[Updated] F1 22 Champions Edition on Steam not working or still locked for many, issue acknowledged

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on June 28, 2022) follows:

F1 22 is the latest installment in the driving simulator franchise developed by Codemasters and distributed by EA Sports.

F1 22 offers various improvements over its previous installation. It boasts better graphics, new features, the most recent official cars, new tracks, and so on.

The official release date for F1 22 is July 1, 2022. However, like other games, the developers offer ‘early access’ for those who have purchased the special edition (‘Champions Edition’).

But, it seems that the F1 22 Champions Edition early access is currently unavailable for players who purchased the special edition of the game through Steam.

According to multiple reports, F1 22 Champions Edition buyers on Steam are unable to play the early access version of the game.

Even though they have purchased the F1 special edition, players are receiving a message that the game will be available from July 1st.

So, it seems that the game is not detecting correctly if the player bought the F1 22 standard edition or the Champions Edition.

This may be an EA thing because this exact same scenario happened to me when the Mass Effect trilogy remaster came out or it could be Steam being dumb again when it comes to release times.
Source

Steam doesn’t show the early access day, instead it shows the default release day. You only know you have unlocked early access once files are being decrypted or whatever Steam calls, at download list.

The difference here is EA still messed things up. Although this UI issue from Steam, I am pretty sure I have played on the early access day of F1 2021, while you guys aren’t playing F1 2022.
Source

The situation is frustrating many players who were hoping to spend their free time enjoying the game. Some are even considering requesting for a refund.

I only paid extra for early release. Literally nothing else. And realistically it’s only today I have time to play.

If it doesn’t release early presumably I can get a refund and buy the standard edition?
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Luckily, the EA Sports team is already aware of the issue and is working closely with Valve to fix it as quickly as possible.

we’re working with Valve to get the game unlocked as soon as possible. Can’t apologise enough for the delay here, doing everything we can and will update here as soon as we have news/an ETA. Thank you for your patience!
Source

However, there are no details of an ETA for the availability of the F1 22 Champions Edition early access. We will update this story as events unfold.

04:10 pm (IST): EA Sports F1 support has confirmed that they are aware of the issue with the early access release of the game on Steam.

Moreover, they are working on a fix. However, they did not provide any ETA for the same.

We are aware of an issue relating to the early access release of #F122game Champions Edition on Steam and are actively working towards a resolution. Once we have more information to share, we will let you know. Thanks for your patience. (Source)

09:26 am (IST): According to a gamer, EA support said that players have to get EA Play or EA Play Pro subscription to get the early access.

Featured Image: EA

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