I know its very early to be talking about this but I'm just curious. I play a ton of sports games and I am on a sports forum (Operation Sports) all the time. When new sports games come out there always seems to be a number of people that somehow score early copies to games. I've scored many early copies of games in my time, NHL, NCAA Football, etc. The frequency at which sports games are released give sports gamers more of an opportunity to get early copies. However, with games like the Elder Scrolls, which comes out once every 5-6 years, I've never really thought about it. Do people score early copies? If so where and how do they usually do so? I know that at the most a week before release would likely be the earliest anyone would be able to get a copy. I'm just curious if any of you were successful at getting early copies of Morrowind (which may have been easier) or Oblivion. I figured Skyrim will be difficult because it has an official release date.

Be a game tester

or you have to have connections at gamestop, but it is illegal for them to release it to you before it is actually time

Although, said connections at Gamestop would probably be risking their jobs or at least serious trouble with their bosses. Best to wait until release day like everyone else.

I know that. But usually people can find games at small mom and pop shops. At least that's what happens with sports games. I've gotten NHL a few days early the past couple of years. I won't say where, but its from a major store.

I got oblivion a few days earlier than most people I made a few videos and posted them (they were of some ridiculous bow shots i've been unable to duplicate to this day)

that probably happens because frankly they dont know, the only way you are going to get a game ahead of time is if you work for the people producing it or someone screws up, like with assassins creed

I'd be shocked if some people on here don't score early copies. It always happens with games, especially those with release dates. And since this is the first time an Elder Scrolls game has had a street date, game stores will get Skyrim in 5-7 days before release.

I don't doubt people will. Dragon Age 2, for example, doesn't come out for over a week yet and it was shipped to stores almost two weeks ago. But don't get your hopes up by going out seeking an early copy. You'll either be disappointed or putting someone else's job at risk.

I've got a few connections. I'll see if they can come through. If not I'll wait until 11.11.11. No big deal.

Uhm, yeah, since this veered into "get someone at a store to do something that they could get fired for" territory, probably best to shut it down.