Battlefield 3 Finds a Way to Piss People Off

[Commander Fury]

 

Until this point, Battlefield 3 has been running an almost flawless marketing campaign. Great trailer after great trailer had people eating out of the palm of its hand, so much so you voted it your game of E3 2011.

 

Even the fastest hype train can be derailed by a single hiccup, though, and Battlefield 3 just hit its first hiccup.

 

Over the weekend, the “Physical Warfare” pack was revealed by publishers EA (so far it’s only been shown off for the UK market), in which customers pre-ordering the game receive weapons, equipment and ammo that places them at an advantage over customers who don’t put down money early.

 

Sounds harmless, but this being an online, multiplayer shooter with a passionately loyal (and long-standing fanbase), people are understandably upset.

 

This Reddit thread seems to be the tallest lightning rod up at the moment, though in general the internet in its entirety seems unhappy at this.

 

As they should be! EA and DICE tried this once a few years back and were forced to fall on their swords, so it’s interesting seeing them try almost the exact same thing three years later. Perhaps in the hope that everyone would simply…forget how shitty a deal it was.

 

 

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[IRISH BULL]

WOW, typical corporate greed at its finest.

[bloodbath09]

Didn't Socom 4 do the same thing? And if these fans are freaking out why not just PRE-ORDER it?

[Nemesis]

WOW, typical corporate greed at its finest.

 

Apparently EA did this without DICE's knowledge.

[Outlaw__Rebel]

Doesn't surprise me. They always do something to screw the games up. Everyone so far. They I mean Dice. We get all hyped and everyone ends up pissed at something.

[Peebrain]

Didn't Socom 4 do the same thing? And if these fans are freaking out why not just PRE-ORDER it?

 

Socom did do the same thing, but they are still giving those who didn't pre-order it a chance to get the goodies with socom plus. It is a little more money, but still an chance to even the playing field.

[Guest Attitude]

It doesn't even matter that SOCOM did it, they even managed to screw up that free bonus. When was the last time you were able to play Abondoned with that shitty shotgun they gave us? Since it's a seperate map to be played, nobody picks it because thay don't want to sit in a que all day.

[IRISH BULL]

Didn't Socom 4 do the same thing? And if these fans are freaking out why not just PRE-ORDER it?

 

Socom did do the same thing, but they are still giving those who didn't pre-order it a chance to get the goodies with socom plus. It is a little more money, but still an chance to even the playing field.

 

What Zipper did was an attempt to combat used games sales. What EA did was try to make you pre-order. And if you don't, your S.O.L.. Zipper still gave people an opportunity to get what others got.

 

It doesn't even matter that SOCOM did it, they even managed to screw up that free bonus. When was the last time you were able to play Abandoned with that shitty shotgun they gave us? Since it's a separate map to be played, nobody picks it because they don't want to sit in a que all day.

 

Patience young Padawan, patience.

Edited June 13, 2011 by IRISH BULL

[IRISH BULL]

Battlefield Blog

 

Q: Is the Physical Warfare Pack available in all regions, or just in the UK?

A: It will be available worldwide at select retailers. It was first announced in the UK. Exact details for other countries and retailers will be announced at a later date.

 

Q: Will Physical Warfare Pack imbalance the game?

A: The three exclusive items in the Physical Warfare Pack were specifically chosen not to be overpowered or imbalance or break the game in any way.

 

Q: Why do I want the Physical Warfare Pack?

A: Owning these items will give you a more varied arsenal, but it will not give you a significant advantage on the battlefield.

 

Q: Is the Back to Karkand expansion pack exclusive to pre-orders?

A: No. You can also buy it separately if you do not pre-order Battlefield 3. Back to Karkand will be available the exact same date after the launch of Battlefield 3 no matter if you pre-ordered or buy it separately.

 

Q: When will the Back to Karkand expansion pack be released?

A: We have not yet announced the Back to Karkand expansion pack release date.

 

Q: How much does the Back to Karkand Expansion pack cost?

A: We have not yet announced a price. However, it will be included in the Limited Edition at no extra charge.

 

Q: Do I have to choose between Back to Karkand and the Physical Warfare Pack as my pre-order bonus?

A: No. There is no way you can pre-order Battlefield 3: Limited Edition and not end up with the Back to Karkand expansion pack at no extra charge. On top of this, select retailers all over the world will carry the Physical Warfare Pack. Exact details for other countries and retailers will be announced at a later date.

 

Q: Why do you offer pre-order bonus items?

A: Because we believe in rewarding our core fanbase with special offers -- such as giving them the Back to Karkand expansion pack at no extra charge.

 

____________________________________________________________

 

 

So after reading this, is it like SOCOM Pro?

Edited June 14, 2011 by IRISH BULL

[shane]

No it is not...

 

It is like the Abandoned/Shot gun code you got for pre ordering at GameStop...

 

Socom Pro is a premium subscription that was provided to everyone who bought the game new. It is a members only content service with a one time fee if you did not buy Socom new.

[IRISH BULL]

Physical Warfare Pack available to all Battlefield 3 players later this year