Why the need for a 10-day grace period? - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

maathyas

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Nov 2005

TRE

Mo/

24 Apr 2006 at 22:03 - 1

Quote:

After the close of the Head Start Event, Canthan characters and Factions content will not be accessible until a retail key is activated on the account. The character slots will enjoy a "grace period" of ten days, to allow you to enter your retail access key and make them permanent.

From www.guildwars.com

As the thread title asks, why is there a need for a 10-day grace period?
I am an overseas player and because of the delay, me and my fellow players will be recieving our copies of the GW:F >10 days after GW:F has launched.

And according to the above statement on the official guildwars website, because of the delay, whatever we did during the Early access (with our new Canthan characters, not merged chars) will be voided?

If ANet could justify the reason for the 10-day grace period, then perhaps we might understand. But from our current limited knowledge of the situation - it is rather mindboggling as to the reason behind it.

Could it be because there aren't enough cd-keys to go around and Anet might actually be rehasing the GW:F keys for future projects - thus the 10-day 'grace'?

MSecorsky

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

So Cal

The Sinister Vanguard

Me/

24 Apr 2006 at 22:13 - 2

It allows for the majority of players adequate time to purchase and install a Factions key if they intend to do so. It's not perfect, but they need to clean up at some point (meaning keep someone from not getting Factions and having six Prophecies only slots).

If you can't get a key in that period of time, you may wish to consider other sources, such as online.

twicky_kid

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

Quite Vulgar [FUN]

24 Apr 2006 at 22:14 - 3

They grace period for people that ordered their factions online or having it mailed to them. This allows time for delivery. No company can garunetee you delivery by a certian date. I don't care what they tell you they cannot. Once the shipment is in the mail its out of the companies hands.

This also doubles as a free trial for those players with invite keys. This is a good idea and nothing bad about it.

Anet is not going to let the 2 extra slots just sit there and take up data space while they are never being used. They have to do a clean up eventually.

Dealing with international laws and shipping laws and companies has got to be such a pain. Just be lucky they are able to do it at all.

Fates

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

Kanuckistan

Mirror of Reason [SNOW]

R/

24 Apr 2006 at 22:26 - 4

Don't you think it's more than coincindence that this 10 day grace period was announced after they realized they had an issue with distribution of the CE?

This is an attempt to reduce the frustration of the people that have to wait for their CE, nothing more. Don't fool yourselves into believing otherwise.

Jas D

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Feb 2006

Oklahoma, USA

None

24 Apr 2006 at 22:50 - 5

Common sense.. just think about it.. *sigh*

maathyas

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Nov 2005

TRE

Mo/

24 Apr 2006 at 22:51 - 6

twicky_kid - thanks for the reminder of the recent addition of 2 char slots.

So this is how Anet works.

1. Anet discovered CE delay. (Previously additional 2 char slots were not available till GW:F Final Release key was entered)
2. Anet grants 2-slots for all Pre-order keys.
3. Anet issues 10-day grace to curb abuse.

And as MSecorsky said, only a minority of GW player base become affected by this new change. So rather than announce a complete delay (to please NCSoft and their investors), Anet ships the product and fights the fire instead. Good luck to the programmer(s) involved in this endevour, yeah in the end its all about schedules, datelines and do$h.

Why can't Anet just issue a 'block' command to the additional 2 char slots instead, rather than removing the slots totally?

Ok so if we did not recieve GW:F >10 days, the 2 char slots were 'removed'. Can we still get the 2 char slots back (brand-new of course) when we enter our GW:F Final Relese keys? Or would something more drastic occur? That situation was not mentioned, but only 'assumed' or 'inferred'.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

24 Apr 2006 at 23:15 - 7

Actually, this IS a good question. Gaile said on this chat http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?im...pril2230mw.jpg that they will not be deleted, only unaccessable after 10 days. But, they'll be unaccessable anyway (assuming they are Cantha made) unless they areascended and travel to Tyria before the head start ends... so this will only effect a handful of people. Most will have their cantha chars locked after the head start anyway...

furiousfunk

Academy Page

Join Date: Feb 2006

DK Dragonic Killers

Mo/W

24 Apr 2006 at 23:19 - 8

OK, I'm confused. I ordered the preorder kit, does that mean that I will be getting a second order with the real game and a real game key? I got the preorder from gamestop about a month ago and they only charged me 5 bucks.

Zehnchu

Popcorn Fetish

Join Date: Dec 2005

[GODS]

Mo/Me

24 Apr 2006 at 23:24 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by maathyas

twicky_kid - thanks for the reminder of the recent addition of 2 char slots.

