Game code not found/out of export tokens

[Least100Seraphs]

So I picked up LRB, headed to the export page and input my code. Running on vanilla IE with no blockers of any sort getting in the way.

Tried inputting the code a bunch of times, and apparently my code isn't found. A couple of times, however, the site was out of export tokens instead, and on one occasion my code was already redeemed... wtf.

I check the sticky on the forum to see who I need to contact, and once again Harmonix/EA show just how much they care about their Australian RockBand fans - no contact information for Australia.

I guess this is the ultimate in preventing people from stealing export keys - I've paid $89.95AU (for the US residents out there, at the current exchange rate that's about 80 US dollars) and the code I've got won't work.

What am I supposed to do now? I feel ripped off, because I've paid far more than I would've in the USA, had to wait an extra three weeks for the game, and it's broken. [A code that doesn't work would fall under one or more of the statutory refund clauses (item not as described, item broken when purchased, or not fit for purpose)], but as wonderful irony would have it, because the game has a unique ID code, I'm going to have a nightmare of a time if I do try to return the item.

I suppose this is how it feels for the PC gamers that try to do the right thing and buy games - jump through all sorts of copy-protection hoops, hitting frustrating errors along the way, while the people downloading a torrent have a cracked version that just works.

Apologies for the angry/ranty tone, but I'm feeling a bit annoyed.

[karaokefreak]

Had the same problem. First it said "Sorry, we are out of tokens. Now it says: Sorry, your codes has already been redeemed.... So what now?

[kennethv]

Same Problem here. I started working with support a week ago. First, it was saying "Code Not Found" and 500 Internal Error, then eventually "Code Has Already Been Redeemed". I called support again, and they wanted a scan of the disc itself, the packaged, the receipt, and the codesheet. I scanned it all and used the email they sent to me to attach it all to a reply. After a couple of days, I get a bounceback message, the message couldn't be delivered. So I tried again, same result. I finally got it to go through by using a completely different address than the one listed on the code page and different from the one they're sending from. I then called support after not getting a response and initially they couldn't find the scans, but could find the email. They eventually found the scans and Thursday they escalated it. At this point and time, I still have not gotten a response. I bought the game NEW at Wal-Mart and the sad part is despite all the hoops I've had to jump through, I'll probably still have to spend the extra $10 to get a feature to work that should've worked out of the box, but didn't. This just isn't worth the trouble at all. My recommendation would be that if your code doesn't work, just return the game and get a different one if you don't feel like going through all the trouble. Speaking with tech support, though, they were nice and did what they could, just that it's way too much work for so little.

[Least100Seraphs]

That's ridiculous.

I don't even have a phone number I can contact to chase this up - all I have is the US, and EU email addresses. I've emailed both, and had no response from either so far.

My two housemates were going to pick this up as well. Now they said they'll wait and see how I go before they buy it.

[TMac93]

Sorry to go off topic, but I noticed you said you got the game in Australia?

I thought it didn't come out until tomorrow?

How/Where/When did you get it?

[Least100Seraphs]

I didn't do anything special... I walked into a store, it was on the shelf, I bought it.

I guess if it's not due for release until tomorrow, there's a chance that might affect things, but I'd be surprised if EA would wait until the last moment before activating this sort of thing, as it seems to have had its fair share of problems in the USA as wel.

[Awesome_Tree]

They would probably activate AUS codes when the game is officially released.

[Least100Seraphs]

So I've now waited a full work day, and had no response from either of the listed contact emails - they've just sat in their respective support inboxes all day without anyone replying.

To make things worse, I live in Australia, and HMX has not supplied a contact phone number that I can call. There's no phone number listed in the manual or on the export key slip. So my only contact options are email and these forums.

[Awesome_Tree]

So wait for the official release of the game and try then? Dude, you got one of the most awesomest games early, I have to wait til Friday.

Don't worry about the export and just play.

[Least100Seraphs]

In response to Awesome_Tree - that's possible, but I had no idea the game was not due out yet. EA's site doesn't list a release date, and in any event I can't say I'm impressed with being punished for someone else's mistake.

There's another factor, unfortunately. The game apparently is released in Australia tomorrow, but not in the UK until Friday. If it doesn't work tomorrow, will I then be expected to wait until Friday?

I'm in a tight spot, because the longer I'm kept waiting, the less likely it is that the problem will be resolved, but as it becomes more likely that I may be stuck with a broken item, it also becomes more difficult to get that broken item replaced.

I don't really want to take it back, either. I'd like it to just, you know, work. But when I remember that Australia still doesn't have Rock Band 2, I can't help but wonder if EA/HMX simply don't care.

Even an automated email response to my emails yesterday would be something.