Does Pre-Ordering Mean You Get to Play Games Early?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

I know the suspense of awaiting an exciting new game can be excruciating. You‘ve watched every trailer, soaked up every sneak peek at new features, and now you just can‘t wait to dive in on release day. So you pre-order to make absolutely sure you‘ll get your copy as early as possible, right?

Well, I have good news and bad news for you, my fellow gamer. Let‘s start with the straightforward answer to that burning question:

No, pre-ordering a game does not necessarily mean you get to play it early.

While pre-ordering can help guarantee you are one of the first to obtain some highly anticipated games, most pre-order systems are not currently designed to grant early access ahead of a game‘s official launch date.

I know, I know…that‘s not what your eager gamer heart wants to hear. But don‘t tune out just yet! Pre-ordering can still be beneficial in making sure you get your games as close to day-one as possible. Let me break it down for you…

The Pre-Load Tease

Certain digital gaming platforms and retailers do offer pre-load capabilities allowing you to download a game‘s files ahead of release.

This means the waiting game shifts from anxiously watching the progress bar fill to staring at an idle game icon that refuses to launch. Still an improvement, right?

PlayStation and Xbox both offer pre-load for select pre-ordered games, typically becoming available 2-5 days before launch.

Steam has also expanded pre-load access over the years, now allowing it for all pre-purchased games at least one full day prior to release. Certain big-budget titles allow pre-loads even earlier than that.

However, the operative words there are "pre-load." Even with the entire game ready and waiting on your hard drive, the executables remain locked until the game officially launches in your region.

So while handy for ensuring you can dive in the literal second a game unlocks, this doesn‘t equate to true early access.

Exceptions That Prove the Rule

There are occasional exceptions where platforms and developers do allow those who pre-order early to access games a bit ahead of schedule as a bonus incentive. For example:

  • World of Warcraft Expansions: Blizzard Entertainment has made a tradition of granting pre-purchasers early access to new WoW expansions 5-7 days before launch, letting eager fanslevel up new classes ahead of the pack. Of course, restrictions are in place preventing players from accessing expansion end-game content before general release.

  • Select Xbox First-Party Titles: Xbox has pioneered an early access perk for select first-party games like Gears 5, allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on Xbox Series X|S consoles to access and play full games 10-12 days early. While only applicable for certain Microsoft published titles, it‘s an industry first.

  • EA Early Enlister: EA Games‘ EA Access and Origin Access subscription services include early trial access of up to 10 hours for new releases ahead of launch. So technically you can play slices of key new EA titles ~5 days early on Xbox One, PS4, and PC. An rare example available to all players for a subscription fee.

But these remain the exception, not the rule. For the vast majority of new releases across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and beyond, the hard launch date remains firmly in place.

So Why Pre-Order at All?

At this point you may be wondering, if pre-ordering doesn‘t unlock games early, what‘s the point? Is it even worth it?

The answer is yes – when approached smartly, pre-ordering is still an important tool for serious gamers. Let‘s count down the top reasons you should keep those pre-orders flowing:

Guaranteed Supply

This remains the #1 practical reason to pre-purchase. By putting money down early, you ensure yourself a copy before a potential sell-out on release day.

Major titles like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet pre-sold over 10 million copies prior to launch. Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla moved over 1 million in its first week.

For the biggest releases each year, being several hours late to purchase on launch day could mean missing out for days or even weeks.

Pre-Load Convenience

As highlighted earlier, downloading a game early via pre-load makes your first few hours with a game smooth and hastle free. With updates, patches, multiplayer servers and more, new releases have become massive undertakings, with downloads often exceeding 100GB+.

Pre-loading lifts that burden from the critical launch window. No progress bars in sight as you jump into the action the moment the game goes live in midnight bliss.

Exclusive Early Adopter Rewards

Scoring exclusive in-game rewards remains a prime motivator for the completionist pre-order gamer. Retailer-specific bonus items like special weapons or skins, early battle passes, XP boosts and more entice gamers to put money down earlier.

These bonuses reward early adopters for their faith while creating some FOMO urgency around pre-launch purchases.

Pre-Order Discounts

Pre-order deals are more scarce these days with the rise of digital, but you can still snag the occasional % off or bonus gift card for early orders. For savvy gamers watching the discount space closely, pouncing on these time-limited deals can maximize launch savings.

Reasons to Preorder Games

Key Pre-Order Strategies

Now that you know the real benefits and limitations around pre-orders, here are some key tips to make sure you get new games both on time and at the lowest price:

  • Prioritize Official Store Pre-Orders: First party stores like PlayStation Direct, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo eShop typically have the largest supply and most efficient distribution. Lower risk of logistics issues.

  • Choose In-Store Pickup: Skip the shipping waits by choosing in-store pickup, either on your console storefront or retailers like BestBuy. Grab your copy at a midnight launch party!

  • Save with Disc Over Digital: Discs remain cheaper thanks to secondary market competition, with digital more convenient but less discount-friendly. Leverage both.

  • Monitor Pre-Order Deals: Check deal sites for bonuses and sales in the weeks leading up to launch, then pounce before they expire!

Do You Plan to Play Games Early?

I hope this detailed breakdown clarifies all aspects of getting games early via pre-order (or lack thereof!). Is gaming early access important to you? Which upcoming title are you most excited to play at launch? Let me know in the comments!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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