So this is how Anet works.

1. Anet discovered CE delay. (Previously additional 2 char slots were not available till GW:F Final Release key was entered)
2. Anet grants 2-slots for all Pre-order keys.
3. Anet issues 10-day grace to curb abuse.

And as MSecorsky said, only a minority of GW player base become affected by this new change. So rather than announce a complete delay (to please NCSoft and their investors), Anet ships the product and fights the fire instead. Good luck to the programmer(s) involved in this endevour, yeah in the end its all about schedules, datelines and do$h.

Why can't Anet just issue a 'block' command to the additional 2 char slots instead, rather than removing the slots totally?

Ok so if we did not recieve GW:F >10 days, the 2 char slots were 'removed'. Can we still get the 2 char slots back (brand-new of course) when we enter our GW:F Final Relese keys? Or would something more drastic occur? That situation was not mentioned, but only 'assumed' or 'inferred'.

Anet nor Nsoft ships it to you. It goes from Nsoft warehouse ships x amount-->EBgames, GameStop, Best Buy, ect., from their warehouse they ship it to-->distribution center where they in turn ship--> to you.

Once it leaves on time from Nsoft they have no control what so ever. People posted and asked about the delay and to make a long story short in return Anet to give people a grace period.

Yes if you merge your GW & GWF you get two slots it’s been known since day one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by furiousfunk

OK, I'm confused. I ordered the preorder kit, does that mean that I will be getting a second order with the real game and a real game key? I got the preorder from gamestop about a month ago and they only charged me 5 bucks.

Says on the pre-order box full version of game not included.

furiousfunk

Academy Page

Join Date: Feb 2006

DK Dragonic Killers

Mo/W

24 Apr 2006 at 23:45 - 10

OK, I just checked and Gamestop has an unshipped order of my real game set to be mailed on the 28th. Seems stupid to sell a preorder and the real game seperate, what does that accomplish?

twicky_kid

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

Quite Vulgar [FUN]

25 Apr 2006 at 01:54 - 11

Quote:

Originally Posted by furiousfunk

OK, I just checked and Gamestop has an unshipped order of my real game set to be mailed on the 28th. Seems stupid to sell a preorder and the real game seperate, what does that accomplish?

That's how all preorders work. That's how it worked for chapter 1. That's how its going to work for future chapters.

Say you get a pre order key when make your order. If the pre order key gives you access to the game go home insert the key and then cancel your pre order. You just got a free game. There is no other way to make it work.

Sientir

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

At DigiPen.

Biscuit of Dewm [MEEP]

25 Apr 2006 at 02:03 - 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by furiousfunk

OK, I just checked and Gamestop has an unshipped order of my real game set to be mailed on the 28th. Seems stupid to sell a preorder and the real game seperate, what does that accomplish?

The preorder package accomplishes multiple things:
* It gave access to the Beta Event Weekend that happened a couple weeks ago back at the end of March.
* It allows you to add the key and get the Head Start which starts on Thursday the 27th.
* It gives tempting little bits of info making you want Factions more.
*Other things here, such as the trial of the original Guild Wars, etc.

The preorder package is not the retail key, hence the seperation.

Destined to Chaos

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Dec 2005

UK

Time of Chaos

E/R

25 Apr 2006 at 08:20 - 13

Quote:

The preorder package accomplishes multiple things:
* It gave access to the Beta Event Weekend that happened a couple weeks ago back at the end of March.
* It allows you to add the key and get the Head Start which starts on Thursday the 27th.
* It gives tempting little bits of info making you want Factions more.
*Other things here, such as the trial of the original Guild Wars, etc.

This is not correct..the beta event was available to all...you didnt need the preorder CD key to get involved. The Factions event was to advertise the new chapter so allowing only pre-order's to play would have defeated the object of the event entirly

Also the "tempting little bits of information" are also seen by all GW players with or without the preorder again an advert for the next chapter.

All the preorder grants a player is the 1 day head start and the things you get in the preorder pack ie poster & CD containing screensavers, music etc.

Lady Lozza

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oz

Angel Sharks

Me/N

25 Apr 2006 at 08:36 - 14

This will effect a lot more players than I think Anet realise. One store is now saying that the shipping date from the manufacturer is now the 5th. Since post and businesses work 5 day weeks, and GW works a 7 day week, the chances that many people who have ordered online getting it after the 10 day grace period is potentially quite high. While I don't know what the postage system is like in NA, in EU it really is quite horrible, even when packages are sent by first class post. Then there are those of us who are in Australia and New Zealand, minimum 4 days for postage from the US or UK to doorstep.

