Just managed to get back in after leaving it on the loading screen. I should mention though, that it would simply crash after five minutes on my iPad 2, but my iPhone 5 stayed on for 20 minutes until it managed to get back in. I wonder if the people that cannot get back in no matter what have older devices? (As in, the ones that have their app crash when trying to get past the harp)
Device iOS version doesn't seem to matter. I have 9 iPads and 4 iphones at various generations iOS levels and all do the same. At the 14 minute mark they crash. Thus it can only be concluded is that this method only works for a select few that is probably driven by what server they are on.
Also everyone please remember this is just a user forum. There is no ea monitoring here at all to fix problems. You are only voicing the issue and frustrations to other members of the board. To voice them directly to ea you need to do so here.
So I also had the harp issue and followed the suggestions on this thread. I am happy to say that after 15 minutes of waiting it finally let me into my Springfield. And better than that it presented me with the bonus prizes for free donuts once I was able to get in. And even better than that it KEPT giving me the bonus prizes to the point that I collected 800+ donuts. Woohoo!! I'll take half a day of frustration for 800 donuts. Not sure what or why but already bought me some new toys to add to my Springfield. Now off to build.
The Harp of Death. LMAO! I'm laughing because I like the name. My game has that problem and I now have to talk to my wife. DAMN EA!! Probably need to reload ios. LOL
Finally got it to work by leaving it on the load screen for 15+ minutes, but on the iphone not the ipad.
Got the same extended donut bug (around 950 donuts before it crashed out). And no XP bug.
Did you try this before to without succeeding? Was the phone plugged in the charger?
Sorry to interrogate you, but I've tried this method at least 20 times with no luck so far so I just want to know if it's possible to get in even after failing.
Finally got it to work by leaving it on the load screen for 15+ minutes, but on the iphone not the ipad.
Got the same extended donut bug (around 950 donuts before it crashed out). And no XP bug.
You would think that all of these reports of people getting back in and getting 800+ donuts might put this bug a little higher on EA's priority list. Having a set of customers unable to play (ie spend money on premiums) and another set walking out with huge amounts of premium currency is probably the worst business model imaginable.
I just wanted to add my experience: I had the harp freeze after completing El Chemistri and sending Ralph and his dad to eat there. I tried the background quit trick several times over the course of a day and a half, but it never worked. This morning I tried the trick of leaving it on the Harp-of-Death screen and IT WORKED! I let it go for 15 minutes, the game crashed and my iPad went back to the home screen. I launched the game again and it worked fine, no problem.
Finally got it to work by leaving it on the load screen for 15+ minutes, but on the iphone not the ipad.
Got the same extended donut bug (around 950 donuts before it crashed out). And no XP bug.
You would think that all of these reports of people getting back in and getting 800+ donuts might put this bug a little higher on EA's priority list. Having a set of customers unable to play (ie spend money on premiums) and another set walking out with huge amounts of premium currency is probably the worst business model imaginable.
If I manage to get back into the game tonight by trying the leave your iphone unlocked for 15 to 20 minutes and then get the glitch with winning loads of donuts you won't hera me complain about being locked out ever again lol
If I manage to get back into the game tonight by trying the leave your iphone unlocked for 15 to 20 minutes and then get the glitch with winning loads of donuts you won't hera me complain about being locked out ever again lol
Haha,yeah, if I by some miracle get it to work and get 800 donuts for my troubles too I'm willing to instantly forgive EA for everything.
I have sent an e- mail to ea and this was the response I have gotten back, however I don't think it's the version of I pad I have because it a new version. It is a problem on their part as everyone is having the same problem
HELP CENTER
Hello Sebas,
Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.
