Preordering Culture in video games is prevalent. Almost every commercial states that you should preorder the game and get a small reward. Many people have flocked to this inherent anti consumer practice. Now you may be asking, but TopHatMan, how is preordering a video game inherently anti consumer. Allow me to explain. When the window of opportunity is available to preorder, the game is not released yet. Pretty much common knowledge ain't it? However very rarely do people actually look at what that signifies. You are purchasing a game before it releases to make sure you have a copy. In other words you are buying a game that has not even been made yet. It is in the process of being made where anything is up to grabs as to what can change during the development cycle. You are purchasing a game on faith that the game you want will release at launch. However preordering does not safeguard you from horrific game launches, games that were shipped out of the door before it was properly complete, or if you even like the game. A game can look good from its promotional material, but never does a game live up to that hype (i.e. Destiny). And what happens when you have a game you preordered release, and it is either broken, or does not live up to what you wanted. Well you have wasted 60$ and are now reliant upon returning the game for either a full refund or store credit. You still wasted 60$ during the time of your purchase up till the time you return it. Even then if you only get store credit you are forced to buy something else from the store, to utilize the money.
Now what happens when you preorder a game and you end up loving the game and it works wonderfully. You are one lucky person because very rarely does that happen. Does it make a difference if you preorder a game other than a day one purchase. No there is no difference, you still get the day one version. However there are many problems with day one purchases.
With the rise of always online, as well as multiplayer, very rarely does a game that offers a multiplayer component or is always online, actually work at launch. But TopHatMan, when has a game been broken on launch. Destiny, Halo the Master Chief Collection, World of Warcraft Warlords of Draenor, Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed Unity, Farcry 4, Lords of the Fallen, Sim City, Sims 4, ESO, etc etc etc etc. All of these games were major releases and all of them were broken or out right didn't work on launch, whether it be framerate issues, crashes, or an assortment of other technical issues, (watch any gameplay of Assassin's Creed Unity.)
What is the answer to this disease of day one purchases and Preordering culture. Wait a bit after the game is released. Watch reviews and gameplay of the game to make sure the game is right for you. After you are satisfied with what the game has and its price as well as technical conditions, purchase the game either at full price or even better at a sale. Play the game and enjoy a better version and experience than what you would have had if you bought the game on launch.
Click this link to check out Jim Sterling's website. An incredible reviewer and personality that will help you make smarter purchasing decisions as well as make you laugh.
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