25 réponses à ce sujet

[Dragoonlordz]

[Moderator Edit:  For an updated FAQ involving Ultimate Edition and its DLC, see:
http://social.biowar.../index/11150508]


The following information has now been updated scroll to bottom of this post. 

If you know this already then skip it but if you do not then it is something might wish to know.

All copies retail of Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition do not contain the seven DLCs only Origins and Awakening now. The product although not written on the box has an expiry date on the DLCs (all of the retail copies) and it expired for all on the 30th July 2011. From that date on even though the box and retail product pages do not mention so the additional content is not actually part of the product anymore. It crosses the line into misinformation towards the customer however the main element is a simple buyer beware you will not get what is written on the box in the form of DLC content. 

EA will supply new codes for two of the seven (having spoken to them) but five remaining they will not give you at all and ask you to buy the DLC all over again separatly for this product, all retail versions as opposed to digital are in the the same position. So just be aware beforehand if planning on picking up a copy of the ultimate edition under the assumption it says on both the boxes and retail product pages you will get this content and DLC, in fact you will not and have to buy extra regardless at this moment in time.

Just a friendly heads up and this information I feel should be made a sticky even if not worded by myself but instead the developers. It is quite important for the customer of Bioware and potential ones. 

Update:

Okay it seems Bioware have released a patch for the PC version at least that resolves this issue on mine which changed the authentication function and unlocks all the Ultimate Edition DLC in game (even though does not appear in your registered content page). I do not know if works for all versions but the PC ones of which I bought go to this link and download the latest patch to resolve the codes issue not working on retail copies.

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 07 avril 2012 - 10:36 .

[xPhealy]

Thanks for letting us know mate.

Modifié par xPhealy, 24 mars 2012 - 04:46 .

[cJohnOne]

Why did they do that? Is it still a good deal?

[Dragoonlordz]

This reply has now been outdated by a fix supplied and mentioned above which includes a link.

Depends on the price you pay whether or not good deal, some retails stores prices it still works out good deal but others not so much and depends on the buyer what he or she considers good. The real problem is on the box and product pages for this title all say includes the seven DLC as part of the product with no mention of an expiration date on the box or product pages.

However this is not true and all of them have expired (this content) inside the package and at which time having spoke to EA myself they are unwilling to correct this by supplying people with that content and they ask people to pay for five out the seven DLCs on top of how much bought the original game for instead while supplying two of the seven themselves with new codes. Unfortunately the only way you find out is after you have bought the title and looked inside the box as opposed to either on the box or on the product page where you bought it. I guess EA did not have the foresight to see this issue coming when they decided to put expiration dates on the content without mention on the product box itself.

Here is  section of conversation with EA I had on this issue. It's just small snippet of much larger conversation.

EA Representative:I am sorry it's not possible to provide the code of all the dlc so as an one time exception, I can provide the code of the dlc stone prisoner, wardens keep only.

Me:That is just not nice, bad form. I bought the product and on box said comes with this content with no mention of expiry on the box and now im being told I have to buy them again.

EA Representative:Please try that's the best I can do from my side.

EA Representative:Please try to understand.

Me:I understand what your saying but how is that supposed to make me feel better that i have to re-buy it all bar those two out of seven... Is there no credit or coupon to make up for this failure by EA for selling a product which claims to have the content but actually does not have it?

EA Representative:I understand that code are retailer specific so that's the best I can do for you.

EA Representative:So please allow me some time so that I can provide you the code.

EA Representative:Here is the code of stone prisoner:-snipped- and the code of warden keep :-snipped-

EA Representative:Thank you for contacting EA. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Me:According to what your saying there is nothing you can do for me but i would like to know what my options are about this because from what i understand all games which are advertised with this content regardless of retailer, even though on box says such content is part of the product paying for when bought new, that in fact no copy has it because apparently had an expriy date within the box and not on the box.

EA Representative:You have to contact your retailer for this.

