Most gamers are on their toes waiting for the release of a title they absolutely want to play. There is no shortage of those who sign up for so-called pre-orders, i.e. pay for their copy long before the game’s official debut. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who are much more restrained, buying games even a year after their release. Why is this a good idea? Find out in our guide.
“Get” all the fixes
Fixes, or game patches, are pretty much standard. Producers and publishers anticipate the need for them as early as the game design stage. Today, gamers expect monumental new titles to appear on the market with great regularity, so studios are often forced to release unfinished games full of bugs.
Buying a new game at launch is therefore fraught with risk, as purchasers of, for example, “Cyberpunk 2077” from CD Projekt have clearly found out. If you arm yourself with patience and wait a year or so, you will receive a much more polished product.
Price
Games tend to be more expensive when they are first released, but their prices often drop over time. By waiting a year to buy a game, you may be able to get it at a discounted price.
Bugs and glitches
Games are not always perfect when they are first released and may have various bugs and glitches that can affect gameplay. These issues are often addressed in patches and updates, so waiting a year to buy a game can give the developers time to fix any problems.
Expansion packs and additional content
Many games receive expansion packs or additional content after they are released. By waiting a year, you may be able to get the original game along with any additional content that has been released.
You’ll have more time to decide
If you’re not sure if a game is worth buying, waiting a year can give you more time to read reviews, watch gameplay videos, and decide if it’s something you’re interested in.
Overall, waiting a year to buy a game can be a good way to save money, avoid potential issues, and get more value for your money. However, it’s important to note that not all games are worth waiting for, and it’s ultimately up to you to decide if the benefits of waiting outweigh the benefits of buying a game right away.
