Silent Hill f Steelbook Controversy: Pre-Order Issues, Reselling, and fan Frustration
Teh launch of Silent Hill f hasn’t been without its issues, particularly surrounding the coveted Steelbook pre-order bonus. Many fans who pre-ordered the game are finding themselves without the promised collectible case, sparking outrage and a surge in reselling. Let’s break down what’s happening, why its frustrating players, and what options – if any – you have.
The Core of the Problem: Limited Steelbooks & Unfulfilled Pre-Orders
Reports are flooding in from fans who pre-ordered Silent Hill f and didn’t receive the advertised Steelbook. One Reddit user explained the situation succinctly: nine Steelbooks were allocated for every 30+ pre-orders. This inherently limited availability created a recipe for disappointment.
This isn’t a new issue for the Silent Hill franchise. Previously, customers who pre-ordered the Silent Hill 2 remake in the UK experienced similar problems with missing Steelbooks from GAME retailers. While Konami‘s partnership with Amazon UK for Silent Hill f Steelbook distribution seemed more successful, widespread issues persist with other retailers.
Resellers Capitalizing on scarcity
What’s adding fuel to the fire is the rapid appearance of thes “free” Steelbooks on online auction sites like eBay. Despite being intended as a bonus for pre-ordering customers, the collectible cases are being listed for anywhere from $30 to a staggering $205, sometimes bundled with the game, sometimes sold separately.
This practice is understandably infuriating fans. One user on Reddit expressed their disappointment, stating that selling a case for more than its value is “sickening,” especially given the franchise’s history of expensive collectibles.
Retailer Policies & Limited Recourse
Sadly,most retailers advertised the Steelbook as available “while stocks last,” leaving customers with limited options. GameStop’s customer care, for example, informed one player via email that even online pre-orders required in-store pickup of the Steelbook, and that supplies were ”extremely limited.”
This policy effectively puts the onus on the customer to actively seek out a bonus that was advertised with their pre-order, and doesn’t account for geographical limitations or stock discrepancies.
What Can You Do?
* Contact the Retailer: Your first step should be to contact the retailer where you pre-ordered the game.Explain the situation and inquire about the possibility of receiving the Steelbook.
* Check Local Stores: If the retailer allows in-store pickup, consider visiting local branches to see if they have any remaining Steelbooks.
* Monitor Online Marketplaces: While supporting resellers isn’t ideal, you can monitor eBay and other auction sites for potential deals, but be prepared to pay a premium.
* Reach Out to Konami: While not always responsive, contacting Konami directly might raise awareness of the issue and potentially lead to a resolution.
We’ve reached out to GameStop for comment and will update this article as soon as we receive a response.
A Solid Game, Tarnished by Distribution Issues
Despite the pre-order frustrations, Silent Hill f itself is a worthwhile experience. Eurogamer’s review awarded the game four out of five stars, describing it as “a return to form worth sticking with,” even if the initial experience is a little cumbersome. Though, the issues surrounding the Steelbook bonus are undeniably casting a shadow over the launch for many dedicated fans.
Resources:
* Reddit Discussion on Steelbook Issues
* Eurogamer’s Silent Hill f Review
* Eurogamer Report on Silent Hill 2 Remake Pre-Order Issues
* [Eurogamer Report on Amazon UK Steelbook Distribution](https://www.eurogamer.net/amazons-