Upon further checking after this conversation I found out everyone else who was buying copies regardless of where from or when after this date, also had the same expiry date on theirs and could not get this content which stated on box is part of product on offer with no expiry date warning anywhere on the product box itself in it's wrapping or product pages where being sold.

Thankfully in this case the retailer stepped up to the mark and gave me a refund while at same time allowing me to keep the game as a one off special exception due to bringing the issue to their attention of which they promised to take action to resolve it (bring it up) with EA and also with their product description on the site update and clarify the actual contents on offer even though on box says different. Though I will have to still buy the DLC's separately I can now atleast get the DLC's with the refund.


Update: See top first post bolded section.

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 25 mars 2012 - 04:07 .

[Rudy Lis]

So it's good I didn't asked my friend to fetch one from UK.

[Dragoonlordz]

Not sure if UK specific problem or not.

Could be global issue on all versions internationally for all I know.

[Rudy Lis]

Dragoonlordz wrote...

Not sure if UK specific problem or not.

Could be global issue on all versions internationally for all I know.

UK is the only place we're been able to find one. And I bet it's international, unless they rejected our reality and replaced it with their own.



Artistic one.

[Dragoonlordz]

Okay it seems Bioware have released a patch for the PC version at least that resolves this issue on mine which changed the authentication function and unlocks all the Ultimate Edition DLC in game (even though does not appear in your registered content page).

[Mountain Man]

So what's the deal here? Was it simply a glitch, or did EA/Bioware really plan on trying to screw customers by selling them an "ultimate edition" with expiring content that had to be repurchased at a later date?

[Dragoonlordz]

Mountain Man wrote...

So what's the deal here? Was it simply a glitch, or did EA/Bioware really plan on trying to screw customers by selling them an "ultimate edition" with expiring content that had to be repurchased at a later date?

There is or more accurately was a problem, all new copies of Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition have inside a code to unlock all the DLC which is sold as part of the product. That code ran out last year even if bought it new today on all copies. Initially I went to EA asked for resolution they claimed did not know of the issue and said could not help, instead they told me (same would be told to anyone else) to in fact re-buy all the DLC which was supposed to be part of the product.

They later through discussion said speak to the retailer and shrugged off the issue and responsibility. I went to the retailer got a refund but told to keep the game, then came to Bioware for help, read the forums for any post specifically talking about Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition code and DLC but none were present so created this thread letting others know of my position and letting Bioware know of it. I later patched the game which always do by default after installed (most would not have done so since they would most likely have returned the game by then). I then went back to the retailer and refunded them instead as the game now works as intended.

This patch addressed the issue by changing the authentication method and unlocked the DLC that the code could not. I updated this thread to state this reality. Bioware though should change the title of the patch 1.05 thread to reflect it is a resolution to this problem because "Patch 1.05" does not indicate that it resolves anything to do with the major problem. Thats the basic version of it. Simply a lack of foresight on either EA or Biowares part of what would happen with sticking expiry on content and continues to this day for example with Dragon Age 2 they still use expiry dates on content included with box retail copies (which sits currently at March 31st 2012 so in four days time all DLC content on all new copies you are supposed to get free with purchase using the code will not work with that code).

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 27 mars 2012 - 05:14 .

[Mountain Man]

Oh, O.K., that clears things up. Thanks.

And I have to say, I'm very impressed with the fact that you returned the money to the retailer after essentially getting a free game. That was very honorable, and I respect that.

[Dragoonlordz]

Mountain Man wrote...

Oh, O.K., that clears things up. Thanks.

And I have to say, I'm very impressed with the fact that you returned the money to the retailer after essentially getting a free game. That was very honorable, and I respect that.

Way I saw it wasn't my money once I got it working. Retailer in the end gave me what I paid for even if I had to run around like a headless chicken for a while trying to sort it out (imho) was not the retailers fault. I did not like EA telling me to re-buy the DLC I already paid for however and then their dismissing all responsibility. But was not fair to take it out on the retailer. Plus it was not like a lottery win of millions (that might have made me hesitate).

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 28 mars 2012 - 12:43 .

