Is it just me, or have the recent price decreases across the board on videogames made it almost impossible to think pre-ordering a game is a good idea?
Pre-ordering always seems a bit mad to me anyway, unless it's a truly limited edition or an import obscurity, but if you were unlucky enough to pre-order or buy any of the Christmas big releases in the last few weeks on launch day, you've basically lost a small fortune.
Just about every single game released has dropped in price a week later, sometimes by as much as 50%. It's fucking insane tbh.
Credit crunch, retail panic, or the idiotic tendency of the software industry to release EVERYTHING IN ONE MONTH - whatever's causing it, it's a double edged sword for the punters. Bargains are to be had for the patient, but those must have games could end up costing you twice what they would if you can't wait.
Surely all this is teaching customers is that if they wait, they'll get it cheaper? Seems that way to me - I really can't bring myself to buy a game on launch anymore, as I'd rather wait a week and save a tenner. Or more, depending on how desperate the publishers are for sales or the retailers are for footfall.
Anyway rant over. I'm off to play Prince of Persia - rented for 3.95 for a week.If it's half as easy as the reviews claim, I reckon I'll rinse it no worries. Certainly better than paying 40 or 25 or whatever it is this minute.
Which means more beer in my fridge. Winner.
I know just what you mean. I've long been in the habit of insisting on wiating until games are under 20 notes before I'll part with my cash.
ReplyDeleteI try and buy new if possible as I don't want to support Game and their resale racket (given that they control the prices in a dodgy way and don't pass on any of the resale money to the publisher it's a bit shady).
Wish you'd warned me before I got Prince of Persia though.
Also, you need to be careful what you say on the phone to me - I recall rushing out and paying £40 for Viking because you said it was good, only to discover you'd been renting the bugger! Anyway.
If it ain't Call of Duty, Halo or "Tales Of", then it ain't getting my cash at full price.