ESO Steam Key Request

cparker15 · July 2014

Just got this from support... now they tell me!

Rob the Swift wrote:

My name is Rob, with the Elder Scrolls Online Support Team. I am sorry for the confusion you have experienced with the steam promotion. The code you have is a new game code for setting up a new account. To activate it you will need to create a new account and enter the code activate the promotional pet and the 30 days of game time when you set up a new subscription. There is currently no way to redeem that code on an existing ESO account that already has a game code on it.

If I can help you with any other concerns regarding your game accounts please let me know and I'll do everything I can to help.

Thank you for your patience and support!

Warm Regards,
Rob the Swift
The Elder Scrolls Online Team

Either they're finding a way to fix this, and enable the code to be redeemed on my existing account, or I'm getting a refund for the Steam purchase (even if I have to file a dispute with PayPal) AND cancelling my existing subscription. To tell me I should create a new account and discard the 100+ days of time I still have on my existing account, not to mention the investment of time I've already put into the progress I've made... to say that's insulting would be a gross understatement.

Someone at ZOS/Bethesda should be fired over this fiasco. This is outrageous.

SBR_QuorTek · July 2014

What is the cut that steam get?... for subbed people you could just deduct that cut to make sure steam is getting paid as well, that would be good good market strategy as well as keeping the current customers happy that already has bought the game.

Edit:
Also keep in mind how many people you would scam whenever they figure out that the steam version cannot be added to current subscription... and people do not really want to start from scratch after having played since early access...

IcyDeadPeople · July 2014

cparker15 wrote: »

I've taken one for the team and paid for the game a second time via Steam, despite having pre-ordered the Imperial edition and having made it mid-way through Cadwell's Gold.

There doesn't seem to be a way to add the code you receive via Steam (referred to as "The Elder Scrolls Online CD key") to an existing ESO account via the ESO store. The only code-redemption area I've found displays this error when I paste the Steam-based code into the form and submit:

"You do not qualify for this product"

So, it looks like if I want to redeem this code, get the game time, and get the dog vanity pet, I need to start over from scratch and create a brand new ESO account. Otherwise, I've basically just destroyed $50.

LAME! Way to make enemies, ZOS!

Can you confirm whether it is possible to log in to your existing account through Steam? I know you can't get the 30 days game time or the vanity pet, etc., but if I could at least log in to my old account through Steam, I'd be willing to pay to buy it again.

Auric_ESO · July 2014

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

cparker15 wrote: »

I've taken one for the team and paid for the game a second time via Steam, despite having pre-ordered the Imperial edition and having made it mid-way through Cadwell's Gold.

There doesn't seem to be a way to add the code you receive via Steam (referred to as "The Elder Scrolls Online CD key") to an existing ESO account via the ESO store. The only code-redemption area I've found displays this error when I paste the Steam-based code into the form and submit:

"You do not qualify for this product"

So, it looks like if I want to redeem this code, get the game time, and get the dog vanity pet, I need to start over from scratch and create a brand new ESO account. Otherwise, I've basically just destroyed $50.

LAME! Way to make enemies, ZOS!

Can you confirm whether it is possible to log in to your existing account through Steam? I know you can't get the 30 days game time or the vanity pet, etc., but if I could at least log in to my old account through Steam, I'd be willing to pay to buy it again.

That should work fine. its the same launcher and all.

eventide03b14a_ESO · July 2014

nino_ix wrote: »

cparker15 wrote: »

I've taken one for the team and paid for the game a second time via Steam, despite having pre-ordered the Imperial edition and having made it mid-way through Cadwell's Gold.

There doesn't seem to be a way to add the code you receive via Steam (referred to as "The Elder Scrolls Online CD key") to an existing ESO account via the ESO store. The only code-redemption area I've found displays this error when I paste the Steam-based code into the form and submit:

"You do not qualify for this product"

So, it looks like if I want to redeem this code, get the game time, and get the dog vanity pet, I need to start over from scratch and create a brand new ESO account. Otherwise, I've basically just destroyed $50.

LAME! Way to make enemies, ZOS!

That is beyond ridiculous! So, if we achieve nothing by forming a petition and getting Zenimax's attention, and we decide to pay for the game a second time, we'd still be incapacitated in the way of linking the Steam key to our previous master account.

I can't even believe that. That's a serious oversight and/or bit of negligence on behalf of Zenimax and Valve/Steam.

They seriously need to correct this. There is absolutely no reason why we should be excluded from merging our accounts. We are even willing to pay for it. Though we really shouldn't have to.

