Square Triangle
Member
I also remember selling that Mirror's Edge bag from Gamestop for $80. Best profit from preorder ever
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Should we as gamers be pre-ordering games?
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UberTag
Member
You should pre-order to save money (but still cancel ahead of time if it's clear the game will suck).
You should pre-order to secure unquestioned AAA titles from developers with a proven track record (i.e. The Last of Us, GTA V).
You should pre-order to support niche developers and releases (i.e. Xenoblade Chronicles).
You should NEVER pre-order except in the above three cases (barring the rare insane pre-order collectible like Ocarina of Time / Master Quest on Gamecube). To do so, encourages "gamers are sheep" syndrome from publishers that stunts creativity and polish.
You should pre-order to secure unquestioned AAA titles from developers with a proven track record (i.e. The Last of Us, GTA V).
You should pre-order to support niche developers and releases (i.e. Xenoblade Chronicles).
You should NEVER pre-order except in the above three cases (barring the rare insane pre-order collectible like Ocarina of Time / Master Quest on Gamecube). To do so, encourages "gamers are sheep" syndrome from publishers that stunts creativity and polish.
Jasper Avenue
Member
I pre-order all my games. I put in an order online and when I get home from work the game is waiting on my doorstep. Saves having to deal with going to the store, waiting in a line, and being hounded to buy disc protection or magazine subscriptions.
Muffdraul
Member
I don't even really think of what I do as pre-ordering per se at this point. I order everything from Amazon and it gets shipped to me at work. What am I supposed to do, not place my order until the release date, so that I'm technically not pre-ordering?
SatelliteOfLove
Member
This is as much a spotlight on Doritosgate-type monkeyshines as it is preorder ethics.
And the inevitable fire sales if it blows at retail/Steam Sale a couple quarters later for half-price/GOTY with all the DLC monkeybusiness over much of the globe.
Bingo. In my line of niche-ass niche gaming, the price will rise as much as drop for me. This may change with expanding DL options in the future, though.
Englishman living in North Cackalacky.
And the inevitable fire sales if it blows at retail/Steam Sale a couple quarters later for half-price/GOTY with all the DLC monkeybusiness over much of the globe.
Bingo. In my line of niche-ass niche gaming, the price will rise as much as drop for me. This may change with expanding DL options in the future, though.
Englishman living in North Cackalacky.
Delusibeta
Banned
Fixed. There's pretty much no point in pre-ordering most AAA games, supply will be plentiful, even if it's a Grand Theft Auto game. Limited editions may be a different matter, but again "first print run"-type limited editions tend to be pretty damn easy to come by for most AAA games. Agreed on "pre-orders on a discount" and for niche stuff (hell, I've pre-ordered the EU version of Persona 4 Gold for that reason: NIS America don't do large print runs. Even for Persona 4), but AAA games generally speaking do not require pre-orders.
If I'm not getting some kind of monetary incentive to pre-order a game, I'll only really do it if I don't think there'll be enough copies of something. ex. Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Story, etc.
Stuff like Skyrim or whatever, no, there will be enough copies of those. If not on release day, then within the week, I can wait, whatever.
Stuff like Skyrim or whatever, no, there will be enough copies of those. If not on release day, then within the week, I can wait, whatever.
As others have said pre-order for me is only if I get something real world or money or I want the game at midnight and can't get it elsewhere at midnight.
Though I will very likely not be doing so again at a Gamestop. Back when SSBB came out there was a snowstorm and they cancelled the midnight release without calling anyone. I was able to drive to the only grocery store that night and pick it up despite the supposedly awful weather...bah.
Though I will very likely not be doing so again at a Gamestop. Back when SSBB came out there was a snowstorm and they cancelled the midnight release without calling anyone. I was able to drive to the only grocery store that night and pick it up despite the supposedly awful weather...bah.
I pre-order if:
1) I can backtrack and change my mind no question asked (Amazon).
2) It's a game i know there's an extremely good change i'm gonna like (Last of Us, GTAV).
3) It's saving me money (often Amazon).
