How to Avoid Pre-Order FOMO in the World of Video Games

22 August 2025

Let’s face it — the hype train in the gaming world moves fast. Blisteringly fast. One moment you're watching an exciting new game trailer with cinematic cutscenes and breathtaking visuals, and the next thing you know, pre-orders are live, limited editions are being snatched up left and right, and the internet is on fire.

It's easy to get caught in the whirlwind — the fear of missing out, or FOMO, starts creeping in. You think, “What if I don’t pre-order and it sells out? What if everyone’s playing on day one and I’m left behind?” If you’ve been there, you’re definitely not alone. But don’t worry — this guide will help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of game pre-orders and show you how to avoid pre-order FOMO — all while keeping your hard-earned cash safe.

What Is Pre-Order FOMO, Anyway?

Before we dive into how to avoid it, let’s break down what pre-order FOMO actually is.

FOMO stands for “Fear of Missing Out,” and in the context of video games, it usually kicks in when big titles announce release dates and throw pre-orders into the wild. You see ads everywhere. Social media is buzzing. Special editions with exclusive in-game skins, statues, steelbooks, and early access perks are being advertised like they’re made of gold.

That ticking clock inside your head? That’s FOMO whispering, saying, “If you don’t act now, you’ll miss out forever.”

But here's the thing: buying a game before it's even released, before anyone knows if it's actually good, is a gamble. And it’s one that often doesn’t pay off like you thought it would.

The Pre-Order Trap: Why It’s So Effective

Let’s not underestimate how good marketing can be in the gaming industry. Publishers have become masters at building hype for unreleased games.

Here’s why pre-orders feel so tempting:

1. Clever Marketing Campaigns

Game trailers, behind-the-scenes videos, influencer collabs — they all paint a perfect picture. High-intensity music, visually stunning graphics, and just enough mystery to keep you intrigued. It's all tailored to create emotional pull.

2. Limited Editions and Early Access

The words “limited” and “exclusive” trigger a kind of panic. Throw in early access, and it feels like if you don’t buy now, you’ll miss something everyone else will get to enjoy.

3. Community Pressure

When your favorite creators and friends are pre-ordering — maybe even bragging about it — your brain starts telling you you should be doing the same. Nobody wants to be left out of launch day conversations.

4. Nostalgia and Expectations

Does the trailer evoke feelings from your favorite childhood game? Bingo. Publishers know how to pull those heartstrings. The emotional attachment to franchises like Final Fantasy or Call of Duty is real.

So, Why Should You Think Twice Before Pre-Ordering?

Here’s the cold, hard truth: pre-ordering isn’t always worth it. It might feel rewarding before the release, but the post-launch reality can hit differently. Here’s why:

1. Games Can (and Often Do) Launch Broken

Remember Cyberpunk 2077? Or No Man’s Sky at launch? Glitchy messes, missing features, day-one patches the size of the game itself — these things happen more often than we’d like. Pre-ordering doesn’t protect you from a bad launch.

2. Reviews Come After Pre-Orders

You’re essentially buying blind when you pre-order. No critic reviews. No community feedback. You're gambling on the promise alone.

3. False Advertising Happens

What you see in a trailer might not be what you get. Downgraded graphics, stripped mechanics, or cut content can and do happen. That trailer? It might’ve been cinematic fluff, not actual gameplay.

4. Prices Drop Fast

If you wait even a couple of weeks post-launch, you may get the same game (sometimes a better, patched version) for less. Sales pop up quickly, especially if reviews are mixed.

How to Outsmart Pre-Order FOMO (And Save Your Wallet)

Alright, now let’s focus on what you actually came here for — beating the FOMO beast.

1. Ask Yourself Why You Want to Pre-Order

Is it because the game genuinely looks fun and aligns with what you enjoy? Or is it because everyone else is doing it? If it's the latter, take a step back. You don’t need to follow the crowd just because they’re screaming into the void.