IcyDeadPeople · July 2014

Auric_ESO wrote: »

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

cparker15 wrote: »

I've taken one for the team and paid for the game a second time via Steam, despite having pre-ordered the Imperial edition and having made it mid-way through Cadwell's Gold.

There doesn't seem to be a way to add the code you receive via Steam (referred to as "The Elder Scrolls Online CD key") to an existing ESO account via the ESO store. The only code-redemption area I've found displays this error when I paste the Steam-based code into the form and submit:

"You do not qualify for this product"

So, it looks like if I want to redeem this code, get the game time, and get the dog vanity pet, I need to start over from scratch and create a brand new ESO account. Otherwise, I've basically just destroyed $50.

LAME! Way to make enemies, ZOS!

Can you confirm whether it is possible to log in to your existing account through Steam? I know you can't get the 30 days game time or the vanity pet, etc., but if I could at least log in to my old account through Steam, I'd be willing to pay to buy it again.

That should work fine. its the same launcher and all.

I initially thought it would as well, but unless I'm misunderstanding the following post, it seems if you purchase a new copy on Steam, you cannot use it log in to an existing account: http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/comment/1117823/#Comment_1117823

eventide03b14a_ESO · July 2014

@ZOS_AmeliaR‌ Do you not see how upset everyone is that we cannot play on Steam? Are any of you sympathetic to that? Even with all the of the threads the only resolution so far is about the dog. I don't care about the dog. I want to link it to my Steam account. Instead of ignoring us, it would be great if you would at least acknowledge it and tell us you'll look into it.

Delith · July 2014

ZOS_AmeliaR wrote: »

If you already own ESO and would like to play via Steam, you can add your existing title to Steam. To do this, go to the “Games” option within Steam and select “Add Non-Steam Game to My Library.” Then, select the checkbox next to “The Elder Scrolls Online” and click “Add Selected Programs.”

This is not an answer. This is a temporary workaround to a problem your organization has created among your playerbase, and you need to address it in a more professional manner. Simply stating "This is how it is" is unacceptable, and you WILL lose customers.

Seeing as this business venture was obviously an attempt to gain new players, is that really what you want? To gain new players and lose old ones? Or would you like to gain new players and make old ones even happier?

Why is it so difficult to get your company to EXPLAIN their actions?

Is it because the only thing driving their behavior is profitability, and you are afraid that explaining this to us will leave us with a sour taste in our mouths? Because while it might, I for one would at least appreciate being treated with the benefit of the doubt that I am capable of understanding your business model.

And I can guarantee you that there are a number of people in your community reading this post right now who agree. Even if we don't like what you are doing, if you explain WHY you are doing it, people are more inclined to be reasonable.

Saying nothing but "this is how it is," is irresponsible, and condescending as all hell.

eventide03b14a_ESO · July 2014

Delith wrote: »

ZOS_AmeliaR wrote: »

If you already own ESO and would like to play via Steam, you can add your existing title to Steam. To do this, go to the “Games” option within Steam and select “Add Non-Steam Game to My Library.” Then, select the checkbox next to “The Elder Scrolls Online” and click “Add Selected Programs.”

This is not an answer. This is a temporary workaround to a problem your organization has created among your playerbase, and you need to address it in a more professional manner. Simply stating "This is how it is" is unacceptable, and you WILL lose customers.

Seeing as this business venture was obviously an attempt to gain new players, is that really what you want? To gain new players and lose old ones? Or would you like to gain new players and make old ones even happier?

Why is it so difficult to get your company to EXPLAIN their actions?

Is it because the only thing driving their behavior is profitability, and you are afraid that explaining this to us will leave us with a sour taste in our mouths? Because while it might, I for one would at least appreciate being treated with the benefit of the doubt that I am capable of understanding your business model.

And I can guarantee you that there are a number of people in your community reading this post right now who agree. Even if we don't like what you are doing, if you explain WHY you are doing it, people are more inclined to be reasonable.

Saying nothing but "this is how it is," is irresponsible, and condescending as all hell.

I have seen the exact same statement verbatim from another dev in a separate thread. This is just a generic response. We might as well be talking to a bot.

eventide03b14a_ESO · July 2014

cparker15 wrote: »

Just got this from support... now they tell me!

Rob the Swift wrote:

My name is Rob, with the Elder Scrolls Online Support Team. I am sorry for the confusion you have experienced with the steam promotion. The code you have is a new game code for setting up a new account. To activate it you will need to create a new account and enter the code activate the promotional pet and the 30 days of game time when you set up a new subscription. There is currently no way to redeem that code on an existing ESO account that already has a game code on it.

