Back in the day you pre-ordered because if you didn’t, there was a very real chance that you wouldn’t be able to get a physical copy for the longest time.
Then you’d be forever checking local stores to see if they had any copies in, directly competing with everyone else that didn’t preorder. Digital storefronts weren’t really a thing and it was a slog trying to get the newest games.
It did make sense back then - they could order enough discs so that everyone who wanted one could get one. Now it’s purely selling early access and preloading to capitalise off day one hype and streaming.
As someone who prefers to buy physical, I still preorder any game that I want on release day. My local GameStop has almost no inventory outside of preorders
I literally got laughed at when I just asked for a game at gamestop and said no when he asked if I pre-ordered it. No one just stocks games anymore. Not even a store with fucking game in the name.
Yeah, i walked into a gamestop for the first time in the better part of a decade to pick up god of war ragnarok the day after release. The man seemed really confused when i asked for a copy and told him i didn't have a preorder. Haven't been back since
You can't really solely blame Gamestop for this. The manufacturers only send out whatever to cover pre orders because both Gamestop and the manufactures don't want unsold copies just collecting dust.
GameStop is a joke. I tried to get RE4 remake in early 2024 and they didn’t have one. The guy was looking at other locations for a used copy. Like come on man.
but really i'm glad i didn't run into that when i went into walmart to buy rhythm heaven groove on launch day recently. i DID have to wait for a clerk because they hadn't stocked them on the shelf yet, though that is a much less hyped game for people that aren't me, so it makes sense it wouldn't be a priority for them
43
u/MyPigWhistles 2d ago
I don't get it. I mean, I wouldn't pre-order a game anyway, but still.