I understand that you are experiencing loading issue after building wiggum's house and realize that you're very upset about this. I know such issues hamper the game really. Let us get this corrected so that you can get back to the game quickly. I have listed some steps for you.
a) Make sure you're using iOS version 4.3.3 or later so you can access the "Not On This iPhone/iPad" section of the App Store. On an iPhone, you can find this section in the App Store Updates Purchased "Not On This iPhone." On an iPad, you can find it under App Store Purchased "Not On This iPad."
b) Try closing the game app from the multitasking menu and then reopening it.
c) If your device already has the latest software, try resetting your device
1. Hold down the sleep/wake button at the top of the device for a few seconds until the screen displays the message 'slide to power off.'
2. Power off the device by moving the slider.
3. Hold down the sleep/wake button again until the device powers back on.
4. When the home screen is displayed, relaunch the game.
d) Other things to try
Make sure you have a preferred language set for your device under 'Settings -> General -> International -> Language.'
Temporarily turn on airplane mode
Turn MobileMe sync off temporarily.
Temporarily disable email sync.
Remove any unnecessary apps.
I believe performing the steps should fix the issue for you.
Regards,
Pawan
Electronic Arts World Wide Customer
I have sent an e- mail to ea and this was the response I have gotten back, however I don't think it's the version of I pad I have because it a new version. It is a problem on their part as everyone is having the same problem
HELP CENTER
Hello Sebas,
Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.
I understand that you are experiencing loading issue after building wiggum's house and realize that you're very upset about this. I know such issues hamper the game really. Let us get this corrected so that you can get back to the game quickly. I have listed some steps for you.
a) Make sure you're using iOS version 4.3.3 or later so you can access the "Not On This iPhone/iPad" section of the App Store. On an iPhone, you can find this section in the App Store Updates Purchased "Not On This iPhone." On an iPad, you can find it under App Store Purchased "Not On This iPad."
b) Try closing the game app from the multitasking menu and then reopening it.
c) If your device already has the latest software, try resetting your device
1. Hold down the sleep/wake button at the top of the device for a few seconds until the screen displays the message 'slide to power off.'
2. Power off the device by moving the slider.
3. Hold down the sleep/wake button again until the device powers back on.
4. When the home screen is displayed, relaunch the game.
d) Other things to try
Make sure you have a preferred language set for your device under 'Settings -> General -> International -> Language.'
Temporarily turn on airplane mode
Turn MobileMe sync off temporarily.
Temporarily disable email sync.
Remove any unnecessary apps.
I believe performing the steps should fix the issue for you.
Regards,
Pawan
Electronic Arts World Wide Customer
This is a form letter that you get from EA regardless of the issue you are having. Do not expect any further help from them. Sorry, but I speak from experience with their "support" with this game.
Good news everyone! Oops, sorry - wrong show... but anyway: I got back in!
I just happened to be up early in the morning. At 2AM EST I decided to once again try on my iPad - I forced all the apps closed, rebooted and launched TSTO first thing - and got the hanging donut thing. I sighed, pulled out my iPhone to update my second springfield, got distracted with some late night TV and about 15 minutes later looked over and lo and behold, my SpringField loaded at the bonus donut screen!
Woo hoo!
Before it the app would crash beyond 15 minutes or so.
So it doesn't surprise me now that I think about it that there is some component related to the Origin servers and how busy they are. We've seen these loading issues before (Thanksgiving anyone?!?). So if you really want something new tonight, stay up late or wake up early and see if that helps. It might be purely coincidental, but I don't think so. I have a strong suspicion that the Origin servers and how busy they are once again have something to do with this.
I still think they need to fix this with an update so those not on the forums will get back in - they have to be hating this because a glitch like this will cause all but the fanatical to just stop playing and never come back...
Got the dreaded harp after leveling up this morning. Didn't recognize at first since sound was off. I tried a bunch of advice in this thread, eventually the one that worked was leaving the device on and tapping it. After 10-15 minutes screen went black then I was in. Fingers crossed it'll stay that way.
Got the dreaded harp after leveling up this morning. Didn't recognize at first since sound was off. I tried a bunch of advice in this thread, eventually the one that worked was leaving the device on and tapping it. After 10-15 minutes screen went black then I was in. Fingers crossed it'll stay that way.