2. Wait for Reviews (Seriously)

I can’t stress this enough — wait for trusted critics and real players to play the game. You’ll get a clear picture of what’s good, what’s broken, and whether it’s worth your time. Patience rewards clarity.

3. Ditch the Hype, Follow the Facts

Hype is emotional. Reviews, previews, and extended gameplay demos are factual. Compare multiple sources. Look for red flags like “no review copies sent before release” — that usually isn’t a good sign.

4. Recognize Marketing Psychology Tricks

Game companies use scarcity (limited items), urgency (pre-order bonuses ending soon), and social proof (everyone’s pre-ordering) to push you. Recognize these as tactics, not facts. You’re smarter than the marketing funnel.

5. Set a Waiting Rule

Here's a fun one — create your own rule, like “Wait 7 days after release before buying any game.” Let the dust settle. Let the initial reviews roll out. Let the patches hit. If the game’s still good a week later, it’s a safer bet.

6. Don’t Fall for the Useless Bonus

Steelbooks are cool. Extra skins? Sure, they look neat. But ask yourself — do you really need that extra armor set or those early access points? Most of the time, these bonuses don’t add actual value to your gameplay.

7. Buy From Stores With Return Policies

If you have to pre-order (for a gift, maybe), at least do it from retailers with a flexible return policy or refund options. Worst case scenario, you’re not stuck with a regret purchase.

8. Support Developers with Proven Track Records

Some devs earn our trust. Studios like CD Projekt Red (post-Cyberpunk redemption arc), Insomniac, or FromSoftware have consistently delivered. If you must pre-order, bet on devs that have already proven they can deliver quality.

Let’s Talk About Digital vs Physical Pre-Orders

Both come with their own traps and perks. Here's how to handle that temptation depending on your preference.

Digital Pre-Orders:

- Instant access on launch day.
- Often can't be refunded.
- Usually tied to your account forever.
- No resale value.

Physical Pre-Orders:

- Can be canceled at most retailers.
- Often come with collectibles.
- Might require shipping and delay.
- Risk of stock selling out.

So, if you’re going to make a pre-order, physical editions can at least give you a little more control over your purchase.

What To Do Instead of Pre-Ordering

Here’s the thing — not pre-ordering doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. There are plenty of ways to stay in the loop and enjoy the game scene without buying blindly.

✅ Watch Gameplay Streams

Twitch, YouTube, TikTok — use them to your advantage. Watch real-time gameplay to see how the game feels in action, not just in carefully edited trailers.

✅ Join Communities

Reddit, Discord servers, or gaming forums like ResetEra are great places to hang out while you wait. People often share their impressions, bugs, tips, and honest opinions.

✅ Make a Game Wish List

Let your excitement live on your "Games I’m Watching" list. Then, revisit it after a week post-launch and see if the game still holds your interest.

✅ Play Your Backlog

Let’s be real — you probably have unfinished games. Instead of shelling out cash for something new, why not revisit what you already own and love?

When Is Pre-Ordering Actually Okay?

Okay, let’s not shame the concept entirely. There are a few situations where pre-ordering makes sense:

- You’re pre-ordering a physical collector’s edition that’s actually limited.
- The developer has earned your loyalty over the years.
- The game is from a trusted franchise you’ve played for decades.
- There’s a real benefit to early access (i.e., beta testing, early feedback).
- Refund options are clearly stated.

In these cases, you’re making an informed choice, not just throwing cash at hope.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Hype Lead Your Wallet

Pre-order FOMO is real. It’s powerful. But it doesn’t have to win. The gaming world thrives on hype cycles, but that doesn’t mean you have to ride every one.

Be the friend in your group who waits it out and makes smart choices. The one who buys the patch-fixed version on sale and still has a blast without the launch-day headaches. Trust me — future-you (and your wallet) will thank you.

At the end of the day, gaming is about fun. You don’t need to be first; you just need to enjoy the ride — whether it’s day one or six months after launch when everything actually works.