What’s the Point of Pre-Ordering a Digital Game?
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The core purpose of pre-ordering a digital game revolves around gaining immediate access upon release and, in many cases, pre-loading the game to be ready to play as soon as it officially launches. Unlike physical copies, digital games aren’t subject to scarcity or selling out. The primary benefit, therefore, isn’t about securing a copy but rather about convenience and speed of access. Pre-ordering ensures that you’ve paid for the game, and in many cases, can begin downloading it before release, allowing you to jump in the moment it becomes available, avoiding the delays associated with downloading on release day.
While the benefits of pre-ordering a digital game might not seem as tangible as securing a physical copy before they run out, the advantage lies in streamlining the playing experience. It’s about eliminating the potential frustration of delayed downloads on release day and ensuring you are among the first to delve into the new gaming world. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and address common concerns about this practice.
Why Pre-Order a Digital Game?
The advantages of pre-ordering a digital game often fall into a few key areas:
Pre-Loading and Immediate Access
One of the major draws of digital pre-orders is pre-loading. This feature allows you to download the majority, if not all, of the game files before the official release date. This means that at the exact moment of launch, the game simply unlocks, and you can begin playing immediately. This avoids having to wait for potentially lengthy download times when everyone else is trying to download the same game. This is particularly beneficial for those with slower internet connections, or for larger games that take significant time to download.
Convenience and Streamlined Purchase
Pre-ordering a digital game ensures that you’ve secured the game and its payment. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you will have the game as soon as it’s available without any last-minute rush to purchase or download. The process is seamless, especially on consoles and platforms that allow automatic downloads upon release.
Potential Pre-Order Bonuses
While not universally offered, some game publishers and platforms offer pre-order bonuses, such as in-game items, exclusive skins, or even access to early beta tests or demos. These bonuses can provide an added incentive for pre-ordering for those wanting every bit of content associated with a game.
Avoiding the Day-One Rush
On release day, gaming servers can become congested as everyone tries to download and play the new title simultaneously. This rush can cause slow download speeds or connection issues. By pre-loading, you skip this chaotic period and can jump directly into the game.
Peace of Mind
For highly anticipated games, some gamers want the assurance that they can play the game as soon as it is available. Pre-ordering guarantees that when the clock strikes midnight, the game is ready to go. This peace of mind can be valuable for hardcore fans or those with limited time for gaming.
Supporting Developers
Pre-orders also act as a measure of interest in a game for developers and publishers. The data from pre-orders can influence their plans and provide them with important metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do digital pre-orders ever sell out?
No, digital games cannot sell out. Since they exist as digital files, there is no limit to the number of copies available. You can purchase a digital game at any time, even minutes before it’s released, and still have access at launch.
2. Do you get a game early if you pre-order it?
Generally, pre-ordering does not give you access to the full game early. However, pre-orders often allow for pre-loading, enabling you to play the game as soon as it is officially released. Some games may offer early access to beta versions as a pre-order incentive. These early access periods are usually only a day or two before the general public release.
3. Does pre-ordering a game cost more?
In most cases, pre-orders cost the same as the public release price, and sometimes are offered at a slight discount. However, prices depend on the retailer, the specific game, and whether there are any promotional deals at the time of purchase. It’s always good to shop around.
4. Do you own the digital games you buy?
This is a common misconception. When you buy a digital game, you are essentially purchasing a license to use that game, not the game itself. You have the right to play the game on your specific account, but the game is not permanently “owned” in the same way a physical copy might be.
5. What happens to your money when you pre-order a game?
If you use account credit, the balance is typically deducted immediately. If you use a credit card, you may be charged a few days before the launch date, typically around 10 days prior but that will vary based on the platform. This can be in the form of an authorization hold or a full charge.
6. Is it better to buy physical games or digital?
This depends on your preferences. Physical copies tend to decrease in price faster than digital copies after release, and can be resold, but require physical storage. Digital games provide convenience with immediate access and not having to handle physical copies, but once purchased, they cannot be resold.
7. When will I receive a pre-ordered game?
For physical copies, the game is shipped to arrive on release day, though it can take several days to arrive via regular shipping. For digital copies, you receive immediate access at the time of release, and pre-load functionality can make the game ready to play immediately.
8. Can you get a refund on a pre-ordered game?
Yes, you can often get a refund for a digital pre-order as long as the refund request is submitted within two weeks of the game’s release and you have not played the game for over two hours. Specific policies vary across platforms and retailers.
9. What are the disadvantages of pre-ordering?
Limited control over the product as you do not physically have the game at the time of payment. Also you are reliant on the manufacturer in providing a functioning product at release date. Pre-ordering also allows you less time to wait for reviews before buying the game, and you can be stuck with a broken, unfinished or bad product.
10. What happens if I pre-order a game on PS5, Xbox, Switch, or PC?
The core experience is similar across platforms. You will be granted access to pre-load and play as soon as the game releases. Some platforms may offer platform-specific pre-order bonuses. The fundamental premise of securing the payment early and having an unlock at midnight when the game releases is the same across major platforms.
11. Does GameStop take money right away for pre-orders?
GameStop typically authorizes your credit card a few days before the release, though they may not fully charge you until they process your order. Check your chosen retailer’s specific policy on the timing of charges.
12. Can you cancel a game pre-order?
Yes, you can usually cancel a digital pre-order before the game’s release, or within 14 days of pre-ordering as long as you have not started downloading the main content. Specific cancellation policies vary among platforms.
13. How long do you own a digital game?
You can typically access your digital games for as long as your account remains active on the platform. The longevity of access also depends on the continued availability of the game on that specific platform, and the continued operation of the service itself.
14. Do most people buy games digitally?
Yes. Recent data suggests the vast majority of game sales are digital. Physical sales now represent a smaller percentage of overall game purchases due to the convenience offered by digital downloads.
15. What happens when you pre-order an app?
The process is similar to pre-ordering a game. Once the app becomes available, your payment method is billed, and the app automatically downloads to your device if you’ve selected that setting. You will receive an email when it is available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the primary point of pre-ordering a digital game is to facilitate a seamless, immediate gaming experience upon release by enabling pre-loading, ensuring a smooth download process and avoiding the rush on launch day. While pre-ordering is not necessary to acquire a digital game, it provides convenience, peace of mind, and often, additional pre-order bonuses. By understanding these advantages and disadvantages, gamers can make more informed decisions about when and how to purchase their next eagerly awaited title.