Not allowed to play at all until 6/24?!

[Madsamurai]

You should've bought the standalone game if you wanted immediate access. The bundle includes Heavensward in the whole package so it's only common sense that you will not be able to play with that till 6/24.

[Sakei]

You should've bought the standalone game if you wanted immediate access. The bundle includes Heavensward in the whole package so it's only common sense that you will not be able to play with that till 6/24.

Why would it be common sense? If you already have an account and are switching platforms, you could jump in and go right from day one. If you don't have an account, SE loses nothing by letting you play the base game a few days early. You could already play a free trial anyway unless you are getting the Mac client. If they are unable to have the Mac client available in time for early access then they should just say it. However, it really makes no sense to prevent some from playing early access when they have preordered the expansion just like everyone else. All the other clients will be available for early access. If anything, it goes completely against common sense.

[Shadowsun]

Why would it be common sense? If you already have an account and are switching platforms, you could jump in and go right from day one. If you don't have an account, SE loses nothing by letting you play the base game a few days early. You could already play a free trial anyway unless you are getting the Mac client. If they are unable to have the Mac client available in time for early access then they should just say it. However, it really makes no sense to prevent some from playing early access when they have preordered the expansion just like everyone else. All the other clients will be available for early access. If anything, it goes completely against common sense.

Its also common sense because ITS EXPLICITLY EXPLAINED THAT THE BUNDLE WONT GET EARLY ACCESS.

God.
Just read the damn product description instead of instantly buying it because "I thought that..." or "I assumed that..."

[Madsamurai]

Why would it be common sense? If you already have an account and are switching platforms, you could jump in and go right from day one. If you don't have an account, SE loses nothing by letting you play the base game a few days early. You could already play a free trial anyway unless you are getting the Mac client. If they are unable to have the Mac client available in time for early access then they should just say it. However, it really makes no sense to prevent some from playing early access when they have preordered the expansion just like everyone else. All the other clients will be available for early access. If anything, it goes completely against common sense.

Problem right here is because the topic starter bought the bundle pack which includes content that is not supposed to be available till 24th. It's not about switching platforms. Bundle does not comes with early access mainly for the fact that the package is targeted for new players who have yet to try out the game since early access into HW content is only available for those players who have a level 50 and finished all main quest till 2.55. But if they wanted early access as well, just buy the standalone game for cheap right now, make an account, try to level a class to 50 and finish all MSQ before the 19th it's as easy as that. Is that so hard to understand???

[Sakei]

Problem right here is because the topic starter bought the bundle pack which includes content that is not supposed to be available till 24th. It's not about switching platforms. Bundle does not comes with early access mainly for the fact that the package is targeted for new players who have yet to try out the game since early access into HW content is only available for those players who have a level 50 and finished all main quest till 2.55.

What are they preventing access to? If you aren't switching platforms, then we both agree that you can play right now, and for very little money. Heck, you can play for free. If you want the expansion, you can do this and buy the expansion with early access. What are they preventing access to by not allowing early access with the bundle? All they are doing is frustrating people.

[Sskaiin]

The bundle is a separate product that has an official release date (or "street date") set for the 23rd.

It's the same as all the other times companies release Director Cut's, Gold Editions, Game of the Year editions, etc. You're not going to get to play any of these new versions before its street date. Regardless of how long the base game has been out.

A reason for no Early Access? The bundle is mainly being marketed to the brand new player. Yes, people may get it to have on additional platforms but it's intended purpose is for new customers.

They could see it as a new person would not be able to get to 50 and complete the MSQ during the EA and would never reach Heavensward content during this window.

They could be thinking new bundle players would only be adding to server stress and it might be better to hold them off until official release to spread players a bit more. Old players will have moved on to Ishgard and new players will fill in the old zones.

[Madsamurai]

What are they preventing access to? If you aren't switching platforms, then we both agree that you can play right now, and for very little money. Heck, you can play for free. If you want the expansion, you can do this and buy the expansion with early access. What are they preventing access to by not allowing early access with the bundle? All they are doing is frustrating people.

That was what i was saying the whole time. Want to play now? Buy the cheap standalone game and play now. Want the expansion as well? Easy, just preorder it now and get early access codes + preorder goodies. So say for example if i already had an account on the PC version, why would i in my right mind still buy the bundle that already includes ARR which i already have and pay the full price for it instead of just buying the expansion? Why there isn't early access in the bundle was because it is mainly targeted at potential players who have not bought/played the game at all. Yes maybe all SE needed to do was also allow veteran players who somehow bought the bundle to play the game on the 19th as well but their intention was already clear that the bundle was for brand new players in the first place and specifically said that it does not include early access for that purpose. For veteran players who mistakenly bought the bundle, the only consolation is that the bundle comes with a free month of subscription.