[raz3r]

So if I buy the Ultimate Edition let's say tomorrow and then install the 1.05 patch will I have the same problem or not?

[Dragoonlordz]

raz3r_ wrote...

So if I buy the Ultimate Edition let's say tomorrow and then install the 1.05 patch will I have the same problem or not?

If you buy the UE the code in the box will not work, if you download the patch Bioware have provided it unlocks all the DLC instead of the code though. The problem is that EA do not apparently know this has a solution and they ask you to buy all the DLC you already paid for and EA might be the first point of contact for customers who try to use the code and notice does not work. Others will simply return the product before coming here to the Bioware social network looking for a solution which even then they would have to do a lot of digging around to find out as there is no thread title labelled in a way that answers their problem directly. In two days time this may even be expanded to the DA2 title as the code in the box also has expiry date which runs out on 31st of this month.

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 29 mars 2012 - 06:26 .

[raz3r]

Thank you, then I guess I'll buy the UE and install the patch right after

[Dragoonlordz]

raz3r_ wrote...

Thank you, then I guess I'll buy the UE and install the patch right after

I really do recommend doing so, the UE is amazingly good value for money. It is however I believe UK only product but just look at my games list on profile, I have 2 copies of it because its such great deal I thought was good enough to buy it on multiple formats. You get full retail Origins title, Awakening expansion too and all seven major DLCs for around (depending on where purchase) about 15 pounds upto around 25 which is epic price for that much content (imho).

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 29 mars 2012 - 10:00 .

[Rachey187]

I have literally just bought this, assuming that everything was included! I've been wanting it for months and have been looking for months and got one finally from Ebay... it never said on there anything about a code? I've just forked out a tenner for a game i already have... essentially... and i bought it on Xbox... is there a patch for that do you know? I'm going to extremely upset if i've got 2 copies of the same game when i wanted all the DLC and expansion for more content!

[Mountain Man]

First problem, you bought it on eBay...

[Rachey187]

Where i bought it shouldn't matter if everything was included on the discs as i thought from research i did into the Ultimate Edition... the adverts say it's included, not that i have to type in a code to get it. If i'd known that, i would have bought it brand new... which still wouldn't have mattered as the codes expired...

[Dragoonlordz]

Rachey187 wrote...

I have literally just bought this, assuming that everything was included! I've been wanting it for months and have been looking for months and got one finally from Ebay... it never said on there anything about a code? I've just forked out a tenner for a game i already have... essentially... and i bought it on Xbox... is there a patch for that do you know? I'm going to extremely upset if i've got 2 copies of the same game when i wanted all the DLC and expansion for more content!

Not sure status of 360 one, only know of PC one. I know they have patch for PC one which I linked, if there is one for PC I think should be one for 360? Not sure about how patches work on 360.

Install and try it, as just seen/read this after google search for format you bought it on...

As console users are unaffected by the issues addressed in this patch, there is no need to release it on X360 and PS3.

It's all on a second disc that comes with the game, like all GOTY/Ultimate Edition games should be.

So it appears to have had been only a PC issue which has since been resolved by the latest patch which I linked top of page. If you do have a problem for the copy you have on your format then let me and us know, I don't mind trying to help you find solution if need one.

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 03 avril 2012 - 03:12 .

[Rachey187]

Ok, thank you so much. It should arrive soon! I will install it and see what happens and let you know

[Portia Cousland]

Thank you so much for this! My HD crashed a couple of weeks ago and I'm in the process of reinstalling everything. I was about to re-install DAO and would have gotten a nasty surprise. I will avail myself of the patch asap.

I did check the flyer inside the CD case and it does indeed have the expiration date. If EA had told me to re-purchase all the DLC I would have spontaneously combusted

[Rachey187]

Dragoonlordz wrote...

Rachey187 wrote...

I have literally just bought this, assuming that everything was included! I've been wanting it for months and have been looking for months and got one finally from Ebay... it never said on there anything about a code? I've just forked out a tenner for a game i already have... essentially... and i bought it on Xbox... is there a patch for that do you know? I'm going to extremely upset if i've got 2 copies of the same game when i wanted all the DLC and expansion for more content!

