Busted Rock Band axe? Here's a free game for your trouble

Just days ago, we heard that the Rock Band team would be replacing faulty axes with haste, but alas, they haven't been able to come through as promised to all customers. Reportedly, a "late shipment from its manufacturer" has caused some gamers to pace around frantically while suffering through an "unacceptably long delay," but rather than sitting idly, EA will be offering up a free game to those who are forced to wait. Certain customers have already received emails notifying them of their reward for patience, but interestingly, there's no mention of what game will be handed out. 'Course, it also states that "details will follow shortly," so here's to hoping it's a title worth playing (or eBaying, at the very least).

[Via Joystiq, thanks Mike]

[Matthew Hilario @ Dec 3rd 2007 6:20PM]

you will all receive a microphone and a copy of POP BAND.

[Barri @ Dec 3rd 2007 6:47PM]

I wouldnt get to excited about this. I have been waiting for a reply since the problems started let alone get a free game. Only a few people have ended up with this email about the free game. most people cant even get through to them let alone get a free game. Again its a publicity for Rockband but the end user is still getting arse ended.

[jared @ Dec 3rd 2007 7:06PM]

I've had a set of broken drums since the launch, and was told i'd have them in 3-5 business days. Here I am 2 weeks later, no package, no e-mail. I wonder if it's only if you had a broken guitar, or if it's any peripheral.

[chris Griffith @ Dec 3rd 2007 7:13PM]

This is just EA trying to look good. If they actually do give you a free game, it probably will be an old game that they can't sell anymore. It seems they just rushed to get the game out in order to get the holiday revenue. might have been a mistake

[randomthot @ Dec 3rd 2007 11:18PM]

If they're smart about it, EA would use the free game to get non-traditional gamers who play Rock Band into one of their new franchises...it could be a great way to get gamers to branch into new things.

[badenglishihave @ Dec 3rd 2007 7:37PM]

Good thing it isn't Eidos. They'd probably be giving away copies of "Kane and Lynch."

[ByronGman @ Dec 3rd 2007 8:35PM]

It's so sad that the actual gameplay doesn't live up to the crazy ass story.

[Timothy @ Dec 3rd 2007 8:58PM]

Oh! You totally beat me to that reference.

Maybe they can cut a deal with Eidos, since it's obvious no self-respecting gamer will actually pay for it.

[teej @ Dec 4th 2007 12:50PM]

if they went back and re-developed the gameplay, then i'd buy it. you're right; story is awesome.

[o29 @ Dec 3rd 2007 9:01PM]

Was there ever even an official statement from Red Octane or Activision about the faulty Guitar Hero 3 guitars? I'd be satisfied with a simple "send it in and we'll fix it," but I'd certainly take a free game too. It's sad that we've come to expect so little from these companies these days.

[tiuk @ Dec 3rd 2007 9:42PM]

They should give out downloadable content for free.

[Will @ Dec 3rd 2007 11:26PM]

I got that email. What happened was, I used the warranty site (on launch day, no less), and then waited patiently through Thanksgiving. I THOUGHT I had gotten a confirmation email, but when I went to look for it, I had not. So I went back to the site and emailed them asking if they had, indeed, gotten my request (along with credit card number, yikes). I got a reply with my reference number a day later.

A few days later (this last Friday, I think), I got the 'more to come' free game email. I got my new Strat today and so far it seems fine. We shall see.

[tekdemon @ Dec 4th 2007 2:18AM]

Heh, my friend had to open up the guitar himself and rig it to work while he waits for his replacement. Since you have to send the broken guitar back that does mean he has to undo his fix =(

[Kragmose @ Dec 4th 2007 2:35AM]

So this means I could risk getting The Sims? I think I'll keep my broken toy, thank you.

[TigTheRed @ Dec 5th 2007 11:52PM]

Having just gone thru a three ring circus (without the midget to keep it funny) trying to get my RB guitar replaced, I finally spoke with a few of their tech and warranty folks, and have learned some nifty inside tips.
1) Do NOT use the website to get your guitar replaced; it seems that they are having ongoing problems with it, and as an added bonus, your card might be hit multiple times for the single replacement, which probably will not arrive (this from their tech support people!!)
2) May as well get the bass drum pedal replaced, as according to the pilot fish I started with, he is seeing more of those breaking than the guitars.
3) when you are done with the whole thing, go to http://www.illwillpress.com, click on toons, and then look for the one titled "Tech Support"...make sure to start with the first one...#'s 2,3,4 are funny, but not up to the caliber of the original one.

Good luck to all of us...and remember to check your credit card statements, in the oh so unlikely event that you are multi-charged, or they "forget" to cancel the hold when they receive the BAG (busted @$$ guitar) back from you. I know I will be.