THQ runs into problems with their online "access code"

THQ's leap into the online tariff business hit a snag as UFC Undisputed 2010 went online.

Kotaku explains:

Gamers have complained that THQ's messaging on the one-use code - which can be bought in the PS3 and Xbox 360's online marketplace - is unclear or incomplete, and has in fact led to purchases of the $5 code even by those holding a free, valid one printed on the back of the instruction manual. Of course,
these purchases are nonrefundable.

We'll detail the process below, but first, the most important information for those who have this game:

If you bought UFC Undisputed 2010 new, for either Xbox 360 or PS3, you must redeem the UFC Online code printed on the back of the manual through the Xbox Live Marketplace or PlayStation Network standard code redemption window. It cannot be done from within the game.

THQ responded to the situation with an official statement:

At midnight on May 24, the UFC Undisputed 2010 Microsoft servers went live and we experienced a technical issue with the code redemption. Once we noticed users were experiencing difficulties, we identified the issue and informed the community on how to access online play with the in-pack code using a work-around; users can follow the work-around instructions found at this URL. We are working on a permanent fix and will update our community site as soon as it's live.

The decision to include an online access code solution in UFC Undisputed 2010 was made early in the product development process. A step-by-step explanation of the redemption process is posted in the UFC Undisputed 2010 online manual, which will be updated to include solutions for any issues as they're resolved.

As of today, our customer service group has only received three calls from customers who inadvertently bought the code. All refunds will be handled by first party and people can contact our customer service team at 818-880-0456. We have acted quickly to address any issues and will continue to monitor performance and correct issues as they arise.

WKR would love to complain about this stuff but the economics of the industry are going to force people to pay for online content. Hell, it would be sort of nice if we could get paid for this whole writing thing too. That being said, it still sucks that THQ appears to have done a lackluster job of informing a customer base in the change in online access.