Quick stats on FAQ:
Q1 - Already activated - WTF?
Q2 - Change the region for the key for activation - How?
Q3 - Do these keys expire?
Q4 - Online order, no key yet.
Q5 - What does a correctly formatted beta key look like on paper?
Q6 - My old pre-order isn't generating a key in the store, what should I do next?
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Q1) When I enter the key on Battle.net, it says it is already activated, I am pissed man, so pissed. What do I do?
A1) Well, this is bound to happen from time to time, with all these keys being printed out all over, it isn't surprising to me, and shouldn't be to you that some keys simply overlapped. Just simply go to the Gamestop (I wouldn't call them asking for a key, what employee would believe that over the phone, than they would have to go through the pre-order directory, what a mess) and simply let them know what happened. I am sure they will gladly assist you in the problem in getting you a new key. DO NOT fly off the handle and start a cursing storm in the store. You are representing gamers, don't make us look like childish assholes. No one wins in that situation. Most of the people at GS, at least around here, are gamers, they aren't out for blood. They will help if they can, and most of the time they can.
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Q2) How can I make my key so I can play in a different region? I am in the U.S. but I want my key to act as an applied EU account.
A2) I have no idea, hopefully someone can pick up this answer.
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Q3) Are these keys going to expire on 5/31/2010?
A3) Very unlikely. The street date that is linked earliest to Gamestop is 6/01/2010. Therefore it would be misconduct for them to claim the the beta lasts longer than their earliest street date. (Why buy a game when I can play beta would be the common response from a very average consumer.) The keys currently act as if they are any other key given to the community from Blizzard or any other establishment that had the credentials to hand out SC2 Beta keys. You will be active as long as everyone else in the beta process.
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Q4) I ordered Online and I haven't gotten my key yet, what should I do?
A4) I would strongly suggest waiting at least 24, ideally 48 hours, before you call Corporate and complain. I am not sure the process of sending out beta keys is known from their online site. If you are really worried, try to log on the website on your previous orders, and ensure that the email you entered to receive shipping information and your beta key is correct.
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Q5) My key doesn't look correct on my receipt, how can I tell if it is the right type of key?
A5) SC2 Beta keys on the Gamestop receipt are located below the bar code and above the customer survey. The consist of: 6 digits, followed by a dash, than 4, dash, 6, dash, 4, dash, 6.
This comes out to 26 digits, mixed with letters and numbers.
Example of a beta key:
1a3g56-7g90-12x4f6-7s90-1y34a6 <-- P.s. - if someone types in that example and it works, I want half credit.
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Q6) I had an old pre-order and they can't print out a beta key for me, what should I do?
A6) Politely ask the employee to cancel your old pre-order, and make another pre-order, on the receipt for the new pre-order a beta key should be attached.
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NEWEST INFO UP TOP
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 6:34EDT**<--Old+ Show Spoiler +
- On the receipt it is stated that the code 'expires' may 31st.
- According to Gamestop currently, the most up to date release frame (which is also the closest) is the First of June (The day after the receipt mentions expiration of the code.)
- These keys are in no way linked to Gamestop, once you use it, you are a part of the beta community. The one time you want to be a pile of mush and not be an independent part of testing, is definitely this time!
- People with keys from GS are not experiencing any difference in content than people with keys of other means of acquiring (i.e. - Blizzard giveaways, opt-in to beta, etc.)
- Let me restate, just enjoy your key people, nothing is different between the keys from GS, and keys from other means!
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 4:09EDT**<--Old+ Show Spoiler +
Some people are reporting their keys as invalid! Please contact the Gamestop that you pre-ordered from and request a new key.
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 3:55EDT**<--Old+ Show Spoiler +
KEYS ARE RAINING FROM GAMESTOP AS WE SPEAK! ONLINE ORDERERS Read here! ---> People ordering from Gamestop online are now reporting that they are getting their beta keys in their e-mail inboxes. First accounted report from iCCup.Raelcun! + Show Spoiler +
I literally just got mine in my email box.
GAMESTOPS FROM ALL OVER THE U.S. HAVE KEYS, GO GET YOURS!