Delay + weekends + silly mailing system = not good, even if you have ordered by first class postage. 14 days (two weeks) would have (imo) made more sense.

Whispering Siren

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2005

Maryland

25 Apr 2006 at 08:37 - 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destined to Chaos

This is not correct..the beta event was available to all...you didnt need the preorder CD key to get involved. The Factions event was to advertise the new chapter so allowing only pre-order's to play would have defeated the object of the event entirly

Actually, the PvP beta event was open to all, but the PvE event was not. So the pre-order did give access to a closed event (only Prophecies players, their 3 invited friends and those with pre-order keys could play).

fallot

I'm the king

Join Date: Nov 2005

Aussie Trolling Crew: Grand Phallus and Chairman Pro Tempore

25 Apr 2006 at 10:32 - 16

Edited: Found the answer.

fiery

Banned

Join Date: Oct 2005

maryland

InYurFace Gaming [IYF]

R/

25 Apr 2006 at 13:42 - 17

Pre-orders gives the goodies, etc.

It's NOT the full game hence the word PRE-ORDER.

Mordakai

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Kyhlo

W/

25 Apr 2006 at 13:56 - 18

OK, so I'm confused. Will Bonus Slot characters be deleted after the 10-day "grace" period, or not? It seems Gaile is saying conflicting things...

EDIT: Thanks, Ishmael. Re-reading, I thought of another interpretation:

After the 2 day head start, Canthan Characters will be locked out. But if you used your Bonus slot to create a Prophecy character, those will be active for 10 days. After that, ALL Bonus Slots are locked, whether the characters are Canthan born or Tyrian born.

Does that make sense? I don't think the bonus slot characters will be deleted after 10 days...

Ishmaeel

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jan 2006

25 Apr 2006 at 14:17 - 19

All those last minute changes made everything more complicated then they already were, yes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by the guy/gal who posts news to the offical Guild Wars news page

We're happy to let you know that if you own Prophecies and have activated a Factions Pre-order on your account, you will be able to access your two new character slots during the Factions Head Start Event. The slots will become available and will have access to Cantha from 12:01 a.m. PDT (7:01 GMT) on Thursday, April 27th through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 28th (6:59 GMT on April 29th). After the close of the Head Start Event, Canthan characters and Factions content will not be accessible until a retail key is activated on the account. The character slots will enjoy a "grace period" of ten days, to allow you to enter your retail access key and make them permanent.

My interpretation: The two slots and Canthan characters become inaccessible after two days (i.e. when the headstart event is over). Meaning, you see them in your login screen but cannot login with them. After 10 days, they are gone for good.

It may be that the extra slots will vanish from the login screen but the actual chars will be kept on their servers, so those who activate after 10 days will not have to lose their new chars, but this is pure speculation on my part and nothing about that is pronounced officially, afaiaa.

If this is not what they actually mean, then they must be as confused as we are.

sigried

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Feb 2006

Honduras

Ye Old

W/Mo

25 Apr 2006 at 14:39 - 20

cuz it allow you to actually place the original cd key in your acount.

beanerman_99

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2005

In the clouds

[Sage]

E/

25 Apr 2006 at 16:12 - 21

I just hope I can get my copy of the Collector's Edition before the end of the 10 day "grace period" seeing how the CE is going to be delayed. I REFUSE to buy the standard edition to keep my characters activated until the CE(which i want to buy) comes out.

I personally think that they should give you ten days to play if you bought the preorder regardless of any ristrictions. Then after the 10 days you have like a month to enter a permanent retail key.

Altair

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

25 Apr 2006 at 18:24 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by beanerman_99

I personally think that they should give you ten days to play if you bought the preorder regardless of any ristrictions. Then after the 10 days you have like a month to enter a permanent retail key.

Agree.

Fates

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

Kanuckistan

Mirror of Reason [SNOW]

R/

25 Apr 2006 at 20:05 - 23

I also agree, but you gotta know there is no way that's gonna happen. A-net would be way too worried that people would play through to end game in those 10 days on their preorder and then not bother buying the game.

SilentAssassin

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Dec 2005

Belgium

Remnants of Ascalon, KT alliance

R/N

25 Apr 2006 at 21:24 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fates Monk

I also agree, but you gotta know there is no way that's gonna happen. A-net would be way too worried that people would play through to end game in those 10 days on their preorder and then not bother buying the game.

you can only play on those characters for 1day (pre-order day) after this you get 10 days and then they delete it, its not that you can play these characters for 10 days.