Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
With so many new releases to play and review, we have neglected the old mailbag. Fear not, we we’re working double-time by answering two questions today. If you have a burning video-game released question, send it to us. You could be lucky, like today’s duo, who each won a code for the gold-plated hammerburst, used in Gears of War 2 multiplayer. Nothing says status like a twenty-four caret firearm.
Odin asks:
Hey guys, I recently got a letter that seems to be from Gamestop. It’s titled, “By Invitation only.” When I click on it, I get a graphic that looks like the weekly Gamestop flyer, but there’s something fishy about it. Is this really an offer from Gamestop?
Odin,
We got in touch with a public relations representative for Gamestop, who agreed to clarify this matter for us. She asked if we could forward your e-mail offer, which we did. One week and three e-mails later we have yet to receive a response. So we called Gamestop customer service, and spoke to an agent who received a similar call asking about the validity of the offer.
According to the representative, Gamestop collects your e-mail address to send you a weekly letter; no harm in that. But, Gamestop then purportedly sells their database of e-mail addresses to E-Rewards, an online survey company. Is E-Rewards a legit opportunity? Well, we signed up and accumulated a whopping fifty cents for every survey completed. Most of the surveys were quite long, and probably not worth your time, unless you have long breaks of inactivity at your work and an internet connection.
Red XIII asks:
I am royally pissed off at Gamestop. First I preordered Banjo and Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts. I’m promised a free Xbox Live Arcade game BEFORE the game come out. I got the game and haven’t received anything. Next, I preordered Left 4 Dead online. If you preordered you saved five dollars. When I go to pick up the game the store manager says he’s never heard of that promotion. What should I do, short of ringing a Gamestop employee’s bell?
Red XIII,
First of all, calm down. ‘Ringing’ anyone’s bell is only going to get you in jail, where games are in short supply. We spoke with a Microsoft rep, who told us that Banjo-Kazooie isn’t going to be available until December 3rd. They also indicated to contact the retailer’s customer service number to see if the problem can be remedied. Gamestop can be reached at 1-800-883-8895; give them a call and see what they can do.
If that fails, get in touch with a district manager. Call the store where you preordered the game and leave a message for the DM- they usually return calls in two or three days. Calmly explain your situation, and I’m sure they will be willing to help on both issues.
Haha, I got burned on Gamestop’s preorder COD:WaW, get a free gun deal.
Suggestion- Go someplace else.
You can tell its a scam from that generic family photo. That is the real offer, right?
I preordered to get a plushie once. As I walk in the GS worker is telling the guy who he got the last plush.
I pick up my game and he tells me he just ran out. what BS.
Gamestop sucks it. My solution? Go somewhere else.
This is what happens when you pay retards $7.35 an hour to run a store.
You didn’t say anything? Man, you’re at fault for not speaking up.
Dude, same here. I got a call, that told me to go to a website. I registered there and nothing. Screw gamestop, they cant run shit.
I never had a problem with Gamestop, besides the whole “lets sell open games as new” bit.
Uh, the problem with B&K is from microsoft, maybe you should blame them .
Nice shitstorm you started, DE.
I actually found this interesting. I sent an e-mail. Answer mine next or else.
Power to the players. LOL.
I picked up L4D, and the manager overrode the price.
Love it or hate it, Gamestop is everywhere.
Nah, retards are easier to blame.
Me, neither. If they do something I dont like, just cancel the preorder.
Sound advice, DE
Answer my letter, guys!
Great article. I got my B&K code, but it’s no use right now.
Putting the stop in Games, that should be their motto.
The DMs are as lazy as the store employees. Good luck getting a call back.
That looks so fake.
i can confirm the e-rewards thing is legit. ive been at it for about five months now, and have one $25 gift card (for $50 in survey credit), and have almost $35 towards another. if you have free time, totally worth it. but mailbag hits it on the head: way less credit than you would expect for the time outlay.
My cousin works at Gamestop so I hope people won’t ring the neck of Gamestop employees =p
No one is concerned that Gamestop gives out e-mail addresses?
How long is the average survey?
How many do you get a week?
Why did they give you a 25 gift card for 50 in survey credit?
Yep, I am.
More mailbag, please. I sent two questions!
They should act like its a Gamestop program. That’s deceptive as hell.
Nah, it’s the corporations fault if anything.
Thanks for the info. Next time give names.
People should follow through if they don’t get their promised preorder items.
Ring their bell, Red XIII. Ignore what DE sez 😉
And get it on video, too.
I sent a question in, please answer!
Good question.
Do you think the PR person knew all along and that why they didn’t get back to you?
I didn’t get the $55 price on Left 4 Dead either. The manager told me it was online only, and I didn’t print out the form.
varies. the good ones ($5+ in credit) are normally 20+ minutes. The $.10-$5 normally take anywehre from half a minute to 15-20 minutes.
Hit or miss; sometimes I’ll get 3-4 in a couple hours; sometimes I don’t get any for two weeks.
There payout system is based off of credit. The money for doing the surveys is only credit. The gift card is easily the best gift I have seen; only other one I have redeemed was $25 to get two dvds from blockbuster.
I’m with a lot of you, simply don’t stuff there. But if it’s a game that you can’t get no where else like Nocturne or Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 I’m definitely going there to get it :]
Well to the first person,I am in the panel
and I got to say,I am quite pleased with
their services.So far I gotten 2 $25 gamestop giftcards last year and I plan on getting some more!To the second question you are not promised anything.If you read on the advertising they said “while supplies last”so they did not guranntee anything.Calm down.I am sure you will recieve it some how.
Also there are “TWO” panels,one is
u.talk.back and E-Rewards like you said.
I was in E-rewards and I gotten
1.Free rental to blockbuste
2.One year movie card at yet again blockbuster
3.And one 10 off macy giftcard(for mom,I swear!).Both are lovely sites.
I totally got screwed over on the Banjo and Kazooie offer.