What’s the Point of Preordering a Game?
Preordering a game, a practice that has become increasingly common in the gaming world, often sparks debate. Is it a savvy move for gamers or just a way for publishers to lock in sales? The truth, like most things, is nuanced. At its core, preordering a game serves multiple purposes for both the consumer and the gaming industry. For consumers, it’s primarily about guaranteeing access to a highly anticipated title upon release, often accompanied by exclusive bonuses and the potential for a lower price. For publishers and retailers, preorders offer valuable insights into demand, allowing them to optimize production runs and secure minimum sales. Let’s delve into a comprehensive explanation of why gamers might consider preordering and what the broader implications are.
The Benefits for Gamers
Securing Your Copy on Day One
Perhaps the most straightforward reason for preordering is to ensure you get a copy of the game on its release date. This is particularly relevant for highly hyped titles or limited edition physical releases. Preordering removes the risk of the game selling out, especially for physical copies, allowing eager players to join the initial launch experience without having to hunt down a copy in stores. The anticipation of finally playing a game you’ve been following can often outweigh any potential downsides.
Exclusive Preorder Bonuses and Content
Preordering often unlocks exclusive content unavailable to those who purchase the game later. This can range from in-game items, special character skins, bonus weapons, or access to early areas. For fans deeply invested in a particular franchise or developer, these incentives can be extremely enticing. This adds another layer of enjoyment to the launch experience and makes the preordered copy feel special. In addition to digital items, physical preorders sometimes come with limited edition collectibles, such as art books, posters, or figurines, which also add value for collectors.
The Potential for a Price Discount
Retailers frequently offer preorder price guarantees, ensuring that you pay the lowest price the game reaches between the time you place your order and its release. This means if the game’s price drops between your pre-order and shipping date, you are refunded the difference. This can be a significant benefit, potentially saving you money on a title you would have purchased anyway. In essence, preordering offers a form of insurance against missing out and paying more.
Access to Pre-loading
With digital preorders, you often get the added benefit of pre-loading, allowing you to download the game files prior to release. This is incredibly useful, as it eliminates wait time on launch day and enables immediate playtime. Digital purchases remove the need to wait for shipping, letting players enjoy the game exactly when it becomes available.
The Industry Perspective: Why Preorders Matter
Gauging Demand and Optimizing Production
Preorders are a vital tool for publishers. They provide a clear indication of consumer interest and help to determine initial production runs. By analyzing preorder numbers, publishers can accurately predict the size of their launch inventory, minimizing waste and ensuring sufficient copies are available for those who want them. This is especially crucial for physical releases, where overproduction can lead to unsold stock, and underproduction can result in missed sales.
Securing Minimum Sales
For retailers and publishers alike, preorders represent guaranteed sales. This helps reduce risk and provide a basis for financial projections. Preorders provide early income streams that contribute to the financial stability of the project. This revenue stream is especially beneficial for smaller developers who rely on early sales to support continued development.
Generating Early Hype and Buzz
Strong preorder numbers create buzz and excitement around a title. Positive pre-order data can signal a game’s appeal, influencing the media and other potential buyers. High pre-order rates can even be used in marketing campaigns to generate further sales. Preorders contribute to the overall narrative of a successful game launch, shaping public perception even before the game is released.
Are There Drawbacks to Preordering?
While there are numerous potential benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that preordering also carries some risks. The most significant drawback is the potential for buyer’s remorse. What if the game doesn’t live up to expectations? What if reviews are negative or the game is plagued by bugs? You may have already paid for a game you later regret buying. This is also a risk with digital preorders where cancellation policies can vary. It is best to check the terms and conditions before you place a preorder on a digital game.
Another downside is the risk that a game could be delayed, causing your pre-order to have no meaning at all for quite some time. This can be particularly frustrating when you are eagerly anticipating the release. Finally, there’s the issue of preorder culture. Some argue that preordering creates an environment of uncritical consumerism, incentivizing publishers to push out products before they are truly polished.
Preorder or Wait?
The decision to preorder a game ultimately boils down to personal preference, budget, and the level of risk you’re willing to take. If you’re a huge fan of a particular franchise, desperate to have access on day one, and eager to obtain exclusive content, preordering might be the right choice. However, if you’re more cautious, prefer to wait for reviews, and want to avoid the risk of a disappointing experience, then it might be best to hold off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Preordering Games
1. Does pre-ordering a game guarantee it will arrive on release day?
Yes, in many cases. Most retailers, especially those like Amazon, will guarantee release-date delivery for pre-orders if you order within their specified timeframe. This ensures you get the game on its official launch day.
2. Do pre-orders cost more than buying a game after it’s released?
Not usually, in fact, it is often the opposite. Preorders, thanks to price guarantees, often offer the potential to buy a game for a lower cost. Retailers will refund the difference if the price drops between the preorder date and the release date.
3. When will I be charged for my preorder?
This varies between retailers. Some may place a pre-authorization hold but not charge you until the item ships. Others will charge you a few days prior to the item shipping, or when the order is processed.
4. Can I cancel my preorder?
Yes, generally pre-orders can be cancelled at any time before release. After release, however, the ability to cancel or refund varies between retailers. Some digital games also have refund limitations after download or playtime begins.
5. What happens if the game I pre-ordered is delayed?
If a game gets delayed, you’ll generally receive an email or notification from the retailer. Your preorder is not lost, and you’ll still receive it once the new date arrives. You often have the option to cancel the preorder if you do not wish to wait.
6. What if I pre-order a game that is really bad? Can I get a refund?
In many cases, you can get a refund, however, there are caveats to it. You usually have two weeks after release and have played for less than two hours to get a refund on the title. Digital games often have tighter limitations.
7. Is pre-ordering games worth it?
That is a personal decision that depends on many variables. If you want to guarantee your copy, get early access, and receive exclusive content, then preordering may be worth it to you. It all depends on your needs and financial situation.
8. Do digital preorders let you play the game earlier?
Generally, no. Digital preorders usually allow you to pre-load the game before launch, and enable access to play on the official release date, no sooner.
9. How do I claim my pre-order bonuses?
Usually, your pre-order bonuses will be included as an unlock code in the box, delivered in an email from the retailer, or added directly to your account when you purchase digitally.
10. Does pre-ordering a digital game mean it’s always available?
Not always. Sometimes, digital downloads will have a download time after their release. However, with preloading, you are set to play upon release as soon as you have a small update to do.
11. Are all preorder bonuses worthwhile?
No. Preorder bonuses vary significantly. Some offer exclusive content that enhance the experience. Others might be superficial extras that have no real value to the gameplay.
12. Do all retailers offer a preorder price guarantee?
Not all, but many retailers do. It is important to check the retailer’s policy before placing an order. Amazon is famous for offering price guarantees, but it’s best to check each seller’s details.
13. What if the game I pre-ordered has bad reviews?
If a game you pre-ordered receives negative reviews, you have a few options: cancel the order if it’s pre-release, request a refund if it’s eligible, or take a risk and see if your experience differs from the critics.
14. Does a pre-order indicate that a game will be popular?
To an extent, yes. Strong pre-order numbers often indicate a high level of interest in the game. However, the quality of the game is not guaranteed.
15. Can a game be sold out even if you preorder?
This is unlikely if you pre-order within the given timelines that the retailer presents. However, limited physical editions may be subject to sell out, so preordering is the only way to guarantee a copy.