Hello Fallout 4 community,

I'm not sure if I'm seeking technical help or therapy, but I felt compelled to share my story so that others might either help me or at least sympathize.

Preordered Fallout 4 through the "gamesas Store." It arrived on Wednesday night wrapped in cellophane. I eagerly unwrapped it, put the disc in my PC, began the installation process, and typed in the Game Registration Code eagerly anticipating wasteland goodness. However, I was bluntly informed by Steam that my code had already been used therefore I was COMPLETELY SOL!!! They are kind enough to give you a button that sends an email to the address on file in the account in which that code was used which... wait for it... was not my Steam account!

I don't have any idea how this can happen other than via some sort of hack or horrible controls on Bethesda's part of their Vault Dweller's Survival Guides. Either way, its not my fault and I just want to play the game that I paid $60 for... so, I start by submitting tickets to both Steam and Bethesda. Steam basically responds and says, "Not our problem. Take it up with the retailer." Bethesda, 2 days later, has not responded at all. So, I submitted a ticket to the "gamesas Store" which seems to the "retailer" in question. Its has been a full day and no response from them.

Am I crazy to expect that my situation is able to be anticipated and they could have a very simple process for a victim (because, let's face it, that's what I am) to submit their stolen Game Registration Code along with a proof of purchase, have the stolen code deactivated, and be issued a new (VERIFIED NOT IN USE) code so that a HUGE FAN OF THEIR PRODUCTS can ACTUALLY PLAY THE PRODUCT THEY PURCHASED?

I'm so frustrated and feel utterly powerless because not one of the 3 organizations with some culpability in this situation even has a phone number one can call to talk to a human being about the process of resolving the issue. Literally, for all I know right now, it may take me weeks to actually get this resolved.

Three cheers for DRM combined with non-customer service!!!

Rant off. Sorry.

Nick

I'm really the only one?

Same problem here. Bought directly from Bethesda. First time trying to install. I just opened a ticket with Bethesda and looking to challenge the charge to my CC.

I got an auto-message from Bethesda which doesn't mention anything about a follow-up. Instead it directs me to a couple links for issues completely unrelated. Disputing this with credit card company. A number referenced on the card was 866-806-8865. Going to try that on Monday.

Whew! Looks like I've tried everything everybody else has, other than credit card dispute. I figure I will give them one more business day to respond with a solution. Otherwise, pull the trigger on credit card. I simply can't believe how long this is taking and the absurdly low level of customer service. Mind blowing.

Yeah, you would think that they would have all hands on deck for a product opening like this. I can only figure that we have had hour codes stolen or they erroneously published our codes multiple times and other legitimate users are using the same code. None the less, I purchased the product from Bethesda directly, received the package personally, and tried to use the code quickly after receiving. In my mind, it is Bethesda's key system that is securing our access and if that fails, its on them to make it right. I would love to just get a new code but given the inability to communicate with them, I don't see an alternative but to press for a refund. Please keep me updated on how things go for you. It would be great if others having the same problem would follow up on this thread also. Perhaps if we have enough folks having the issue, they will take note.

So I tried the 866 number that I gave above and it goes to directly to a voice mail box (no opt out). Still no response to my case. CC refund process started but its going to take at least 3 weeks...sigh.

Same here, but I have called on four consecutive business days and have NEVER received a call back. I have done exactly as directed, left name, order number, and phone number and NO CALL BACK despite the fact that the message says that they will get back to you in a day. Staggeringly pathetic that there is not even a message like "we are receiving a high volume of customer service requests due to our inept handling of Game Registration Codes... we expect to get to your message in early 2016... in the meantime... please preorder several DLCs for the game that we sold you that you can't play. Goto www.BethStoresvcks.com and order now!"

devoted fan to Hater in 4 days. Thank you Bethesda.

-Nick

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!! Check out the completely valueless response I received to my gamesas Store ticket. To anyone else who has this problem... begin a charge dispute through your credit card company immediately. You will never get a working Game Registration Code through the gamesas Store. Absolutely appalling.

**Please keep in mind, updating your ticket more than once will remove it from its original place in the queue and can result in a delayed response.**

Alfred

Nov 20, 12:15 PM

Hi,

Thanks for contacting us! All official news regarding the release of Fallout 4 will be announced by Bethesda Softworks directly. Please visit the http://www.fallout4.com/ for more information.

If you are looking to pre-order a copy of Fallout 4, you can do so through our official store. To see local or other participating retailers offering pre-orders, visit the official Fallout site. Customers ordering through our store will receive a physical copy of the game for your chosen platform, including PC.

http://store.gamesas.com/books-and-other-media/fallout-4.html

http://www.fallout4.com/

System requirements for Fallout 4 can be found here:

http://bethesda.net/#en/events/game/prepare-for-the-future-fallout-4-important-release-info/2015/10/08/35

All pre-ordered physical copies of the game will contain the poster as advertised. For digital copies, please contact the retailer where your purchase was made.

If you need assistance with free download codes offered with pre-order of Fallout 4 made through the Microsoft store, please contact Microsoft Store Sales and Customer Support at 1-877-696-7786. We cannot provide support for promotions run through other retailers, as we are not able to access orders and promotional codes issued by other retailers.

To enter the Fallout 4 Enter the Vault Sweepstakes, please visit the link below. With questions or for assistance, please contact either Bethesda or the retailer where your preorder was placed.

http://help.bethesda.net/app/answers/detail/a_id/31021/~/how-do-i-enter-the-enter-the-vault-sweepstakes%3F

For technical support with your copy of Fallout 3 or Fallout New Vegas, please contact Bethesda Support directly: http://help.gamesas.com/

Alfred Gamboa

This email is a service from Bethesda Store Support. Delivered by http://www.zendesk.com.