Poll: Do you still buy games on release?

[Iwata]

This hasn't been a good year for day-1 purchases.

I've always been the kinda guy who pre-orders games, and gleefully goes to the store to pick them up on the very first day that they're available. But recently, I'm beginning to re-think this position.

First, I've bought a number of games this year that I would've been smarter to wait and see how the community reacts, for they were either broken, unsatisfying, or downright sucked. That used to be a rare occurrence, but the number of disapointing games I've bought on release this year, thus far, almost equals the number of good games.

Secondly, the ever-increasing fad of releasing broken games, because fuck it, we'll just patch it as soon as we feel like it! It sucks buying a game, only to get home and realize that the game has multiple flaws that could've been fixed, but weren't, and the game was just pushed out the door. And then it's playing the waiting game for the game to be fixed.

And thirdly, and the reason why I'm posting this in the first place, because just yesterday I went to one of my local gaming stores, and I realized that a fair number of new releases are getting their prices slashed by as much as 60%, less than two months after release. And I come home, and look at games I sometimes haven't even had time to play yet, realizing that if I'd have just waited, I could've saved a lot of money.

So, yeah. I've sworn off day-1 purchases at this point. And it happened in a fairly short ammount of time, too.

What is your stance on this topic?

 

[Arehexes]

If it's Atlus or NISA I kinda have to because they short stock a lot of the times.

 

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

If it's Atlus or NISA I kinda have to because they short stock a lot of the times.

That is a big reason for me.
OP: I still do. I read a ton of reviews, watch gameplay videos, and watch "making of" commentaries. It is all about making an informed purchase.

 

[DeadlyYellow]

It is extremely rare for me to get a game on or at release price. Namely because I find games to be too expensive at the lowered price we North American's pay. Also, a lot of games anymore have this samey feel to them, and it's beginning to push me further and further away from the gaming industry.

 

[TriggerHappyAngel]

I bought Brink and The Witcher 2 on release and I didn't have any regrets at all.
Also I'm certain that I'm going to buy Guild Wars 2, Skyrim and Mass Effect 3 on the release.
So yes: I still do.

 

[HassEsser]

I preordered Portal 2 :/

Other than that, purchasing games on release is pretty exclusive to VALVe games and PS3 games, such as Portal 2 or LBP/inFAMOUS/Uncharted etc.

 

[SammiYin]

Only if I know I'm going to enjoy it [so mainly sequels to games I already have] but some I will buy for the sheer awesomeness.

Things I'm dubious about enjoying I can wait until Christmas for.

 

[hypovolemia]

I preorder games when
a) I've been looking forward to it for a long time and/or
b) I like the preorder bonus (I'm a sucker for artbooks and soundtracks).
So if it's Atlus, chances are very high I'll do that.

If I didn't already preorder, than I'll wait and see how it turns out.

I'm still a bit irritated that I imported Persona 3 Portable some time after its release and now it actually got released in Europe. Meaning, I get no artbook. Curses!

 

[similar.squirrel]

Never have, probably never will unless I start earning a lot of money or using Steam.

 

[Calico93]

I do, sometimes, but not that much.
Ive got too may games atm I need to play so im limiting myself to them.
I still need to get Dirt 3 and LA Noire... I think I got Brink on release
Anyway im not voting because theres no "Sometimes" option.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Most of the time depending if that game will get any preorder bonus even if it's just double game membership points. I am a sucker for most exlusive or limited edition stuff when you pre oder it (unless it's really expensive).

 

[Cowabungaa]

Sure, most games I buy on day 1 I've been following for quite some time already, and I'm usually pretty sure I want it. Only rarely do I get really disappointed, Brink being the most recent example.

 

[Togs]

Not really, most games tend to be released at really stupid times (e.g. study leave) meaning that I have to wait a few months, which in my opinion is actually better as I can get the consensus of opinion after the "honeymoon" period has elapsed.

Its something that's carried over to other times when I could buy games on release, and pretty much the only time Id not do it is for something like D3.

 

[Shreder55]

Not really since I don't buy games that often, and I find it a rip off to pay $60 for a game that technically only worth $30 or $40. So I just wait for the price cut.

 

[linwolf]

Witcher 2 the only game in years that I have brought at new price. And that game was 20% cheaper at release that standard price where I live. Plus I got Baldurs Gate, Divine Divinity and Gothic 2 for free with it.

Most games these days are just not worth new price, I often wait for about a year for most game to drop to a decent price.

 

[Katana314]

Hardly ever unless I'd really like to support the developer. I especially avoid it when there's no demo for the game. There have been some instances where enough stacked up in the game's favor for me to buy it at its $50 pricetag, though I still don't preorder.

 

[F'Angus]

bit hard since I'm mostly using a ps2 and a gba... but I do sometimes buy games on release on steam.

 

[51gunner]

I still do, but I'm starting to rethink doing it. I bought Brink without waiting for any kind of peer reviews and boy do I regret that decision. I think I'll start waiting a week or two so I can see how something is faring.

That said, I don't really want to wait too long to get a game. If I do, I'm the guy who likes games but can't talk about them with anyone.

Offtopic: REALLY don't like these captchas.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I don't buy that many games. I can't rent games in my country, so I only buy a game when I really want it.

I only bought 3 this year; Dragon Age 2, Portal 2, and L.A. Noire. And only one of those was a disappointment.

 

[squid5580]

Dragon Age 2. I am done with day 1 purchases til they are done with month after patch to make the game play as intended. You can keep rushin out the games but funny thing is there is a huge library of games out there I haven't played yet that do run properly I can wait til you get your shit together and do it right.

Food for thought devs