In an age of Steam sales and PlayStation Plus it’s getting harder and harder for publishers to convince gamers to buy games brand new. One of they ways they try to do just that is through pre-order incentives. Buy the game new and you’ll get some plastic bauble, a map or an art book or, increasingly, some sort of digital extra for the game you’re purchasing. Do these matter to you?
The next big game to feature pre-order incentives is of course, Watch Dogs – which has an embarrassing number of different editions, each offering some or other different digital extra.
Do you care about these things? Do they make you more likely to buy a game day one?
It’s especially prevalent when it comes to retailer exclusive incentives, where different retailers get different things to give away, because each whines about some sort of exclusivity. Would you rather buy a game from retailer A over retailer B, if their pre-order offer interested you more. Is it more a question of price, or do you prefer to stick to your favoured retailer?
I can’t say they excite me at all, unless they’re incredible – but as they have to be mass marketed and given away, that never happens. More frequently, they tend to be digital extras, and I hate that because of retailer exclusives, it becomes impossible or incredibly costly to end up with a “complete” game.
Last Updated: May 23, 2014
CAE9872
May 23, 2014 at 10:31
No
Spathi
May 23, 2014 at 10:33
Indeed, just no. In 99% of the time, I don’t even use the codes provided. I like to play a game as vanilla as possible.
derp
May 23, 2014 at 10:40
With all the vanilla bugs that are so common nowadays :/
Spathi
May 23, 2014 at 11:26
Not THAT Vanilla though 😀 I meant the DLC codes provided with the pre-order at a particular shop.
derp
May 23, 2014 at 11:30
So you will miss out on stuff that you have paid for on principle.
Spathi
May 23, 2014 at 12:05
Nothing to do with principle, I just don’t care for the stuff. Some games I use it (like GT6), others I don’t (like Dark Souls 2).
Jedi JJ
May 23, 2014 at 11:29
I’m a bit divided on this. I like some games vanilla, but really really enjoy my mods. I’m not talking ridiculous mods, I just mean game-enhancing mods.
Weanerdog
May 23, 2014 at 15:33
I buy the Vanilla and play that as I seldom ever delve into expansions etc by the time I am done with the game I mostly want to move onto something else. As for eye candy DLC its cool to have but not going to pay for it.
CAE9872
May 23, 2014 at 10:32
Nothing will compel me to go to retailer A vs B except cost. I like limited and collectors editions as much as the next person but sometimes they are all a little “meh.” But again it just comes down to cost really. R1 200 for a limited edition is usually a no.
Tortoise
May 23, 2014 at 10:37
No, I’m just gonna buy whatever when it pops up in the next Steam sale.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:41
They matter to me, they make me doubt the industry even more and make me question the motives and business practises of the company releasing it
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 10:52
But, what if FTL had extra shiny bits?! 0-O
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:59
Don’t be silly Rince, of course I’d buy it then.
🙂
If they slapped in a Lego FTL ship (physical) you can put me down for a 20.
BUT, if, for instance, the ships you have to unlocked naturally in the game, were already “unlocked” by a pre-order, I’d be seriously pissed. Or if a pre-order “ship exclusive” existed, I’d be super pissed
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 11:00
thought so and agreed 🙂 Still need to get it!
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 11:04
I’m almost done finishing the game with the new ships and new challenges!
Aries
May 23, 2014 at 14:13
im still trying to beat the boss on normal with the taurus
derp
May 23, 2014 at 10:43
I will go for the collector edition if it is not ridiculously expensive.
Aries
May 23, 2014 at 14:15
tried to get the decsec when they opened pre orders and they said all sold out, i was like whaaaat, now stuck with a special edition, it not really that special
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 23, 2014 at 10:44
Not to me, especially if it’s digital. They usually release those extras further down the line anyway.
I think it’s just a silly sales hook just like the telemarketers use – pre-order & get this shiny skin free.
Mossel
May 23, 2014 at 10:58
Pre order now and receive a Ubisoft pen (*insert O_O) absolutely free! This pen is blue! You can write letters with it! You can make your signature with it! Hell, you can even write a noval!
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:59
*GASP*
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 23, 2014 at 11:00
So if I pay money, I get something for free? WOOHOO!
Mossel
May 23, 2014 at 11:01
That’s how much me like our customers!
Dutch Matrix
May 23, 2014 at 11:01
You can doodle with it whilst our DRM takes hours to unlock your game!
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 11:01
But not before you sign on to Uplay!
Jedi JJ
May 23, 2014 at 11:23
They can stick Uplay up their asses.
Jedi JJ
May 23, 2014 at 11:24
If I smell even a whiff of Uplay it’s over.
Rags
May 23, 2014 at 10:45
Only if it’s Mass Effect. I have to own it all. 🙁
derp
May 23, 2014 at 12:09
My card is going to need a tub of Vaseline when ME4 comes out.
