Can You Play Pre-Ordered Games Before Release Date? Unveiling the Truth
The allure of playing a highly anticipated video game before its official release is a powerful draw for many gamers. The question then becomes, is it actually possible to play pre-ordered games before their street date? The simple answer is: generally, no, you cannot play pre-ordered games before their official release date. While pre-ordering offers several advantages, early access is typically not one of them, particularly with legitimate copies obtained through authorized retailers or digital platforms. There are, however, nuances and specific circumstances to consider, which we will explore in detail.
Understanding the Pre-Order Process
Before we delve into the possibility of early gameplay, let’s clarify what pre-ordering entails. When you pre-order a game, you are essentially reserving a copy before it becomes widely available. This could be a physical copy from a retailer like GameStop or a digital copy through platforms like the PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, or Steam. Pre-ordering ensures that you secure a copy, especially for highly anticipated titles that might have limited stock on release day. Moreover, it often comes with added incentives like in-game bonuses or early access to beta versions of the game (although this doesn’t mean early access to the full game release).
Digital Pre-Loads: The Illusion of Early Access
One of the primary reasons for confusion around early gameplay is the concept of digital pre-loads. Most digital platforms allow you to download the game days or even up to a week before the official release date. This pre-load means the game files are already on your console or PC, ready to go. However, you can’t play the game until a small update is downloaded when the game officially launches in your region. This process ensures you can jump into the game immediately without waiting for a long download on release day. The pre-load can create the illusion that the game is accessible early but, in reality, access is gated until the official release.
Time Zone Considerations and Release Timing
Another important factor to consider is release timing. Digital games usually unlock shortly after 12:00 AM local time on the release date. However, this can vary depending on the platform and the publisher. If you live in a country with multiple time zones, some zones might see the game unlock slightly later. For example, digital games on the Nintendo eShop are usually available at 9:00 PM Pacific Time the night before the physical game’s release date for titles that have both digital and physical release, and 9 AM Pacific Time on the day of release for digital only titles. These times and variances are designed to prevent any region from experiencing unintended pre-release access.
Why You Can’t (Usually) Play Early
The primary reason why legitimate pre-ordered copies don’t allow early access is to ensure a synchronized release. Publishers want a global launch where everyone starts playing on the same day. This helps maintain a level playing field for online play, prevents major story spoilers from leaking early, and generally contributes to a unified hype and launch experience.
The Risk of Playing Early
Attempting to play a game before its official release can be risky. Playing pirated copies of games often gets players banned from online services, sometimes permanently. These pirated versions can be buggy, unstable, or contain malicious software, and are not supported by the developers. However, if you happen to have a legitimate copy that is obtained early due to a retailer error, it is generally very unlikely that you will be banned for playing that copy of the game. You are usually not banned for playing an early, legitimate, copy of the game on a console that hasn’t been modded. In almost all cases when there have been bans, they have been for playing pirated, non-legitimate versions of a game.
The Exceptions: When Early Access Might Be Possible
While playing pre-ordered games before release is rarely possible with legitimate copies, there are exceptions.
- Retailer Mistakes: Sometimes, retailers might mistakenly sell a game earlier than the official release date. While this is not intentional, it can happen, but is very unlikely. If this happens, you may be able to play the game a day or two early, though this is entirely dependent on when you receive the game and when your console or PC is able to activate it.
- Special Early Access Programs: Some games offer early access to players who purchase premium editions or are part of a specific beta program. This is usually clearly communicated before purchase and is part of the game’s marketing strategy. However, early access programs aren’t about playing early, but about participating in beta tests before the game is completed.
The Bottom Line
While the temptation to play a highly-anticipated game before its official release date is strong, the reality is that most pre-ordered games become playable only on the game’s official launch day or shortly after. Pre-loading is a feature that allows you to download the game in advance, but it doesn’t enable gameplay before the official launch. It is best to wait for the legitimate release to enjoy the full and optimized gaming experience and avoid any potential problems with the game itself or your console or platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of pre-ordering a game?
Pre-ordering a game ensures you secure a copy on release day and may also provide pre-order bonuses, but it does not typically grant early access to gameplay.
2. Do pre-loaded games unlock at midnight?
Generally, yes, digital games tend to unlock shortly after 12:00 AM local time on the official release date, though this can vary slightly between different platforms.
3. Can I play a pre-ordered game before release if it is mistakenly sold early by a retailer?
In some rare cases, yes. If a retailer accidentally sells you a game early and it activates on your system, you might be able to play before the official release, but this is not a guarantee and is dependent on the retailer and your console or PC’s systems.
4. Is it risky to try and play a game before release?
Yes. Playing pirated or illegitimate copies can get you banned from online services. If you get a legit copy early, you will likely be ok.
5. Does pre-ordering guarantee a release day delivery?
For items offering release day delivery, yes, your order will be dispatched so it arrives on release day. Some companies do this with their pre-orders, while others might not.
6. What is the pre-load feature?
The pre-load feature lets you download the game files before release, so you can start playing immediately when the game unlocks without waiting for a lengthy download.
7. When does payment for a pre-order get processed?
Payment for pre-orders is usually processed around 7 days before release for digital purchases. However, some retailers may authorize your card immediately but won’t charge until the item ships.
8. Does pre-ordering mean the product is sold out?
No. Pre-orders are for items that are not yet released and are not in stock, they are for items that are still in planning or production.
9. Can I cancel a pre-order?
In most cases, yes. However, the process for canceling a pre-order can vary depending on the retailer or digital platform.
10. Does pre-ordering give me the lowest price?
Some retailers offer a price guarantee where you will be charged the lower price if the game’s cost drops before release.
11. How do pre-orders work on the Nintendo eShop?
On the Nintendo eShop, payment is processed 7 days before the game releases, and the game will pre-load onto your console.
12. What time do games unlock on the eShop?
Digital-only software typically becomes available at 9:00 AM Pacific Time on the day of release. Software also sold physically becomes available at 9:00 PM PT the night before the physical game’s release.
13. How far in advance should I start pre-ordering?
It is best to start taking pre-orders 4-6 months before the product is released, though you can pre-order at almost any time before release.
14. How long do retailers hold pre-orders?
GameStop, for example, will hold pre-ordered games 48 hours after release if you put a deposit down.
15. Is it better to pre-order or wait for reviews?
Pre-ordering allows you to play at launch, but some people prefer to wait for reviews and patches to ensure a better experience. Digital distribution makes pre-ordering less essential now.