Though we’re sure that Batman: Arkham City got off to a smashing start this past Tuesday, that doesn’t mean the release wasn’t without its hiccups. Probably the biggest issue gamers have been reporting involves the recently baited and then switched Catwoman DLC.

Some gamers are reporting that upon opening their copy of Arkham City, whether it is the collector’s edition or simply the retail version, they find either a code-less DLC flyer or one with an invalid code.

Warner Bros. Interactive has now responded to the issue and want gamers to know two things: only a small segment of Arkham City owners have experienced this problem and they are doing everything they can to fix it.

Since Tuesday's incredibly successful launch of Batman:Arkham City in North America, our customer support team has received a very small number of calls/emails (less than 0.5 percent of total units sold) regarding Catwoman codes either being invalid or not included in the game packaging. While the number of affected versions is very small, WB Games apologises for any inconvenience this has caused and we are committed to getting these issues resolved as quickly as possible.

All who are experiencing any issues with the game are requested to contact WB Games customer service Department by calling (410) 568 - 3680 , emailing support@wbgames.com or visiting community.batmanarkhamcity.com/support. All matters will be handled promptly

While, if you had picked up the title at GameStop, where they are giving out DLC codes with all purchases, used and new, you might have been able to return for a new code, Warner Bros. is asking those who do find either a defective or missing code to run through a pretty substantial process in order to receive proper compensation.

This redemption process involves taking photos/scans of both sides of your flyer, your proof of purchase, your gamer ID (PSN or Xbox Live), your email, and a photo/scan of the game package and disc. You first have to contact Warner Bros., but these are the pieces of information they will require.

Now, this issue might not have become as controversial as it has had so much promotional material gone into hyping Catwoman, without ever revealing she was actually DLC. In fact, those gamers who haven’t put in the code should hold off on starting the game since Catwoman’s presence alters even the beginning of Arkham City.

It was definitely a risky move on Warner Bros. part — to bait and switch gamers like that — and one that could have been seen as a very smart move, and perhaps even the first in a new trend. But instead, it turned into a huge problem.

Have you had any problems redeeming your Arkham City DLC code? Is there anyone who has already gone through this compensation program that wants to share how it went?

Batman: Arkham City is available now for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Source: ArkhamCity.co.uk