Kensei Seraph
May 23, 2014 at 12:11
I’m thinking I should stock up on Vaseline before hand or it will be sold out.
Tuism
May 23, 2014 at 10:46
Unless a game is like once in a lifetime (I once thought FFXIII was, shame on me), then I’ll mostly just get it when I find it second hand. Hype is just hype. Also, Humble Bundles are awesome.
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 23, 2014 at 10:49
Especially the current weekly one. All the Divinity games for $15? Never mind the AoW ones. Yes please.
Ektso Gedinkja
May 23, 2014 at 10:48
nope
Hammersteyn
May 23, 2014 at 10:48
I only pre-order because I get the game at a discount price plus a DLC code, also I get more for my trade ins as well. I do this only if I really think it’s gonna be a awesome game like TLOU and because AAA games are bloody expensive! I couldn’t begin to give a toss about the extra crap.
The thing is you can’t tap blood from a stone(Maybe a bloodstone hue hue). Backlogs are a prevalent problem as well. So lots of people will sit and wait for a Steam special rather while console gamers hopes and prays it comes to PS+. Not so sure about XBOX gamers 😛
AAA developers will need to come up with a way to make day one purchases more attractive if they insist on charging a premium price. First of I want a game that’s value for money. Secondly if the really insist on DLC(like they wouldn’t) make it worthwhile.
Borderlands 2 gave you an extra character to play. That shoots the re-playability through the roof. But this isn’t possible for all games obviously, but the industry has to be smart enough to figure it out.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:49
^This
Norm
May 23, 2014 at 12:17
Winner!
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:49
FIGURINES!!!
And extra schtuffs!
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 23, 2014 at 10:56
Collector’s editions must have cool physical stuff, otherwise GTFO.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:57
Indeed, lets get physical! No more digital (and no, this is NOT a pickup line)
Alien Emperor Trevor
May 23, 2014 at 10:58
…
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:59
Before even clicking that link I know what it is
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 10:51
It drives my flipping mad these ‘incentives’. They make the industry look like a punch of guys in long coats with candy outside schools. Should be ashamed. And no, it doesn’t get me to buy them because they piece of plastic is usually an extra 500 I don’t frigging have.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 10:52
LOL @ “bunch of guys in long coats with candy outside schools”
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 10:53
Hehehe
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 23, 2014 at 10:56
Rince just created a collective noun for pedophiles.
A punch of pedophiles.
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 10:59
hahahahahah! Well spotted 😉
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 11:02
Please Punch a Pedophile Pednesday? Or Phursday? Or Peveryday?
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 23, 2014 at 11:04
Peter punched a punch of pedophiles praying at the pewter.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 11:06
Then Proceeded to Pew Pew some pansies over at the pub?
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 11:14
0-O
Tarisma
May 23, 2014 at 10:57
only to fools
Ryanza
May 23, 2014 at 10:57
If it’s dlc incentive then they can fuck off. Steelbook and goodies then yes. And if it’s no DRM incentive, then hell yes.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 11:00
“Steelbook and goodies”
Well said!
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 23, 2014 at 11:03
I would prefer those things in a collectors edition (lie a some GOTY editions) not just pre-orders. They amount of AAA crap/duds the last couple of years made me very pre-order shy regardless if it includes any nice collectibles.
Admiral Chief in Space
May 23, 2014 at 11:05
PRE ORDER NOW AND GET A COMPLETELY SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT SKIN
BAH I say, BAH
HvR - THE Average GAmer
May 23, 2014 at 11:07
When I see those I automatically ignore the game until it comes to a GOTY special, is on sale or free PS collection.
My backlog is more than big enough to wait.
Dutch Matrix
May 23, 2014 at 11:01
I pre ordered one game in my life. Mass Effect 3. The End.
derp
May 23, 2014 at 12:02
Same here
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
May 23, 2014 at 11:07
No it doesn’t because:
1) I don’t buy day 1. Ever. I’m over huge patches on launch day
2) I get the incentives when they release the GOTYE or special editions later on anyway for far cheaper.
3) I don’t put value in digital in-game content as it has no possitive effect on my actual physical life other than feeling cool for having something others don’t (Which they will get eventually anyway for no extra cash or hassle)
Norm
May 23, 2014 at 11:45
Amen.
R1ker
May 23, 2014 at 12:05
I really want to pre-order the new Batman game when it becomes available. But I also know come the December steam sales I will be able to pick it up much cheaper. I should just prevent myself from logging into steam until December
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
May 23, 2014 at 12:35
lol
Mark Treloar
May 23, 2014 at 11:11
Honestly I was hoping to find a standard edition of Watchdogs but alas everyone want more money so only special editions available. Pisses me off.
