbunny your profile says you are 31, if thats true I feel bad for you. Did you just miss maturity altogether?

On the other hand, I have respect for you guys who are not complaining up and down these boards and are taking action to get something that you really want. Whether it means coming down the US or having it shipped in. Most of you guys seem like solid people

I have no problem if someone vents in one message, but 5+ pages of hate towards HMX and Sean in particular are ridiculous. Sean's job (mostly) has to do with these boards and new updates and such. It's not his fault that there was a snag in production. I don't know exactly where he falls in the totem pole of workers at HMX, but some companies don't tell their people anything.

I've worked for a big company before and worked customer service and it sucks not being able to help people out when they yell at you that "you should know what is going on, you work there" but in reality the employees were never told anything by the "higher-ups".

I have no problem with you guys being aggravated and then talking about that aggravation in a calm manner and trying to figure things out logically. Some of you are acting like little girls who were told that they couldn't get a pony.

Hey hmxsean said last week he was looking into it... I am sure he will come back with some excuse like he has been on vacation... Anyways It doesn't matter. because thanks to the community I was able to get aUS site to pre order from at the last minute and will just sell my local preorder to recoup my costs... As a Consumer I have a right to be upset!
Should just keep letting these poorly run customer relations give me the run around and just stand there smiling asking for more??? NO

[hmxsean]

Ya if Hmxsean would have spent less time on his ***HOLE MOUSTACHE and more time doing his $%^&*@# JOB maybe We wouldn't be so pissed off!

Wow. Between this, a threat to kick my ass for the delay, and the continued references to us being both nationalistic loose cannons and completely incompetent for this I am going to go ahead and lock this thread, what more could really been said, I get it. And yes the reason there is a delay was due to the language printups for Canadian bundles which actually isn't some incidental thing, it actually requires a bit of maneuvering.