Not sure status of 360 one, only know of PC one. I know they have patch for PC one which I linked, if there is one for PC I think should be one for 360? Not sure about how patches work on 360.

Install and try it, as just seen/read this after google search for format you bought it on...

As console users are unaffected by the issues addressed in this patch, there is no need to release it on X360 and PS3.

It's all on a second disc that comes with the game, like all GOTY/Ultimate Edition games should be.

So it appears to have had been only a PC issue which has since been resolved by the latest patch which I linked top of page. If you do have a problem for the copy you have on your format then let me and us know, I don't mind trying to help you find solution if need one.

Received my copy today and can confirm that all the DLC and Expansion are included on a separate disc (for the Xbox 360) and no code needed

[RaenImrahl]

Let's clear up a few things...  unfortunately, the authorization of DLC on the PC version of the game is a confusing endeavour.   I'll try to make it simple:

First: @Dragoonlordz very understandably made an incorrect leap of logic-- However, Patch 1.05 has nothing to do with the "expiration" of Dragon Age: Origin's DLC.  Rather, it fixes what was a chronic issue with the PC version of the game; the need to authorize DLC whenever the user was logged-in to the EA servers during gameplay.  Patch 1.05 removes this necessity, meaning once you authorize your DLC, it stays authorized.  This has the side benefit of improving game performance slightly, since the game is not trying to re-authorize the DLC constantly in the background.

Second:  While retail copies of DA:O Ultimate Edition for PC came with an expiration date for validating your DLC, it is not being enforced by EA/Bioware. When you puchase the game (retail) you'll get two codes-- one is the CD Key, the other is for the "Ultimate" content, which includes the DLC and Awakening.  

If you get a new copy of Ultimate Edition and are unable to validate either of those keys on this site, contact EA directly at help.ea.com. Be sure to specify that you have a new game and that the extra content code is not working.

Some links:

Register Game (CD Key) on the social network:  http://social.biowar...es_register.php

Redeem DLC/Extra Content: http://social.biowar...redeem_code.php

Patch 1.05: http://social.biowar...page/da-patches


Users who have other problems with the PC version of the game can check out the PC Tech Support Forum at:
http://social.biowar...tegory/58/index

Modifié par RaenImrahl, 07 avril 2012 - 08:21 .

[Dragoonlordz]

As said in the PMs, contacting EA does not resolve it they literally told me to buy the DLC again on top of the fact bought the UE. I explained exactly as you said and their response I posted above which states without doubt to buy all the DLC separatly. You cannot redeem the DLC codes at all but you can redeem the separate game code. It is not possible to use or unlock the DLC through the DLC code which is the second of the codes supplied with the retail product so I do not know why you linked the redeem DLC link. It cannot be redeemed because the code does not work anymore. Trust me I tried it multiple times.

While the patch was not specifically for the purpose of the code issue it does resolve the code issue therefore it is a solution. It unlocked all the DLC without the DLC code needing to be used as it wont work now and not ever for any of them even when bought new copies of the game. EA told me this themselves and trying to do it on your site showed this to also be true. You could very much be accurate in saying the patch was not to just resolve this issue but it is the only actual way to resolve it that works outside of buying all the DLC again which EA told me to do.

There are two codes within the retail box, one that says is for the registering game and the other which says is for the unlocking of DLC, the DLC code cannot and does not work. The retail game code however does. The patch resolved it in the element of it no longer required me to use that DLC code and unlocked it with just the game code. I'm sorry I'm not being difficult but this is exactly what happened and what is, the patch did resolve it and the DLC (specifically) code which comes with the product as a separate code on top of game code does not work; not now and not ever until you patch it with patch, it remains locked and continue to get code not valid on the redeem page. After the patch all DLC is unlocked without the need for the DLC code to be accepted on your link.

Modifié par Dragoonlordz, 07 avril 2012 - 09:51 .