Anon A Mouse
May 23, 2014 at 11:11
To copy Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
No it doesn’t because:
1) I don’t buy day 1. Ever. I’m over huge patches on launch day
2) I get the incentives when they release the GOTYE or special editions later on anyway for far cheaper.
3)
I don’t put value in digital in-game content as it has no possitive
effect on my actual physical life other than feeling cool for having
something others don’t (Which they will get eventually anyway for no
extra cash or hassle)
Thanks for typing it for me dude..
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 11:15
Really have to say that leaving content out to bribe us sucks. I mean Farcry 3 had awesome Hank content, and you have to buy from X to get it? Fuc dat.
Jedi JJ
May 23, 2014 at 11:17
Agreed. But this is the “new age” of gaming.
That said.
I’m seriously eyeing the Homeworld pre-order special edition with the little mothership.
RinceofFuturePast
May 23, 2014 at 11:18
I would too, but I need to eat… 0-O Isn’t it like a few thousand rands?
Jedi JJ
May 23, 2014 at 11:22
I have that same problem. Once pre-ordered a game, never again. I don’t care for the “incentives”. But. If they bring out a new Elder Scrolls or Fallout with some nice goodies, I probably won’t be able to resist.
Got the gf into New Vegas now. Now I’m the loneliest guy with a gf. 😉
Jedi JJ
May 23, 2014 at 11:15
Pre-order, and even more so early access, incentives are usually worth pretty much nothing. It feels like something they can give you for free because it didn’t cost them any effort or money.
Laurent
May 23, 2014 at 11:35
The only Game I recently Pre-ordered because of pre-order incentive was Destiny, and that is only because of the Beta access I get for pre-ordering it from participating retailer. Other than that, I have no real interest for a different outfit or weapons attachment when I can finish the game without it.
Mike Doutchevitch
May 23, 2014 at 11:35
The main insentive for pre-ordering for me is the discounted price. Don’t pay much attention to the rest of the stuff.
Kromas
May 23, 2014 at 11:46
Considering as I type this I am wearing my Wolfenstein lanyard I would say … to a degree yes.
Double-O-Six and a half
May 23, 2014 at 11:49
Pre-order incentives that give you meaningful stuff to use in game are good by me. By meaningful I don’t mean a different coloured jacket, or pair of shoes, unless you’re playing “Barbie on the Catwalk” or some other such drivel… (apologies to any fashionTV or Barbie lovers out there – do your parents know you have uncontrolled access to the interwebs?) but rather something like an additional level, weapon, car, etc.
Anyway I digress… but onto a more important note, incentives to buy from a specific supplier in my opinion really suck, because like Geoff said, unless you buy 3 versions of the game you end up with half of the game. The watch dogs case above is an absolutely ludicrous situation for a game developer… There is no one version that gives you everything…
Ubisoft are actually famous at this, they did the same with the last Splinter Cell, you couldn’t get one collectors edition that had everything, like the cool sam fisher watch or figurine were sold completely separately…
Kensei Seraph
May 23, 2014 at 12:00
Pre-order incentives generally fall into either P2W type extras (start with superior weapons or skill points), an extra side mission (maybe with an extra weapon) or cosmetic items that usually aren’t all that pretty anyway.
Any pre-order incentive that is actually worth getting usually becomes available at a later date for anyone to purchase due to “popular demand”.
Kensei Seraph
May 23, 2014 at 12:36
One way to encourage Day 1 purchases is have free content that is only available for a limited period.
Any one who gets the game within the first 3 days gets a unique skill (would still need to be balanced).
Any one who gets the game in the month after that or already has the game gets another skill.
And so on until the specials or GotY editions come out and then those people either don’t get the free stuff or have to pay to unlock them.
Lardus-Resident Perve
May 23, 2014 at 13:40
If a game is good enough to pre-order, then any “incentives” are only a bonus. If I am not yet convinced enough about a game to pre-order, the “incentives” are not going to persuade me – it is up to the game itself. Right now, only thing stopping me from pre-ordering DA:I, is that I have not yet gotten a new console. Incentives do not matter.
JFC10
May 23, 2014 at 14:44
http://youtu.be/H5kwvRYJRnw
Sk3tz0
May 23, 2014 at 17:27
I buy pre order but not for the incentive.. I do to make sure i get a copy.. What i want is Cheaper Pricing on Collectors Edition.. Give me the Collectors Edition for a Cheaper price on Pre order i’ll fucking buy that shit up..
Bad@$$
May 26, 2014 at 08:36
I have learned my lesson with COD Ghost. Never (or almost never) will I buy a game on release date. I would rather wait and see reviews and then decide which version of a game a would like to buy.
Another thing is that if like TF the servers r not local it is a now go, wont buy it no matter what the incentives.