Serrano: Pre-ordering video games is not the move

March 3, 2026 - 17:05

The gaming landscape has fundamentally shifted from the days of eagerly awaiting a physical cartridge or disc. While the excitement for new releases remains, the practice of pre-ordering has become a relic of a bygone era, often working against the consumer's best interest.

Historically, pre-ordering guaranteed a copy on launch day, a crucial consideration when stock was limited. Today, with digital distribution, this concern is virtually eliminated. The modern risk is no longer scarcity, but quality. Games frequently launch with significant bugs, missing features, or performance issues that aren't revealed until public release. By pre-ordering, players essentially purchase a product based on marketing promises rather than critical reviews or actual gameplay.

Furthermore, the incentive of exclusive pre-order bonuses has diminished, often offering trivial digital items that are later sold separately. This model prioritizes hype over substance, encouraging publishers to focus resources on pre-launch marketing rather than ensuring a polished final product. The smart move for today's gamer is patience. Waiting even a few days post-launch provides a wealth of player feedback, technical analysis, and often, the first round of patches, leading to a better and more informed purchase. The power has shifted to the player; it's time to use it by waiting for the final product to speak for itself.