GAMESTOP Denies Customers Free OnLive copy of DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION

A few days ago cloud gaming company OnLive and publisher Square Enix announced a Deus Ex: Human Revolution launch promotion that included a free OnLive version of the game with all PC retail copies. Apparently, GameStop did not like that idea.

GameStop denied its customers a free OnLive copy of DXHR without informing them. They were opening the game boxes and taking out the promotion coupons/codes. 

GameSpy has been investigating these claims. Here's what they say:

We received reports from a handful of GameStop customers claiming that their new PC boxed copies of DXHR were opened and the OnLive codes were missing. We also received evidence from an anonymous tipster suggesting that it was GameStop management that made the decision to physcially remove the OnLive codes from its PC copies of the game.

Below is a photo of an email printout allegedly sent by GameStop management. We've blurred out the contact information of the person who sent the email, but we did phone the individual and confirm he is a GameStop employee. The individual declined to comment on the OnLive codes and immediately directed us to GameStop's media relations department.

We then contacted GameStop public relations representative Beth Sharum. In an email reply, Sharum said she needed to further research the issue before providing a detailed response. However, she did confirm GameStop intentionally removed the OnLive coupons:

"Square Enix packed the competitor's coupon with our DXHR product without our prior knowledge and we did pull and discard these coupons," Sharum said.

To put the value of the promotion in context, OnLive is also selling DXHR through its online platform for $49.99.

We spoke with an OnLive representative who said the company is just now being made aware of the issue and was not prepared to comment. We also reached out to Square Enix and will update this story with any response. 

In April, GameStop acquired streaming tech company Spawn Labs and digital distribution platform Impulse. With the acquisitions, the retailer positioned itself to launch a hybrid Steam/OnLive service that will allow gamers to purchase and download full video games or stream and play them on demand. GameStop's fully integrated Impulse service launched in July and its game streaming service is now in beta testing.

Keep following this article on GameSpy for updates.

Do you think GameStop jipped their customers by pulling the coupons out of the boxes or do you think Square Enix deserved it for trying to pull one over on Gamestop by advertising a competitor?