If I can help you with any other concerns regarding your game accounts please let me know and I'll do everything I can to help.

Thank you for your patience and support!

Warm Regards,
Rob the Swift
The Elder Scrolls Online Team

Either they're finding a way to fix this, and enable the code to be redeemed on my existing account, or I'm getting a refund for the Steam purchase (even if I have to file a dispute with PayPal) AND cancelling my existing subscription. To tell me I should create a new account and discard the 100+ days of time I still have on my existing account, not to mention the investment of time I've already put into the progress I've made... to say that's insulting would be a gross understatement.

Someone at ZOS/Bethesda should be fired over this fiasco. This is outrageous.

The irony is that this was supposed to increase the player base. It has turned into quite the fiasco because of their short sightedness.

cparker15 · July 2014

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

Auric_ESO wrote: »

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

Can you confirm whether it is possible to log in to your existing account through Steam? I know you can't get the 30 days game time or the vanity pet, etc., but if I could at least log in to my old account through Steam, I'd be willing to pay to buy it again.

That should work fine. its the same launcher and all.

I initially thought it would as well, but unless I'm misunderstanding the following post, it seems if you purchase a new copy on Steam, you cannot use it log in to an existing account: http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/comment/1117823/#Comment_1117823

I'm not sure. When the 40+ GB download finishes, I'll attempt to log in with my existing ESO account and let people know.

Based on this support page, it seems like I should be able to select the option that I've already activated, and then use my existing credentials. (Even though some other help articles state that an existing account can't be used for a Steam-based copy, the explanations are still somewhat vague. The descriptions I've seen thus far only seem to stipulate that the new Steam-based key/code that creates a new account can't be used with an existing account.) But only an actual test will tell for sure...

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/21646

Near the end of the installation process, an in-launcher window will prompt players to activate their ESO accounts and select a subscription plan if they have not already done so. They will have the option of selecting either Activate My Account or I Already Activated.

Partyprash · July 2014

In the same situation, I created an account During beta, and im getting the "do not qualify" blah when i try redeem the code from steam.... what is this... i really hope this gets fixed, or im going to have to demand a refund.... this is just outrageous.... how did nobody at zenimax realize this issue ?

please tell us a workaround, or a fix... we shouldnt have to wait for a word to start playing... i dont want to make a new account... cuz this is linked to my email and my beta participation etc etc.......

thank you..
~

also, just noticed, on my profile it says i have 30 days game time remaining, but when trying to login on the game itself, it says i dont have an active subscription....

Pedric · July 2014

Signed petition. Zenimax is showing no regard whatsoever for its loyal customers.

hakujouryunub18_ESO · July 2014

Okay, So, Let's Just keep posting new threads till we get our way? Or, does anyone have any other good Protest ideas?

hakujouryunub18_ESO · July 2014

eventide03b14a_ESO wrote: »

Au1st3in wrote: »

https://www.change.org/petitions/zenimax-online-studios-elder-scrolls-online-steam-keys-for-existing-owners

I signed it.

As did I.

nino_ix · July 2014

For now we probably just need to spread the word. Keep sharing the petition and get more people to sign. We're still under 400 petitioners, so every little bit helps.

Aside from that, I'm all open to ideas and would love any kind of group effort. Anything that'll make Zenimax and Valve take notice of our plight.

hakujouryunub18_ESO · July 2014

http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/120857/steam-release?new=1

An open letter, Sign!

cparker15 · July 2014

cparker15 wrote: »

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

Auric_ESO wrote: »

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

Can you confirm whether it is possible to log in to your existing account through Steam? I know you can't get the 30 days game time or the vanity pet, etc., but if I could at least log in to my old account through Steam, I'd be willing to pay to buy it again.

That should work fine. its the same launcher and all.

I initially thought it would as well, but unless I'm misunderstanding the following post, it seems if you purchase a new copy on Steam, you cannot use it log in to an existing account: http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/discussion/comment/1117823/#Comment_1117823

I'm not sure. When the 40+ GB download finishes, I'll attempt to log in with my existing ESO account and let people know.

Based on this support page, it seems like I should be able to select the option that I've already activated, and then use my existing credentials. (Even though some other help articles state that an existing account can't be used for a Steam-based copy, the explanations are still somewhat vague. The descriptions I've seen thus far only seem to stipulate that the new Steam-based key/code that creates a new account can't be used with an existing account.) But only an actual test will tell for sure...

