When it comes to developer Bethesda it doesn’t seem like there are half measures. Whether it’s announcing a new game, delivering a release date, or even simply talking about a new feature, the company is never one to play coy or leave any detail left out in the open.

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Bethesda Customer Service center is equally prudent, not willing to leave any thread dangling. In fact, one Fallout fan learned that firsthand while trying to get a refund on a set of Limited Edition vinyl records.

While Paul Weston was hoping to get a set of Limited Edition vinyl records holding the Fallout 3 soundtrack, he unfortunately only got 3 1/2. As is occasionally the case with long distance shipping, one of the records was shattered while in transport and arrived to Weston in an unsalvageable (and unplayable) state.

However, when Weston inquired about getting a refund on his Fallout 3 purchase, he was promptly told that only $25 in compensation could be offered. That is, unless Weston shattered the other three discs. In that case, he would be refunded the full $125 price tag, but only after providing proof.

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It may seem a little extreme to ask a patron to destroy even more of their merchandise, the request does make a little sense. Since the Fallout 3 soundtrack is a Limited Edition item that means there is no way to replace any broken records. What was pressed is what was pressed and there won’t be anymore.

So, if Weston did want his full refund then Bethesda wanted to ensure that he lost out on the full value of the product. In their mind, the Customer Service agency couldn’t simply refund the full value.

On the flip side, one has to wonder why Weston couldn’t simply keep the remaining Fallout 3 records AND get a full refund. After all, it’s not his fault that the records arrived broken and he’s clearly a fan. [UPDATE: Turns out Bethesda Customer Service may have been in the wrong and is investigating the issue.]

Perhaps there were concerns over him turning around and selling the remaining records for a profit, like many Fallout scalpers did with the Fallout 4 Pip-Boy Editions. Nevertheless, we can only empathize with Paul Weston, who clearly had to go through the traumatic experience of destroying an exciting purchase. Maybe he’ll have better luck with the Fallout 4 soundtrack, if that ever releases in a vinyl Limited Edition.

Fallout 4 is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Source: Paul Watson (via Eurogamer)