» Sat Feb 19, 2011 12:40 am 
If you're like me, and you're unhappy with New Vegas, and maybe you're of the opinion that Bethesda and Obsidian have willingly and intentionally released Fallout New Vegas with a full understanding that either (1. the game wasn't properly tested), or (2. the game was properly tested, and it was clear there were a variety of major issues), then I'm here to provide you with some things you might want to try. At worst you'll spend a small fraction of the time you would have been playing New Vegas had you been able to, and at best it may facilitate some sort of change in policy or regulation in the video game industry, or you could possibly end up being compensated somehow for your troubles.
1. Return your copy of New Vegas (as DEFECTIVE) to the retail location where you purchased it. This may be hard if you've waited more than a certain number of days, as all return policies at stores vary. However, as a retail veteran, I can tell you that if you make a big enough deal about returning your copy, you'll likely be allowed to do so, even if it's been two months (though you'd be pushing it). Be polite and firm with the managers you deal with, and try to remember they didn't make the game, and they're just trying to do their jobs. Don't hesitate to politely ask for the phone number of their superior (usually district manager), and don't hesitate to call them and politely and calmly explain the problem to them if you don't get results from the store manager directly. Whatever you do, don't: (1. lose your temper), or (2. DON'T "trade-in" your copy of New Vegas). If it's been too long since you purchased New Vegas to return it, you may be out of luck. Personally, I returned mine within a week after finding several disastrous bugs.
2. Write your state Attorney General's office (all 50 should be listed here: http://www.naag.org/current-attorneys-general.php ). Writing is essential as opposed to calling, even though you may be tempted to do so. However, writing will allow them to view and process your letter and keep it for later referencing. Be sure to type your letter. Make sure you give a detailed account of where and what date you purchased your copy of New Vegas, and the exact problems you encountered (make this as simple as possible, and use ACCURATE anologies when you can, remember that this person probably knows very little about computers or especially video games). Make sure you also detail any action you have already taken (attempting to return the game, calling Bethesda customer service, and other things like that). Also make sure you include what you desire out of contacting your Attorney General (legal action, financial compensation, regulatory examination). Finally, make sure you include your own daytime contact info in the event that someone from their office wishes to contact you, and make sure you keep a copy of everything for yourself. Keep in mind too, that if you already returned your copy of New Vegas, you may not get anywhere with your Attorney General, because they may consider your return of the product a reasonable resolution to the issue.
3. Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Honestly, I doubt the BBB cares at all, since their ratings are essentially paid for (you can't get good ratings without paying a few hundreds of dollars in membership fees most of the time), and while the BBB used to be a serious force in consumer protection and business ethics violations, it is very much a parody of what it once was. Still, it is an option, although IMO not nearly as good of one as contacting your Attorney General.
Whether you decide to try any or all of these things, best of luck to you all, and here's to wishing that someday soon we can actually play New Vegas
