An unknown number of gamers who purchased Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 received a free copy of Mass Effect 2 in place of a second installation disc, a packaging mistake that set the stage for an impromptu promotional campaign for the upcoming Mass Effect Trilogy release.
"Rumor has it that about a thousand customers who purchased Call of Duty: Black Ops II for PC today were also treated to a surprise copy of Mass Effect 2. If you were one of the affected, chances are you thought it was a mistake, but we prefer to think that it was an omen, and when the universe talks, you should listen.
If the universe thinks that you should be playing Mass Effect right now, who are we to argue? In fact, we want to help! The first fifty fans affected by this phenomenon to send us a picture holding their special disc 2 will receive a code for a FREE PC copy of Mass Effect Trilogy.
Remember, in order to qualify, YOU must be in the picture, and disc 2 of your Call of Duty: Black Ops II must be visible. Got it? Then send your photo to community@bioware.com and you could be playing your very own Mass Effect Trilogy in time for the weekend!" writes Mass Effect Developer Bioware on the company's official website.
Activision's mix-up was doubly surprising because Mass Effect 2 was published by Electronic Arts, its most prominent competitor. Gamers who recieved the wrong disc were still able to access the game installation data electroincally with the serial number provided on the box.
The Mass Effect Trilogy launches on December 4, and marks the first time that Mass Effect 1 will be available on the PS3.