by David Reader
When my friend told me that 2K was hosting an event, at which anyone crazy enough to bungee jump could win a copy of Borderlands 2 (combining something I’ve always wanted to do with the sequel to one of my favourite games) I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. But, on reflection, I really should have.
My girlfriend and I arrived at 8:30AM to queue and there were, unsurprisingly, quite a substantial number of people already in line. As it was early, the bungee team were still preparing their equipment, and the PR team donning the area with Borderlands 2 banners.
There was an air of excitement but unfortunately not for long – soon after our arrival a team member did a headcount and, interestingly, had a worried look on his face. Not long after that another member of PR team came over to explain that they were hoping to get through around 70 jumps and we shouldn’t be disappointed if they didn’t manage to get to us, but they hoped to get through as many as possible.
[drop]Shortly after this the line was separated (mainly due to the layout of the area) and as we were comfortably in the front section, we had hope.So, we waited, and that’s when the shenanigans started. The crane driver and bungee team were having major issues setting up the crane, and when all issues were eventually resolved (excruciating to watch) it was an hour or so past the scheduled start time of 10am. By the time all the bungee equipment was attached and tested it was around 11.30am but finally the ‘psycho’ Borderlands 2 fans could get to jump.
However, the first two people – who apparently had waited since the previous day – weren’t exactly psycho and chickened out, much to the displeasure of the crowd, who were booing and shouting. Not only this but each took a good 5 minutes of decision-making time before finally coming down. For an event hailed as something where only those ballsy enough should participate, they should have been given 30 seconds to decide before being pushed out by the bungee staff.
Thankfully this was followed by fans who took the leap swiftly, earning their game in the process. All was well… until the rain started: relentless, pouring rain, accompanied by an occasional chilling wind. We continued waiting and at this point the lack of communication between the PR team and the crowd was extremely noticeable. They hid under the main tent, only venturing out occasionally, and most information we received was from the hired security in the area. Not once was the crowd told directly how many jumps the team now expected to get through or whether they would be continuing jumps past 4pm to compensate for the late start.
[drop2]As the day went on, the jumps continued as best they could but with worsening weather everyone in line (even those with umbrellas) was soaked, freezing and extremely miserable. If it wasn’t for the fact that we were so close to the front of the line (having waited for nearly 7 hours by this point), we would certainly have left.The bungee team was noticeably getting worried and opted to take a short break. After taking the rig back up to test, they came down immediately and declared it too windy to continue. Once again we hear from the security that they should still be giving copies of the game to those in the front section of the queue (those at the back had long been sent home). Naturally having run out of copies, the PR team took details of those still in line, told us they would be in touch and that we should have the game by the end of the week.
This was a complete PR disaster.
They should have been prepared to jump more than 70 people, had all the equipment in place and tested for a prompt start, and definitely should have had a contingency plan in the event of bad weather. Mid September in London is hardly known for its balmy climate, after all. They ran out of games to dispense, despite jumping less than the intended number of people and the lack of communication between PR and fans was disgraceful.
So now, whenever I play Borderlands 2, I’ll always think of nearly freezing to death instead of having fun with a bungee jump. Nice one, 2K.
Bilbo_bobbins
Complain massively….I’m sure you will get something else from them. Sounds like a completely wasted day.
Deeptoke
Have to say it was an ordeal, I was one of the last to jump before the whole thing ground to a halt. However PC formats (indeed seemed like all formats were long gone) I did receive my email from 2k, and I have also followed up with them to enquire eta. I cannot comment for console users but for those with PC’s I got the following email from Matt Roche of 2K
Original email
Hi guys,
Thank you so much for coming down to the Borderlands 2 bungee on Sunday. As we promised on the day, because you were unable to complete a jump, as a gesture of goodwill we will be sending you a copy of Borderlands 2. As an added goodwill gesture, we’ve also printed off an additional number of the limited edition Borderlands 2 Top Trumps cards for you. We’ll send these alongside your game.
Once again, we appreciate your support and patience. We don’t take a single gamer for granted.
Please reply to the red questions ASAP and we’ll mail you the game and cards.
· Format? (either Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or PC)
· Address?
Then I asked when he expects PC formats to come out…the below is the response
“We are waiting on STEAM PC codes so hopefully they come in before the end of the week for you.”
At the mopment, I’m not too bitter just a bit snotty from standing in the rain and cold all day
Cheers
DT
bravotangosix
Hang on! You went to an event to bungee jump for FREE and get a brand new copy BL2 for FREE and just because things didn’t go as planned you throw the toys out of the pram? Really, what did you want FOR NOTHING!!! Good god man grow up. What are you 7years old? You were getting to do this stuff for FREE for crying out loud. You don’t get something for nothing. You just happened to pay a lot more than you bargained for but that was the chance you took when you signed up to get something for nothing. Give me strength!
The Lone Steven
So people should put up with waiting for 7 hours and have very little communication with the PR people regarding what the hell is going on? Plus, waiting in the rain is not a very fun thing to do as well as being cold. That and they clearly didn’t expect for more then 70 people to show up which is a bit incompent.
bravotangosix
Nobody was forced to go to the event or chained to any railings to make them stay. I’m sure the PR company didn’t order rain for the event either. Ok, the communication could’ve been better from what I’ve read but it’s more about folk turn up wanting to get something for absolutely nothing then come crying to the internet when it wasn’t what they expected or didn’t get anything. I’m sorry but I don’t care what way this is spun I have zero sympathy for anyone with ‘freebies’ in there eyes 24/7. 2K or gearbox or whoever set the event up didn’t have to turn up to give free copies of their game away just as the freebie brigade didn’t have to hang around to the death desperately trying to get free stuff. I worked for 7 hours and ‘Hey what do you know’, I earn enough money to buy the game and have it delivered to my door AND as a bonus I stayed completely dry!