Longtime Canadian Player Betrayed by Unfair Restrictions – Why Are We Treated Differently?

Community General Discussion
1

Dear Blizzard Support Team,

I am writing in response to the concerns raised by another player regarding the inability to access in-game pets included with purchased items, a situation I have also personally encountered. As a fellow loyal Blizzard fan and a Canadian player, I feel deeply disappointed and share the same frustrations.

After purchasing items that were advertised as including exclusive in-game pets, I was shocked and disheartened to discover that these pets were not available to players in Canada. Like many others, I was unaware of any fine print or restrictions that would prevent me from receiving the full benefits of my purchase. This feels not only unfair but also like a breach of trust between Blizzard and its dedicated player base.

As a Canadian player, I have supported Blizzard for many years, despite the challenges of high currency exchange rates and expensive shipping costs. We willingly pay a premium to enjoy Blizzard’s games and merchandise because we believe in the quality and value of what you offer. To now be excluded from the same benefits as other players feels like a slap in the face.

I am at a loss to understand why Canadian players are being treated differently in this situation. Blizzard has always emphasized its commitment to a global gaming community, yet this decision undermines that very principle. Why should we, as loyal customers, be denied access to content we have rightfully paid for?

This situation not only tarnishes Blizzard’s reputation but also sours the trust and loyalty I have held for decades. Like the other player who raised this concern, I feel betrayed and saddened by how this has been handled. After 20 years of playing and supporting Blizzard, it pains me to say that this experience has left me questioning whether I want to continue investing my time and money in this brand.

I urge Blizzard to take a hard look at this issue and its implications for Canadian players. It is crucial that you value and respect the dedication of your community, regardless of geographic location. If there is a specific reason for this restriction, we deserve a clear explanation, as well as a resolution that ensures fairness for all players moving forward.

Thank you for considering this feedback. I hope Blizzard will take swift action to address these concerns and restore the trust of its Canadian players.

Sincerely,

A Fellow Canadian Player

22 Likes
2

It doesn’t feel right that you buried this in the middle of your post. This deserved to be given top billing.

EDIT: This is a lot of work for a troll post but maybe you’re making the effort. A HUGE effort. To post on a forum that, if you read directions, you would know is not the place for it. But of course, you don’t read directions yourself. That’s for others to do. So as a serious post, I don’t get it. You’re expecting more from everyone that doesn’t happen to be you, to read, to understand, and take action? Is that it? Someone needs to be standing by to protect you from you?

10 Likes
3

its not blizzards fault but the Canadian politicians they make the rules and blizz has to follow them

10 Likes
4

Blizzard has it out for Tim Horton’s.

6 Likes
5

4 Likes
6

While I have not purchased any of the aforementioned items… this is definitely odd.

I’m starting to suspect there’s some legal hiccup preventing the code from being attached to the physical item, something which isn’t a hurdle in the US. I don’t know what, but it seem VERY odd for it to be missing.

Selling download codes is not illegal in Canada, a lot of software works that way, so that’s not the problem… but it could be something with the “package deal” nature going on here. Maybe it’s linked to resale of the physical item? Probably not, but I think it’s the “attached” bit.

Unfortunately for you, I think the fine print almost certainly has Blizz covered when it comes to this quirk. It’s the sort of thing the legal team would be on top of… but yeah, still not a great look.

It makes you wonder why it’s different, because there must be a reason for it.

4 Likes
7

OP, wait until you find out about China and other countries getting exclusive promo items… The USA and everywhere else is left out. I’m sure at some point Blizz had some promo in Canada for a maple leaf pet, or a toy that makes you say, “sorry”.

3 Likes
9

Ya it definitely sucks hes out $140 but in the end its thier own fault. Multiple chances to read the disclaimer but failed to, could blizz of put it in bolder font? Of course but its not like they hid it in some random minigame or something you gotta complete to see the information. Contact CS or take the L, its the only options at this point, complaining on the forums aint gunna get you a refund unfortunately

10

Maybe Blizzard should do a Canada only promotion to make OP feel better? It could be a little murloc pet with a hockey stick and a cute little scarf around its neck.

10 Likes
11

Thats actually a great idea lol

2 Likes
12

Oceania region has the same issue along with EU. So yeah

Everyone but US is

1 Like
13

As others have mentioned. Folks outside of the US are left out because of the legal hurdles involved regarding international trade surrounding things like gifts and offers.

Its similar to the Alliance not being able to get the alliance version of the Horde motorcycle mount. Because it was part of a formal contest with all sorts of rules and regulation surrounding that.

What is surprising is that the person didn’t simply mail back the stuff they bought and ask for a refund for the items they purchased.

5 Likes
14

Canadian laws are not new.
Many countries have differing laws and it probably has less to do with Canadian laws anyway.
Most likely reason is Blizzard and other companies dew not want to have to make differing exceptions every single time they do something so they
“US only”
Cheaper, less lawyer fees, less aggravation.

15

But seriously, they should have a subsidiary Canadian store (And an Aussie store, EU store). There’s over 40 million of us. Surely that’s a large enough base to warrant it.

Then these silly divides and fine print wouldn’t be needed.

3 Likes
16

Generally this is why the restrictions happen. Not just for “fun” and giggles. There are states in the US who can’t participate in some of the Blizzard promotions either due to their anti-gambling laws. Even though the promotion is not strictly gambling, there are some very detailed laws in place about how they have to be handled. That results in contests, offers, and promotions that have a huge list of terms you have to read. Then you find out you can’t even participate at all.

There are other promotions that are locked to regions outside the US. EU only, China only, Korea only, etc. Again, it all comes down to laws and contract agreements usually.

Keep in mind that Blizzard does not run the physical gear store. A third party company does. That may play a big role in this.

13 Likes
17

Are you in actual canada, or quebec?

1 Like
18

Wait till Americans find out they have never had ‘real Canadian maple syrup’.
The sky will fall.

:wink:

1 Like
19

You’ve got the right idea, but some wrong details. The Alliance can purchase their bike at any time, while the Horde could only get their bike if they logged in during the right time frame. They won the battle but lost the war.

5 Likes
20

Wait until Canadians find out we stole some of their maple trees and grow them in VT, NH, and several other states! We most certainly do have real maple here, straight from the sugar bush even.

The US is not quite so culturally deprived as to be missing out on all things maple!

I somehow never managed to try a beaver tail when I was up there though.

5 Likes
21

As others have already said, I’m sure Blizzard would be delighted to sell you pixels if they could. Losing potential profit isn’t a choice they are making for fun.

3 Likes