Unorganized information regarding receipt issues and the correct length of beta keys in this spoiler:+ Show Spoiler +
TIP ABOUT SOME KEYS NOT COMING ON RECEIPT PROPERLY: If your key cant be printed out because of the old pre-order, please cancel the old pre-order and remake it. The new pre-order will have a working key involved in the middle of the receipt, below the bar code.
***FRIENDLY REMINDER - BETA KEYS ARE 26 DIGITS LONG. SOME PEOPLE ARE BEING HANDED THE SURVEY CODE ON THEIR RECEIPT THAT IS 16 DIGITS LONG. PLEASE CHECK ON THE KEY BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STORE. 26 DIGITS!***
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 1:49EDT**<--Old+ Show Spoiler +
Gamestops around the nation are handing out keys that are printed on receipts of pre-orders. Partial pre-orders are recieving keys as well. Go pick up your reservation and your key from a Gamestop and join the beta sensation.
Some stores still experiencing issues with the electronic system for printing keys on receipts.
I recommend you call them first!
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 1:24EDT**<--Old+ Show Spoiler +
- FROM IRONCLOWN(GS Employee)!
I just checked my email here at Gamestop and they mentioned the SKU (a number designated to each product or reservation) isn't working correctly for SC2 Beta keys, and they will be emailing me once it is resolved.
If this is the case at all Gamestops, I'm not sure. It sounded like a company wide thing though. I'll let you all know what the new email says once I receive it.
I just checked my email here at Gamestop and they mentioned the SKU (a number designated to each product or reservation) isn't working correctly for SC2 Beta keys, and they will be emailing me once it is resolved.
If this is the case at all Gamestops, I'm not sure. It sounded like a company wide thing though. I'll let you all know what the new email says once I receive it.
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 1:19EDT**<--Old+ Show Spoiler +
The keys seem to be being printed on receipts at this point. Some stores are experiencing technical difficulty with the electronic stamping process. I am now being told around 4EDT it will be resolved in my local area. If you are lucky enough to be in an area that is not experiencing this malfunction, enjoy your key!
**UPDATED INFO AS OF 4/21/2010 12:42 EDT**<-- Old+ Show Spoiler +
The store manager as of today said the system is switching from manual keys on paper to an electronic system. I was told to call back around 4 o'clock to come back in from this specific store. Others are saying stores have keys right now. Partial in-store pre-orders are being given keys.
More Old Information:+ Show Spoiler +
Friend is a manager at a local G.S., said his key received keys in their last batch of delivery for Pre-orders and other stores in the area will be getting keys on and off for the next few weeks according to his boss on top of him. (I think they do county managing here in Jersey, not 100%)
Exactly what I know:
- Not every Gamestop will have keys
- There is no "requirement" on your pre-order to grab a key from the pile (I.E. - you had to pre-order before xxxx date to get a beta key)
- First come first serve
- Limited Supply
I suggest if you are on the East Coast and are dying for a key, get up at the ass-crack of dawn and start calling or looking (don't really get up that early, the stores aren't open until at least 8, and 9 in my area in Central Jersey.)
Enjoy and Good luck!
This list is now useless, Keys are dropping all over the US. ENJOY YOUR GAME!+ Show Spoiler +
List of places with information regarding possibly getting keys and etc:
California - Agoura Hills: Clueless about any type of promotion / Probably not / Not currently.
California - Sacramento Area: Keys available?+ Show Spoiler +
-> People following up with no success? User "Corran" provided data. *Need confirmation* Currently refuted by Zagz420 to be possibly false. Awaiting a followup with confirmation either way.
California - San Jose: Currently No, unsure of amount of stores checked.At least 2. + Show Spoiler +
Branham and Eatridge checked.
Indiana - Central: Currently Unsure
Massachusetts - Boston: Currently Unsure, "May be getting keys."
Missouri: Currently Unsure
Montana: No keys according to a Clerk at a random store currently.
New Jersey- Central : Select stores DO ALREADY and WILL HAVE MORE keys.
New York - Manhattan Area: Currently Unsure
Oregon - Portland: No idea
Texas - College Station: Currently No, one store checked.