I only pre-ordered from Steam once (Max Payne 3) because i was 100% sure i was getting the game, and they were giving LA Noire for free, which i was a bit curious about.
So far i've not been burned many times, i guess Assassin's Creed Revelations and Assassin's Creed 3 are the only titles i would've rather not pre order, and they made me a bit more wary of doing so (surely not gonna pre order Black Flags).
That said, i buy 99% of new games from Amazon, which doesn't require money upfront for preorders and usually has a lower price until launch, so it's not that big of a deal for me, if i change my mind, i cancel it, like i did several times in the past (Hitman Absolution and Tomb Raider are two examples).
1) I can backtrack and change my mind no question asked (Amazon).
2) It's a game i know there's an extremely good change i'm gonna like (Last of Us, GTAV).
3) It's saving me money (often Amazon).
I only pre-ordered from Steam once (Max Payne 3) because i was 100% sure i was getting the game, and they were giving LA Noire for free, which i was a bit curious about.
So far i've not been burned many times, i guess Assassin's Creed Revelations and Assassin's Creed 3 are the only titles i would've rather not pre order, and they made me a bit more wary of doing so (surely not gonna pre order Black Flags).
That said, i buy 99% of new games from Amazon, which doesn't require money upfront for preorders and usually has a lower price until launch, so it's not that big of a deal for me, if i change my mind, i cancel it, like i did several times in the past (Hitman Absolution and Tomb Raider are two examples).
Green Card
Member
Same unless it has a nice preorder bonus or CE (that I think won't drop to $20 like half of them do).
NeededSleep
Member
Seen it go for a lot more. I was actively trying to find a nice messenger bag like that one for a while. I ended up getting http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/aaa5/ instead as a gift.
Diddy Kong
Banned
For the most part I always pre-order. Starting to debate going digital though so I have nothing on reserve atm.
I never pre-order AAA games, unless I am getting a unique out of game offer(Like the Dragon from Skyrim or something like that), the idea of not having enough copies of a AAA game is pretty silly.
The only games I pre-order are limited runs. I just dont like encouraging the practice of day one DLC and pre-order DLC, specially when there are like, 4 different versions of pre-order dlc. Worse yet, you cant even buy the pre-order DLC a lot of the time. I just dont like showing my support for that kind of thing.
The only games I pre-order are limited runs. I just dont like encouraging the practice of day one DLC and pre-order DLC, specially when there are like, 4 different versions of pre-order dlc. Worse yet, you cant even buy the pre-order DLC a lot of the time. I just dont like showing my support for that kind of thing.
Exactly. What's the problem here?
Can anyone tell me a reason why I shouldn't pre-order Heart of the Swarm?
Vane_MagicCity
Banned
How so?
Johnny Cage In The Shower
Member
I have too huge of a backlog to pre-order anything, I feel like a jackass even if the thought crosses my mind.
I pre-ordered Batman: Arkham City, $60. But I never got around unwrapping and playing it a year and a half after its release, it was selling for $20 used everywhere by the time I first popped it in my PS3.
Since then, I figured there is no point to get games on day one, unless of course I really like to support the developer (of a good game). So yeah chances are I'm pre-ordering The Last of Us. Here's hoping I get to also play it this year.
I pre-ordered Batman: Arkham City, $60. But I never got around unwrapping and playing it a year and a half after its release, it was selling for $20 used everywhere by the time I first popped it in my PS3.
Since then, I figured there is no point to get games on day one, unless of course I really like to support the developer (of a good game). So yeah chances are I'm pre-ordering The Last of Us. Here's hoping I get to also play it this year.
Zen_Arcade
Banned
I preorder because I like paying games off a little each paycheck so I can just go in and grab it on release day.
The point made in the video is that you're never sure that a game is going to be good.
So before buying is best to read reviews and opinions, something that preorders prevent you to do.
It's not an illogic stance, on the contrary.
On the other hand there are several titles that i simply know i am gonna like more or less, since i've been buying and playing videogames for a long time, and i tend not to trust reviews, myself.
Square Triangle
Member
Not complaining over a freebie
MoonLightWave
Member
I only pre order if I'm confident enough that a certain game won't suck.
