The special edition of the highly anticipated JRPG *Ni No Kuni* has been sold over stock capacity, leading to some stealthy order cancellations by the publisher. Namco Bandai claims the error was due to a software issue with one of its electronic payment service providers. However, when eBay store PlayCanada started selling copies for $400, Internet conspiracy theorists came out on the warpath, claiming Namco and the retailer were working together.
Namco Bandai’s Official Response
“NAMCO BANDAI Games America is not, nor has it ever, worked with or in conjunction with the EBay seller known as ‘PlayCanada’ to sell units of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Wizard’s Edition at a price premium on EBay,” Namco Bandai said in a statement to Joystiq.
“According to our records, this individual or group of individuals purchased Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Wizard’s Edition during the NinoStarter promotion period (August 2012); at which time, no limits were placed on how many units an individual could order. PlayCanada’s claims that they officially worked with NAMCO BANDAI Games America to obtain their stock is entirely false.”
Understanding the Controversy
The controversy surrounding the special edition of *Ni No Kuni* highlights several key issues in the gaming industry, particularly around limited edition releases and the secondary market. Limited edition releases are often highly sought after by collectors and fans, leading to quick sellouts and high resale prices. This situation can create an environment ripe for speculation and conspiracy theories, especially when stock issues and high resale prices coincide.
In this case, the software error that led to over-ordering and subsequent cancellations added fuel to the fire. Customers who had their orders canceled were understandably upset, and seeing the same product being sold at a significant markup on eBay only exacerbated their frustration. The situation was further complicated by the fact that PlayCanada had managed to acquire a substantial number of units, leading to suspicions of collusion.
However, Namco Bandai’s statement clarifies that PlayCanada’s stock was obtained during a promotion period when there were no purchase limits. This explanation suggests that PlayCanada took advantage of the lack of restrictions to buy in bulk, a common practice among resellers looking to profit from high-demand items.
Impact on Future Releases
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for both publishers and consumers. For publishers, it underscores the importance of having robust systems in place to manage limited edition releases and prevent overselling. Implementing purchase limits and ensuring that electronic payment systems are reliable can help avoid similar issues in the future.
For consumers, the situation highlights the risks associated with pre-ordering limited edition items. While pre-ordering can be a way to secure a coveted item, it also comes with the risk of cancellations and the potential for inflated resale prices. Consumers should be aware of these risks and consider them when deciding whether to pre-order or wait for the general release.
The *Ni No Kuni* special edition controversy is a multifaceted issue that touches on the complexities of limited edition releases, the secondary market, and the importance of transparent communication between publishers and consumers. While Namco Bandai has denied any wrongdoing, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and potential pitfalls in the gaming industry.
Source Joystiq
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