Developers said those who preorder would get a cloth map instead of a paper one, but wonder if that's true if you preorder anywhere or particular retailers, or regions?

Am in UK and preordered from GAME but they make no mention of a cloth map.

Im also in the UK and ive Pre-ordered from Amazon, but they are still yet to clarify whether Pre-orders get the cloth map. I might have to order somewhere else as its only 45 days away.

I suggest you ring them and get clarification from GAME as thats what im gonna do

never understood why people pre order so early, especially for a single player game, why not just wait until all offers are on the table and explained?

It is explained. Pete's said many times that all first run copies, from all retailers, in all territories will include the preorder map. Bethesda is shipping all launch copies with the map, so no matter where you live, or where you purchase from, you're getting the map.

You do get a cloth map from Amazon. I got an email explaining it:

Hi,

Customers who have viewed "Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" might like know about the following offers: Pre-order the standard edition and get a premium physical map. Pre-order the standard edition, for PS3 or Xbox 360, and get a $10 promotional credit.

Ive got 8 titles coming out in the next 7 weeks that I want day one. To avoid missing out on preorder bonuses Ive just ordered the lot from various retailers.

To answer your question, Ive found the various sites in the UK tend to lay the cards on the table pretty early, Nothing much changes in 7 weeks leading to a release, and if it does, well I cancel and switch preorder. But having so many games on the horizon means I want to make sure I dont miss out on one.

Personally I miss the days I could actually not bother with this and buy it a few days after release from whereever, but with exclusive preorder extras out for every game these days that isnt an option for me.

Thanks very much for the info.

No problem

The whole idea of a pre order is to order before the game comes out. That way you are ensured you will get a copy when it comes out, and not go searching through stores only to find it's sold out everywhere. A second, what do you mean "especially for a single player game" Are multiplayer games more important than single player games? I've no interest myself in anything multiplayer. And am interested in buying a game early when I know I've got the coin that I may not have later.

I hope so! I've kinda got a wall of game maps above my TV. There's Oblivion, Borderlands, Red Dead Redemption, San Andreas and GTA IV