Why You Shouldn’t Pre-order Games Anymore

In today’s fast-paced world of video games, it’s not uncommon for publishers to entice gamers with the allure of pre-ordering the next big title. Pre-ordering a game can come with a variety of bonuses, like exclusive in-game items, discounts, or early access. However, the practice of pre-ordering games has come under scrutiny in recent years. In this post, we will explore the reasons why you shouldn’t pre-order games anymore.

1. Unfinished and Unpolished Games

In an era where game developers are under immense pressure to meet deadlines and keep up with the growing demands of the industry, many games are being released in an unfinished or unpolished state. Pre-ordering these games is essentially purchasing a product without knowing if it’s worth the investment. When you pre-order a game, you are placing your trust in the developer to deliver a quality product. However, there have been numerous instances where highly anticipated games failed to meet expectations upon release, leaving gamers disappointed and frustrated.

2. Digital Distribution Makes Pre-Ordering Obsolete

The advent of digital distribution platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and PlayStation Network has made it easier than ever to purchase and download games. With digital distribution, the scarcity of physical copies is no longer an issue. The fear of missing out on a game due to limited stock is virtually non-existent, making pre-ordering games irrelevant. Moreover, digital distribution platforms often have sales and discounts, allowing you to purchase games at a fraction of their original price if you’re willing to wait.

3. Misleading Marketing Campaigns

Game publishers often use aggressive marketing campaigns to build hype and convince gamers to pre-order their titles. These campaigns may include cinematic trailers, gameplay footage, and other promotional materials designed to generate excitement. Unfortunately, the final product may not always match what was advertised, leading to disappointment among gamers who pre-ordered the game based on misleading marketing materials. By not pre-ordering, you can avoid falling victim to deceptive marketing tactics and wait for honest reviews and gameplay footage to make an informed decision.

4. Day-One Patches and Performance Issues

It has become increasingly common for games to require large day-one patches to address performance issues, bugs, and other problems. These patches can range from a few hundred megabytes to tens of gigabytes, depending on the game’s issues. Pre-ordering a game essentially means you are paying for a product that may not function properly until it has been updated with a day-one patch. By waiting for the game to be released and updated, you can ensure a smoother gaming experience and avoid potential frustrations caused by technical issues.

5. Lack of Incentives

While pre-ordering used to offer tangible benefits, such as exclusive content or physical merchandise, these incentives have become less attractive over time. Many pre-order bonuses are now available as post-launch DLC, making it less necessary to pre-order to access the content. Additionally, physical pre-order bonuses have become less common, with many developers opting for in-game items or digital content instead. As the value of pre-order incentives diminishes, it’s less compelling to pre-order a game.

6. Consumer Reviews and Critic Opinions

By waiting for a game’s release, you can take advantage of the wealth of information available from other gamers and critics. This information can help you make a more informed decision about whether or not to purchase a game. Reviews, gameplay footage, and community discussions can give you a better understanding of a game’s quality, performance, and overall enjoyment. Pre-ordering a game denies you the opportunity to make an informed decision based on the experiences of others.

7. Financial Benefits

While pre-ordering a game may come with a small discount or promotional offer, waiting for a game’s release can often yield even greater savings. After a game’s launch, prices typically drop within a few months as new titles are released and developers seek to maintain their player base. By waiting, you can take advantage of sales, bundles, or other promotions that offer the game at a significantly reduced price. This not only saves you money but also ensures you are purchasing a game that has likely received post-launch support and updates.

8. Supporting Ethical Development Practices

The video game industry is notorious for its “crunch” culture, where developers are subjected to excessive overtime and high-pressure work environments to meet strict deadlines. By pre-ordering games, you may inadvertently contribute to this harmful culture by incentivizing publishers to push their development teams to meet unrealistic expectations. By waiting for a game’s release and evaluating its quality, you can choose to support developers and publishers that prioritize the well-being of their employees and engage in ethical development practices.

In Conclusion

While pre-ordering a game may have been a viable option in the past, the evolving landscape of the gaming industry has rendered it increasingly unnecessary and potentially harmful. By choosing not to pre-order games, you can avoid disappointment, make more informed purchasing decisions, and support ethical development practices within the industry. In the digital age, it’s more important than ever to be a conscientious consumer and vote with your wallet. So, the next time you’re tempted to pre-order that highly anticipated title, consider waiting until the game is released and let your decision be guided by honest reviews and the experiences of fellow gamers.