I get that point but like you say, sometimes you just know if you'll like a title or not.
I don't think the people who pre-ordered the Aliens game are stupid. They probably just wanted to play a new Aliens game or just another shooter (i don't think there have been many released recently).
Velcro Fly
Member
Preordered a bunch of first party Nintendo stuff over the past year. 3DS games for $30? Most of them haven't been below that yet.
Also preordered Etrian Odyssey IV from GameStop because I have a ton of credit there and I want to make sure I can get the game.
Really loved those Newegg deals last year getting $10 off a $39.99 preorder.
Also preordered Etrian Odyssey IV from GameStop because I have a ton of credit there and I want to make sure I can get the game.
Really loved those Newegg deals last year getting $10 off a $39.99 preorder.
TheSpoiler
Member
I get my game on time (generally).
Preorder bonuses.
Any day one deals.
What are the downsides? I have to go get my money back from a place that's down the street? I thought it'd be quite obvious why it's not a bad idea, but some people need it spelled out for them.
Ya. this is where I'm at.
I generally wait until games are $5-$10 before picking them up, I'm on PC.
There really is no point to pre-ordering. Even just waiting a couple weeks can get you a good deal.
T
thepotatoman
Unconfirmed Member
For a while there I preordered a lot. Total Biscuit talked about how publishers like the model because it makes the psychology easier to get you to buy more games, but for me that weirdly worked out to be a plus for me too. It got me to really invest in trying things out that wasn't an established franchise I liked or a 10/10 game. And its pretty easy to know if a game is for you or not through videos, trailers and interviews.
But then Playstation All Stars happened. For whatever reason I was sure that that game would let you matchmake 1v1 games, and play 1v1 or 2v2 ranked without having to find a partner yourself. So I preordered expecting to be able to do that, and figuring if i'm going to buy it anyhow i might as well get the preorder costume bonuses. Basically the only way I expected to play that game wasn't even in there in the end, and I followed it closely enough that I figured I would have known if it wasn't in there.
I still might preorder games i absolutely 100% know i have to play from day one like Starcraft HotS, but that experience made me realize maybe you shouldn't assume too much about games you're not 100% certain about.
But then Playstation All Stars happened. For whatever reason I was sure that that game would let you matchmake 1v1 games, and play 1v1 or 2v2 ranked without having to find a partner yourself. So I preordered expecting to be able to do that, and figuring if i'm going to buy it anyhow i might as well get the preorder costume bonuses. Basically the only way I expected to play that game wasn't even in there in the end, and I followed it closely enough that I figured I would have known if it wasn't in there.
I still might preorder games i absolutely 100% know i have to play from day one like Starcraft HotS, but that experience made me realize maybe you shouldn't assume too much about games you're not 100% certain about.
drhankmccoyphd
Member
I'll preorder at amazon for stuff I know I'm interested in, but it always miffed me getting hounded for per-orders at GameStop. If I had the forethought to order I'd have have grabbed a game off amazon weeks ago. If I'm in a store it's because I wanted the game at a moments notice. That's kinda the point of a BM store.
zer0blivion
Member
I have one of those. I never knew they were valuable. I didn't even preorder it, though I did buy it day one.
I preorder especially when there's a collectible bonus that I'm after.
(It's been too long since there was a really, really good one for a Zelda game.)
Otherwise, I preorder just so that I know the game is in my hands once my gaming vacation starts. It'd be pretty sucky to spend vacation hours at work, only to find that the game isn't available anywhere around town.
(It's been too long since there was a really, really good one for a Zelda game.)
Otherwise, I preorder just so that I know the game is in my hands once my gaming vacation starts. It'd be pretty sucky to spend vacation hours at work, only to find that the game isn't available anywhere around town.
Because I got $20 in credit from Best Buy for doing so.
if it is a niche game, definitely, or some other game I am getting day 1 anyway. Bonus if they are giving some incentive for doing so.
When I know I'm buying a game day 1 without question, I definitely pre-order. Why wouldn't I? Sure, the "bonus" shit may suck, but if I'm going to buy the game anyway, free shit, regardless of what it is, is still free and better than spending the same money for less.
