How Pre-Ordering Affects Game Development and What It Means for You

14 July 2025

Pre-ordering video games is like getting caught up in a wave of hype you can’t resist. We’ve all been there, right? That shiny new trailer drops, and bam, you’re itching to smash that “Pre-Order Now” button faster than you can say, “Shut up and take my money!” But what happens after you commit to that pre-order? How does your decision impact the game being made and, ultimately, how does it affect your experience as a gamer?

Let’s take a deep dive into how pre-ordering affects game development, the pros and cons it brings to the table, and what it really means for you—yes, you, the person reading this with their finger hovering over the purchase button.

The Allure of Pre-Ordering: Why Gamers Jump In

Pre-ordering has become a standard part of the gaming world. Developers and publishers know how to package it in a way that feels irresistible. Exclusive skins, early access, bonus levels—these things are like catnip for gamers. But have you ever stopped to wonder why publishers are so keen on you pre-ordering in the first place? Spoiler alert: It’s not just about building hype.

From their perspective, pre-orders are guaranteed revenue. Think about it: before the game even launches, they’ve already raked in a chunk of cash. That’s huge for them, but does it always translate into better games for us? Well, it’s a mixed bag.

How Pre-Ordering Influences Game Development

Here’s where things get tricky. When publishers know they’ve secured a bunch of pre-orders, it can sometimes change the priorities within game development.

1. Early Revenue Means Less Risk for Publishers

Pre-orders give publishers a financial cushion. Knowing that thousands (or millions) of players have already locked in their purchase takes some of the guesswork out of how well the game will sell. But while this might sound like a win-win situation, in reality, it creates some dangerous pitfalls.

Developers, now backed by early sales, might cut corners or focus more on delivering the game on time rather than polishing it to perfection. Meeting that release date suddenly becomes more important than ensuring the game lives up to expectations.

2. Focus Shift: Marketing Over Quality

You ever notice how some of the most hyped games tend to fall flat upon release? That’s because with pre-orders locked in, studios often focus more on creating buzz than on ironing out bugs or delivering innovative gameplay mechanics. It’s like spending a ton of time wrapping a birthday present only to fill the box with socks.

3. Day-One Patches and Crunch Culture

The rise of pre-ordering has also made day-one patches the norm. Developers know they can “finish” (read: rush) a game to meet the launch deadline because they can always fix it later with updates. Sure, this system lets us get games faster, but at what cost? Behind the scenes, crunch culture—a.k.a. developers working ridiculous hours—often becomes the reality. And guess who ends up waiting for massive updates to fix broken gameplay? Yup, that’s right—you.

The Gamer’s Perspective: Pros and Cons of Pre-Ordering

Let’s bring it back to you, the gamer. Is pre-ordering worth it? Well, it depends. There are some definite perks, but the downsides can be pretty gnarly, too.

The Pros of Pre-Ordering

1. Exclusive Content
Who doesn’t want that sweet bonus mission or that limited-edition skin? Pre-order bonuses are designed to make you feel like you’re getting insider perks, and let’s be honest—it works.

2. Early Access
Some pre-orders come with early access to the game, letting you jump in before the masses. It’s like getting into the VIP lounge before the party even starts.

3. Physical Collectibles
If you’re a collector, those pre-order editions with art books, figurines, or steel cases can be hard to resist. They’re like trophies that show off your passion for the game.

The Cons of Pre-Ordering

1. Broken Games at Launch
One of the biggest downsides is that you’re taking a leap of faith. How many times have we seen a highly anticipated game release with bugs, crashes, or disappointing mechanics? (Looking at you, Cyberpunk 2077.)

2. No Room for Reviews
By pre-ordering, you’re locking in your purchase before critics and regular players can give feedback. It’s a gamble, plain and simple.

3. Encourages Risky Practices
The more we pre-order, the more publishers rely on this model. This can encourage them to focus less on making the game the best it can be and more on marketing gimmicks. It’s like feeding a habit we all complain about.

Should You Pre-Order?

Here’s the million-dollar question: Should you pre-order games? The answer isn’t black and white (sorry, I know you wanted a clear Yes or No). It really depends on the situation and your personal preferences.

When You Might Consider Pre-Ordering

- If you’re a die-hard fan of a franchise or developer and trust they’ll deliver.
- If the pre-order bonuses genuinely add value for you.
- If you don’t mind taking a risk for the sake of early access or exclusive perks.

When to Hold Off

- If the game’s been in development limbo or has red flags (delays, little gameplay shown, etc.).
- If reviews and player feedback matter to you.
- If you’re tired of supporting a system that sometimes prioritizes profits over quality.

Alternatives to Pre-Ordering

If you’re on the fence about pre-ordering, there are other ways to participate in the hype without committing your cash too early.

- Wait for Reviews: Let the early birds test the waters. You’ll get to see whether the game actually lives up to the promises.
- Day-One Purchase (Without Pre-Ordering): You can still buy the game on release day without pre-ordering. This way, you’re not locked in, but you get to join the fun ASAP if the reviews are positive.
- Subscribe to a Service: Some games launch on platforms like Game Pass or EA Play, letting you play new titles for a relatively low monthly cost.

The Bigger Picture: How Gamers Can Shape the Industry

At the end of the day, pre-ordering isn’t inherently bad—it’s just a tool. Like any tool, it can be used well or poorly, and a lot of that comes down to us as gamers. By demanding better practices, holding studios accountable, and being smart about where we spend our money, we can nudge the industry in a better direction.

Think of it this way: if you keep rewarding someone for showing up late with sloppy work, why would they change? But if you wait to see the final product before paying, developers and publishers will feel more pressure to deliver games that are polished and worth your hard-earned cash. It’s like voting with your wallet.

Final Thoughts

Pre-ordering games is like buying a concert ticket before you’ve heard the album. Sometimes it pays off, and sometimes it’s a disaster. The key is to weigh the risks and rewards—and not let FOMO (fear of missing out) cloud your judgment.

Whether you decide to pre-order or wait it out, being informed is what matters most. So the next time you’re tempted to hit that pre-order button, take a minute to think: Is this worth it to me? And more importantly, are my dollars supporting a gaming industry I want to be part of?