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/21646

Near the end of the installation process, an in-launcher window will prompt players to activate their ESO accounts and select a subscription plan if they have not already done so. They will have the option of selecting either Activate My Account or I Already Activated.

Sorry for the delay in updating everyone with my progress. It took a while, and I had other things to do in the meantime, however I've been able to test things out.

During the installation after Steam finishes downloading ESO's game install files, I was asked if I wanted to create an account. When I opted not to do so, a confirmation appeared to warn me that the game wouldn't be playable without creating an account. I opted to proceed without account-creation.

Then the standard ESO launcher appeared and took a while to download game updates. Once that finally finished, I was able to launch the game. After doing so, I was presented with a login screen with my username already filled in!

Just to be sure, I uninstalled the standalone version of ESO, rebooted my machine, then tried again. Sure enough, the login screen still remembered my username prior to my Steam-based ESO purchase.

I proceeded to log in, saw my main VR7 character, then decided to check something... I expanded the Addons menu and all of the add-ons I had installed in the standalone ESO instance (that had since been uninstalled) were there in the Steam-based ESO instance.

So, despite what the ESO FAQs say, you ARE able to use your existing account with a Steam-based ESO install. You're just not able to use the "product code" / "CD key" you get from Steam with your existing account. Meaning that any game time that comes with the code/key or any other perks (vanity pet) are essentially unusable.

That being said, after playing for an hour or so and logging out, I noticed I had a new Steam trading card for Queen Ayrenn.

After all of the frustration, it seems like I've essentially gotten what I paid for (even though I won't get the nice Steam-exclusive dog, which is totally stupid and a small part of the reasoning behind jumping on the Steam purchase so suddenly, being a limited-time perk, etc.).

In the end, even though I'm not incredibly happy with the outcome, I can live with this, since it did achieve the main goal of getting a native Steam integration with ESO.

I'll hang on to the code/key (that is displayed to me every time I launch the game from Steam, with the option of preventing the popup from displaying again) with the hope that ZOS/Bethesda will eventually do right by its loyal customers and allow us to redeem these codes we paid good money to get. If a significant amount of time goes by without them doing the right thing, I'll likely just sell the code at a significant discount to someone looking to start playing the game (since it's really just a CD key for an Imperial edition copy of the game, plus the shiny exclusive dog pet).

I doubt I'll be checking this thread anymore, so if anyone wants to follow-up with me via PM regarding this topic, feel free to do so.

IcyDeadPeople · July 2014

cparker15 wrote: »

So, despite what the ESO FAQs say, you ARE able to use your existing account with a Steam-based ESO install.

Yes, I can also confirm this. I purchased a Steam copy and I'm able to log in to my existing account with no problem.

Amsel_McKay · July 2014

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

cparker15 wrote: »

So, despite what the ESO FAQs say, you ARE able to use your existing account with a Steam-based ESO install.

Yes, I can also confirm this. I purchased a Steam copy and I'm able to log in to my existing account with no problem.

but if you buy anything in the future on Steam it will go to your steam account (like the horse) and future cash shop items..

IcyDeadPeople · July 2014

Amsel_McKay wrote: »

IcyDeadPeople wrote: »

cparker15 wrote: »

So, despite what the ESO FAQs say, you ARE able to use your existing account with a Steam-based ESO install.

Yes, I can also confirm this. I purchased a Steam copy and I'm able to log in to my existing account with no problem.

but if you buy anything in the future on Steam it will go to your steam account (like the horse) and future cash shop items..

Correct, the only way to buy items or add time is through your profile page on account.elderscrollsonline.com

Seravi · July 2014

So if you want to use the Steam vs with the annoying dog then you must create a new ESO account? Doesn't that also mean you will be paying an additional monthly fee for that account? Why on earth would I pay two monthly fees? Also is it really worth paying for another copy of the game just to get Steam achievements and cards?

Brabok · July 2014

The Wolfhound is exclusive to new steam subscribers just as the Scuttler was exclusive to the explorer pack and the monkey was exclusive to Beta testers...
Get it?
It's not meant to be available to everyone... no matter how hard ye are stamping yer feet and holding yer breath in protest like little spoiled brats (sorry if that offended anyone but the analogy really is jumping out here)

There likely will be other pets at some stage for everybody who wants it bad enough to purchase in the store... *omg but that will cost us!!!*... right?

