Fire&Blood
Platinum Member
- Jan 13, 2009
- 2,333
- 18
- 81
With Steam's refund policy, what's the problem with pre-ordering now?
Granted, I bought mine from GMG, but they've already committed to refunding Batman if you aren't happy after the first major patch is released.
Refund policies empower consumers but the best way to keep publishers honest is to withhold cash until the final product is scrutinized by enough media outlets to make an informed decision. Incentives tied to preordering aren't good for the consumers in the long run. For example, Gamestop wants to work closely with studios/publishers during development to carve up games into preorder exclusive DLC's/bonuses. Even if we assume that 100% of unsatisfied buyers will ask for their money back, (they won't) this practice is bad for us, not paying upfront is the best way to motivate studios/publishers to deliver quality products on launch day.
Getting totally sidetracked here but I'm fed up with the preorder culture and "gotta have it" mentality that gamers worldwide tend to practice. As consumers we lose leverage when some gamers are so weak to temptations that they resort to faking locations via VPN's just to access content a few hours earlier or spend money months in advance as if any given upcoming game is at high risk of "selling out" before they can buy it. Activision and other industry giants prey on this junkie mentality. Personally I was extremely hyped for Witcher 3, I totally expected it to be the best RPG I ever played. And it did yet I lost absolutely nothing by sticking to my "no preorder" rule and waiting for it to launch before buying it.
Again, not saying Mad Max will be a bad game. I'm leaning towards opposite and I see fresh ideas in the way they approached making it but I want it launched and dissected by trustworthy media outlets before I spend my money on it.