STO Shipping

[Debaser]

I realize this is probably way too early to be thinking about, but I thought I would throw it out there anyways, just to getthe bug in Cryptics ear, so to speak.

I am assuming the game will be available for pre-order direct from Cryptic. I would like to suggest that transit times be considered when shipping the pre-orders. I'll use my own experience as an example:

I 'pre-ordered' the Burning Crusade expansion direct from Bizzard. I was concerned that I would not be able to get my hands on a copy on release day, and I wanted to make sure I would get one. Anyways, it turns out the game was shipped to me via the most economical route (UPS ground, 3-5 business day transit time) however, the game was not shipped until release day, so I did not physically receive the game until a week after release, and by the time I got it installed, practically everyone who got a copy on release day had already burned to 70 (or close to it), I was never able to make up the defecit, not to mention I never got to participate in all the release day craziness, which I would have liked to have been a part of.

Anyways, I would like to suggest that any pre-orders be shipped so that they will arrive at their destination on release day, as opposed to being shipped on release day. Just something to consider:)

Of course if Cryptic wants to fly me down there and put me up for a few days, I'd gladly do all the leg-work (rates, transit times, etc) and handle the shipping myself, it's what I do for a living after all! (ok just kidding...well, half kidding anyways:D)

[Decius]

It might be a bit difficult to always get a package via mail, UPS, or whatever on an exact day. Even priority mail sometimes gets to me a day late, for example. It's hard to predict sometimes, even though it may sound like a simple thing.

[Syler_Akeron]

Best bet for Cryptic would be to add a bit onto the price and ship via fedex. Or have preorder available a month in advance and just ship you a pre install kit with a CD key and a CD of the game launchpad. On release day, you log into the launchpad and it DLs the game. Or like PotBS, they allowed the pre orderers a couple weeks to play before release day in stores.

[Decius]

Could have a digital download type of thing the week before, therefore hopefully the people who really want it on release day would have already downloaded the 'bulk' of it the week before, and only have to download the critical stuff say.. the night before or something.

[Psi-Fire]

My new G1 phone got to me on the 20th when it was supposed to. I don't see why game companies can't do the same.

[Debaser]

My new G1 phone got to me on the 20th when it was supposed to. I don't see why game companies can't do the same.

It's not the game companies, it's the shipping/courier companies.

Great responses so far everyone! Fedex is another good option, I'd pay the extra for it (for the record, when I ordered my BC expansion, there was no option to expedite to Canada from the US via UPS), I also like the download ideas.

[Psi-Fire]

It's not the game companies, it's the shipping/courier companies..

T-Mobile talked about when they would be delivered and it was. I think they told the shipper(s) when they would like them delivered and it was. So, I can't say for certin what exactly went down. All I know is I got it when it was promised.

[njdss4]

I think your best bet to be able to play STO on Day 1 is to either go to a store and get it or hope Cryptic will give us the option to do a digital download. I'm going to pre-order it at a store like GameStop. I don't want to have to spend hours downloading the game just to spend hours installing the game. I'd rather take the 10 minute drive to the store and rush back home to get it done quicker.

[igrokdou]

It's not the game companies, it's the shipping/courier companies.

Great responses so far everyone! Fedex is another good option, I'd pay the extra for it (for the record, when I ordered my BC expansion, there was no option to expedite to Canada from the US via UPS), I also like the download ideas.

Would like to point out that when the last Harry Potter book came out, USPS was able to deliver it on release day to everyone who had ordered it. UPS actually delivered from the publisher to the post office. Release day deliveries are possible but require some coordination and cash.

[LordDave]

I like the "download it now, but can't play it until later". Valve does this with it's games.

[marscentral]

I like the "download it now, but can't play it until later". Valve does this with it's games.

Works for me too. We won't be able to play until the servers are up anyways.

In defense of mail though, I preordered Halo 3 and got it the day before it's British release day (which was it's North American launch). That said, Britain's postal system is waaay better than yours in my experience.

[JMD10222]

Im just gonna pre-order mine at GameStop when it goes up for pre-order.;)

[Trekkie]

I definitely support this option since it will allow players to start playing the game as soon as possible.

[Futuristicdragoon]

Could have a digital download type of thing the week before, therefore hopefully the people who really want it on release day would have already downloaded the 'bulk' of it the week before, and only have to download the critical stuff say.. the night before or something.

This is a good idea, but I'll just buy it at EB games if there's a 12 am sale going on the night of release :D

[Elvennomad]

I run a Gamestop in my area. There will more than likely not be a midnight release for this game. Midnight launches are actually rather expensive for the company. We tend to only do them when it is extremely cost effective or we feel we are going to lose sales. Gears of War 2 and Lich King are the only 2 Midnights I am doing this holiday season. I have to mention that I FOUGHT to do the Gears 2 midnight as well. If I get enough preorders for STO (we are talking over 200 in my store) I can fight for it. Hopefully we will start preorders no later than february so I can get the ball rolling. I already have 10 I need to put down for friends and family LOL. BTW Cryptic PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make a deal with us for an awesome preorder bonus and or a COLLECTORS EDITION!!!!! I totally eat that crap up. I love the hard cover art books and such. From what I have seen the production art for STO is beautiful. I highly recommend a Collectors set at release.