As for the functionality of the steam titles.. it is not unusual for a new release to delay full steam integration.
this is to encourage newcomers to go for the steam shop.. business, ya know..
surely eventually that will happen here too

IcyDeadPeople · July 2014

Seravi wrote: »

So if you want to use the Steam vs with the annoying dog then you must create a new ESO account? Doesn't that also mean you will be paying an additional monthly fee for that account? Why on earth would I pay two monthly fees? Also is it really worth paying for another copy of the game just to get Steam achievements and cards?

In my case, I haven't needed to pay for any second subscription, I just purchased the Steam copy in order to access to the Steam community features for ESO with my existing account.

For example, this makes it possible to write reviews and guides, as well as share ESO videos, screenshots and artwork with Steam friends and on the ESO community hub. I also received a few ESO trading cards.

I did not activate a separate ESO account for Steam, and personally I'm not interested in vanity pets. For those who are interested, the developers have already announced that a version of the wolfhound pet will be available.

Saerydoth · July 2014

I was a beta tester and started during early access with the boxed Imperial Edition, and I honestly don't really care about the Steam bonuses. I don't understand all the crying about 1 pet.

nino_ix · July 2014

Okay, I'll bite.

Unfortunately, if you don't care about any of the options running the game on Steam gives you (achievement progress, badge crafting, Steam interface, etc.) then you really have no business providing a negative comment to this conversation.

In all actuality, the fact that you don't care about having any of the things that we're "crying" about makes you excess to our needs. This thread is for like-minded people that really, really want this.

So, thanks but no thanks. Move along.

[Edited for any redundancy.]

TheDodsons · July 2014

Brabok wrote: »

The Wolfhound is exclusive to new steam subscribers just as the Scuttler was exclusive to the explorer pack and the monkey was exclusive to Beta testers...
Get it?
It's not meant to be available to everyone... no matter how hard ye are stamping yer feet and holding yer breath in protest like little spoiled brats (sorry if that offended anyone but the analogy really is jumping out here)

There likely will be other pets at some stage for everybody who wants it bad enough to purchase in the store... *omg but that will cost us!!!*... right?

As for the functionality of the steam titles.. it is not unusual for a new release to delay full steam integration.
this is to encourage newcomers to go for the steam shop.. business, ya know..
surely eventually that will happen here too

This is my favorite argument, the difference is, that with other exclusives, everyone had the opportunity to get them. They were available to EVERYONE, where this feature is available ONLY to people who haven't supported this game. The only argument that you then have is the beta Monkey, which more accurately fits this situation, but there are two issues with that.

First, Beta Keys were not hard to get, pretty much anyone who wanted beta access could get it. My mother even got the monkey, and she didn't even get a beta key until after the beta was over. The second issue is that it was given to people who had been supporting the game.

To be fair, I think you should let new Steam customers have the dog for free, but offer it for a small fee to the current player base. Its still a perk for new members, but doesn't crap on your current customers.

As for Steam integration, I think this should just happen. I checked, before I pre-ordered my copies of the game, to see if it was available on Steam. I was not upset that it wasn't, but many people were. They less than quietly gave their money to ZOS who basically said, "we might offer it there in the future." How much of a slap in the face is it to those who were vocal about wanting to have it on steam to now have ZOS say, "sorry, you should have waited?"

This isn't about a pet or steam integration, but rather the utter lack of customer service that this company has chosen to show in this situation.

TomLukman · July 2014

moloTov wrote: »

If my game is transferred to steam, are all updates done via the steam system, and the buggey eso launcher is gone for good? please please say yes!

Not really, you'd still have the ESO launcher just as other games do (even Skyrim does).

Personally, I would also like to move to Steam because it's a good way to keep all my games managed and organized.

fromtesonlineb16_ESO · July 2014

I don't use Steam at all, I abhor it as an online-only DRM for off-line games, but ZOS should treat it like the console release and char $20 to allow people to transfer characters: problem solved.

It's ludicrous for people to expect to be able to use Steam for free having not paid Valve anything so parity with console players seems the way to go.

DarkThunder · July 2014

fromtesonlineb16_ESO wrote: »

It's ludicrous for people to expect to be able to use Steam for free having not paid Valve anything so parity with console players seems the way to go.

I don't expect it for free, nor do most here from what I can tell. I wouldn't mind if there was a one-time fee (within reason) to have my account linked or to provide a key. As long as it all works the way it should. I get that there is a cost to Zenimax, one they could write off as advertising or customer relations, or just charge us a fee to cover the cost. On the other hand, most game developers do have a registration key for each account and in most cases those keys can be entered into Steam and work as if you had purchased the game through Steam directly.