I just got el chemist and then leveled up. Exited the game and when I went back it was slow loading. Then after getting in and adding some furniture and trees I got out. WhenI went back in, BAM! The harp freeze hit me. Now I am busy rebooting, re trying to open and doing everything you all mentioned.
You're crazy to think EA is spending any real time fixing this issue. They are too busy swimming around in a giant room full of our cash like Scrooge McDuck from Duck Tales.
Replies
Device iOS version doesn't seem to matter. I have 9 iPads and 4 iphones at various generations iOS levels and all do the same. At the 14 minute mark they crash. Thus it can only be concluded is that this method only works for a select few that is probably driven by what server they are on.
http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Simpsons-Tapped-Out/bd-p/The-Simpsons-Tapped-Out
HoD all around.
Got the same extended donut bug (around 950 donuts before it crashed out). And no XP bug.
Sorry to interrogate you, but I've tried this method at least 20 times with no luck so far so I just want to know if it's possible to get in even after failing.
You would think that all of these reports of people getting back in and getting 800+ donuts might put this bug a little higher on EA's priority list. Having a set of customers unable to play (ie spend money on premiums) and another set walking out with huge amounts of premium currency is probably the worst business model imaginable.
If I manage to get back into the game tonight by trying the leave your iphone unlocked for 15 to 20 minutes and then get the glitch with winning loads of donuts you won't hera me complain about being locked out ever again lol
Haha,yeah, if I by some miracle get it to work and get 800 donuts for my troubles too I'm willing to instantly forgive EA for everything.
HELP CENTER
Hello Sebas,
Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.
I understand that you are experiencing loading issue after building wiggum's house and realize that you're very upset about this. I know such issues hamper the game really. Let us get this corrected so that you can get back to the game quickly. I have listed some steps for you.
a) Make sure you're using iOS version 4.3.3 or later so you can access the "Not On This iPhone/iPad" section of the App Store. On an iPhone, you can find this section in the App Store Updates Purchased "Not On This iPhone." On an iPad, you can find it under App Store Purchased "Not On This iPad."
b) Try closing the game app from the multitasking menu and then reopening it.
c) If your device already has the latest software, try resetting your device
1. Hold down the sleep/wake button at the top of the device for a few seconds until the screen displays the message 'slide to power off.'
2. Power off the device by moving the slider.
3. Hold down the sleep/wake button again until the device powers back on.
4. When the home screen is displayed, relaunch the game.
d) Other things to try
Make sure you have a preferred language set for your device under 'Settings -> General -> International -> Language.'
Temporarily turn on airplane mode
Turn MobileMe sync off temporarily.
Temporarily disable email sync.
Remove any unnecessary apps.
I believe performing the steps should fix the issue for you.
Regards,
Pawan
Electronic Arts World Wide Customer
This is a form letter that you get from EA regardless of the issue you are having. Do not expect any further help from them. Sorry, but I speak from experience with their "support" with this game.
I just happened to be up early in the morning. At 2AM EST I decided to once again try on my iPad - I forced all the apps closed, rebooted and launched TSTO first thing - and got the hanging donut thing. I sighed, pulled out my iPhone to update my second springfield, got distracted with some late night TV and about 15 minutes later looked over and lo and behold, my SpringField loaded at the bonus donut screen!
Woo hoo!
Before it the app would crash beyond 15 minutes or so.
So it doesn't surprise me now that I think about it that there is some component related to the Origin servers and how busy they are. We've seen these loading issues before (Thanksgiving anyone?!?). So if you really want something new tonight, stay up late or wake up early and see if that helps. It might be purely coincidental, but I don't think so. I have a strong suspicion that the Origin servers and how busy they are once again have something to do with this.
I still think they need to fix this with an update so those not on the forums will get back in - they have to be hating this because a glitch like this will cause all but the fanatical to just stop playing and never come back...
How many times did you try before it worked?