by Stacy Jones on May 14, 2012
Australian retailer GAME entered into voluntary administration this week following a lengthy bout with financial troubles. Unfortunately, the retailer has left several gamers anxiously awaiting their pre-ordered copy of Diablo III (among others) from select stores out in the cold. Fans that pre-ordered through the retailer have been told that they will not receive their copy of the game nor a refund. Classy.
According to a report from Kotaku, the following text message was recently sent out to customers that pre-ordered the game.
Due to the appointment of an administrator to our business this morning, it is with regret that I inform you all that our stores will not be receiving any stock of diablo 3. Because of this, we regrettably will be unable to fulfill any pre-orders. Also, we will be unable to refund any deposits paid towards a pre-order of diablo 3. If you need any more info, please email customerrelations@game.com.au
Kotaku followed up on the report by contacting the stores about the issue and were told that cash placed on Diablo III pre-orders could not even be transferred and used on different games. In other words, a real stand up business practice we have here. Sadly, customers become unsecured creditors under The Corporations Act, which puts them pretty far down the priority list of who gets paid by the creditors. Kotaku has posted a few things that customers who got the shaft in this deal can do to try and dispute the claim, and with some luck, maybe get their money back.
Sources: Kotaku