Also, as many have said, it's worth doing so on CEs (occassionally) for yourself or to sell for profit.
Also, as many have said, it's worth doing so on CEs (occassionally) for yourself or to sell for profit.
daemissary
Member
I preorder games when I know I'm interested and the preorder bonus through either the retailer or the game itself is worth it.
If there isn't a preorder bonus of some kind, why bother?
If there isn't a preorder bonus of some kind, why bother?
Erm, is that still common? It used to be but I haven't seen that in forever from amazon console games. Might just be I'm into the wrong games though
eighty(one)
Member
Here is a question:
You mentioned limited print runs and such. My regular GameStop received 4 Fire Emblem bundles on Friday, 3 were reserved. I was there at 10, happened to ask about the bundle (he checked in back, scanned it in and received 4 phone calls for it in 5 or so minutes) and so I scooped it up. Did I get lucky? Is this bundle, limited in its run? If so, how long or how many shipments more might Nintendo send out?
I'm just curious - I usually never pick up limited or bundle editions. I'd already bought the game cart that Tuesday and was contemplating the blue, since it'd launched over in JP. So this is a first for me.
Normally I'd preorder, I preordered the Blue XL and the midnight purple when they launched. I missed out in the Zelda edition, but I didn't like that black color.
slightconfuse
Banned
Looks at first run copy if radiant historia.
Sometimes it is worth it
Sometimes it is worth it
Freezasaurus
Member
I usually do. And it's not so much for the bonus DLC content that usually comes with it, but more for peace of mind. 99 times out of 100, I'll be able to walk into any store on release day and get what I want, but this way, I know I'll get it when I want it. And it's especially handy with the occasional collector's edition that I decide I actually want.
It's not like I'm paying more than the cost of the product or anything.
RedAssedApe
Banned
They stopped doing it for awhile. But just started doing it again for select games recently...probably because they are losing customers to other retailers in all of the states they are being forced to start charging sales tax in.
It's not that common anymore. Of the next 6 AAA games coming out, only one has $20 off and one has $10 off. The other 4 just have the typical pre order DLC.
Yup, it's been a long while since I have seen Amazon give any sort of credit for a preorder, save a few games. I think they charge sales tax for almost every state now, aside from the ones that don't have a sales tax.
Right, and it's not like you can't cancel should you decide you don't want said game anymore.
Robot Pants
Member
I've never been denied a copy of a game on release day by not preordering. I guess if you want those bonuses it's beneficial, but I never see the point
I was gonna make a thread on this too, I really think the TB video is really good at expressing really the bad side of the publisher bait and switch that is day 1 DLC.
It's even worse because a lot of the pre-order bonuses actually mess the game's natural progression by giving you overpowered shit right in the beginning and just shits on your fun, you like it or not (please devs make pre-order bonuses optional).
The only times I'm pre-ordering games now is when the deal is too good to say no (I got Dishonored day 1 for like 30 bucks on GMG) or when I know I have to play it, no matter if it's good or bad (Bioshock Infinite).
It's even worse because a lot of the pre-order bonuses actually mess the game's natural progression by giving you overpowered shit right in the beginning and just shits on your fun, you like it or not (please devs make pre-order bonuses optional).
The only times I'm pre-ordering games now is when the deal is too good to say no (I got Dishonored day 1 for like 30 bucks on GMG) or when I know I have to play it, no matter if it's good or bad (Bioshock Infinite).
Coffee Dog
Banned
As gamers? It doesn't matter what we do "as gamers" as it doesn't really affect the industry to an incredible extent. It's a much more personal opinion thing.
In my particular case, I don't preorder anything unless there are specific preorder bonuses and I have full confidence in the developers. This hasn't happened in years though, as the developers I have full confidence in aren't the types to give pre order bonuses.
In my particular case, I don't preorder anything unless there are specific preorder bonuses and I have full confidence in the developers. This hasn't happened in years though, as the developers I have full confidence in aren't the types to give pre order bonuses.
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