Why Gamers Rarely Say “Don’t Preorder” For New IPs Vs. Franchises
Hey guys! Have you ever noticed a curious trend in the gaming community? It seems like the cautionary advice of "don't preorder" is almost exclusively reserved for games that are part of established franchises. When a brand-new IP is announced, the preorder skepticism seems to mysteriously vanish. Let's dive deep into this phenomenon and explore the potential reasons behind it.
The Preorder Paradox: Why Franchise Games Face the Heat
Franchise games, those titles with a well-established legacy, often bear the brunt of the "don't preorder" sentiment. Why is this the case? Well, a significant factor is the weight of expectation. When a game carries the name of a beloved series, gamers naturally anticipate a certain level of quality and innovation. This expectation is fueled by past experiences, whether positive or negative. Think about it: if you've been a die-hard fan of a particular franchise for years, you've likely invested not just money, but also time and emotion into the games. You have a vested interest in seeing the series continue to thrive. This is especially true for long-running franchises that have built up a dedicated fan base over many years. These fans often have very specific ideas about what makes a good game in the series, and they are quick to voice their opinions if a new installment doesn't live up to their expectations. The developers of franchise games are under immense pressure to deliver a product that satisfies not only newcomers but also the long-time fans who are deeply invested in the lore, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Any deviation from the established formula, even if intended as an improvement, can be met with resistance. This high level of expectation creates a breeding ground for skepticism. Gamers are wary of being burned by a disappointing release, especially after having potentially invested in previous entries in the series. The fear of preordering a game that doesn't meet expectations is a powerful motivator, leading many to adopt a wait-and-see approach. This is a completely rational response, especially in an age where game developers sometimes overpromise and underdeliver. We've all seen examples of highly anticipated games that launched with significant technical issues, gameplay flaws, or content that simply didn't live up to the hype. These experiences have made gamers more cautious and discerning about where they spend their money.
The Allure of the New: Why Original IPs Get a Pass
Original IPs, on the other hand, often benefit from a honeymoon period. These games, unburdened by the expectations of a franchise, are often met with curiosity and excitement. There's a certain allure to the unknown, a sense of adventure in exploring a brand-new world, meeting new characters, and experiencing fresh gameplay mechanics. Without the baggage of a pre-existing legacy, original IPs have the freedom to surprise and delight players in ways that franchise games sometimes can't. This doesn't mean that original IPs are immune to criticism, of course. But the initial perception is often more forgiving. Gamers are willing to take a chance on a new IP, especially if the concept is intriguing, the trailers look promising, and the developers have a track record of creating quality games. There's a sense of discovery involved in playing an original IP, a feeling of being part of something new and exciting. This can be a powerful motivator for preordering, even if there's still a degree of uncertainty about the final product. Consider the hype surrounding games like Horizon Zero Dawn or Death Stranding before their release. These were both original IPs from well-regarded developers, and they generated a significant amount of buzz in the gaming community. People were eager to dive into these new worlds and experience something different. This excitement often translates into preorders, as gamers want to ensure they can play the game as soon as it's released. The absence of pre-existing expectations can be a double-edged sword, however. While original IPs are free from the burden of legacy, they also lack the built-in fanbase and brand recognition that franchise games enjoy. This means that the marketing and promotion of an original IP are crucial to its success. Developers need to effectively communicate the game's unique selling points and create a compelling narrative that will capture the attention of potential players. If a new IP fails to generate sufficient buzz, it can easily get lost in the shuffle, regardless of its actual quality.
The Role of Marketing and Hype
Marketing and hype play a significant role in shaping pre-release perceptions. Both franchise games and original IPs can benefit from a well-executed marketing campaign, but the strategies often differ. For franchise games, marketing often relies on nostalgia and familiarity. Trailers and promotional materials emphasize the connections to previous entries in the series, highlighting returning characters, familiar locations, and iconic gameplay elements. The goal is to tap into the existing fanbase and remind them of what they love about the franchise. This can be a highly effective strategy, but it also carries the risk of alienating players if the game deviates too much from the established formula. For original IPs, marketing needs to focus on creating excitement and intrigue around the unknown. Trailers often showcase the game's unique world, intriguing characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The goal is to pique the curiosity of potential players and convince them that this is something they haven't seen before. This requires a different approach, one that emphasizes originality and innovation over nostalgia and familiarity. The level of hype surrounding a game can also influence preordering behavior. Games that generate a lot of buzz in the gaming community, whether through positive previews, enthusiastic fan reactions, or clever marketing campaigns, are more likely to see strong preorder numbers. This is because hype creates a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out). Gamers don't want to be left behind when everyone else is playing the new hotness, so they preorder to ensure they can join the conversation. However, hype can also be misleading. Sometimes a game is overhyped, and the final product simply can't live up to the inflated expectations. This can lead to disappointment and backlash, as gamers feel they've been misled by the marketing. This is why it's important to temper expectations and approach preorders with caution, regardless of the level of hype surrounding a game.
The Power of Brand Loyalty
Brand loyalty is a powerful force in the gaming world. Fans of a particular franchise often have a deep emotional connection to the series, its characters, and its lore. This loyalty can make them more willing to overlook flaws or take a chance on a new entry, even if there are warning signs. Think about the Call of Duty franchise, for example. Despite criticisms of annual releases and perceived stagnation, the games consistently sell incredibly well. This is largely due to the strength of the Call of Duty brand and the loyalty of its fanbase. Many players buy the new Call of Duty game every year almost automatically, without even waiting for reviews. They trust the brand to deliver a certain type of experience, and they're willing to pay for it. This brand loyalty can be a significant advantage for franchise games, but it also creates a responsibility for developers. They need to respect the legacy of the franchise and deliver a product that meets the expectations of its fans. Failing to do so can damage the brand and erode trust, potentially leading to long-term consequences. Original IPs don't have the benefit of pre-existing brand loyalty. They need to earn the trust of players from scratch. This requires creating a compelling and memorable experience that will resonate with gamers and make them want to come back for more. If an original IP is successful, it can build its own brand loyalty over time, creating a foundation for future sequels and spin-offs. But this takes time and effort, and there's no guarantee of success. The gaming industry is highly competitive, and there are countless new games vying for players' attention. Standing out from the crowd and building a loyal following is a challenging task, but it's essential for the long-term success of any original IP.
The Rise of Early Access and Game Demos
The rise of early access programs and game demos has also influenced preordering behavior. In the past, preordering was often the only way to guarantee access to a game on day one. But now, many games offer early access periods or demos that allow players to try the game before committing to a purchase. This gives gamers a chance to assess the quality of the game, identify any potential issues, and make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it. Early access programs can be particularly valuable for original IPs, as they allow developers to gather feedback from players and make adjustments to the game based on that feedback. This can help to ensure that the final product is polished and well-received. Game demos, while less common than they used to be, can also be a powerful tool for building hype and generating preorders. A well-crafted demo can showcase the game's strengths and give players a taste of what to expect from the full experience. This can be especially effective for original IPs, as it allows developers to introduce players to the game's world, characters, and gameplay mechanics in a hands-on way. However, early access and demos also carry risks. If a game is released in early access with significant technical issues or gameplay flaws, it can create a negative impression and deter potential buyers. Similarly, a poorly designed demo can undermine the hype for a game and lead to lower preorders. It's important for developers to carefully consider the pros and cons of early access and demos before deciding to implement them. When done well, these programs can be a valuable tool for building trust and generating excitement. But when done poorly, they can have the opposite effect.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Ultimately, the decision to preorder a game is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, it's important to be informed and to consider all the factors involved before making a decision. Whether it's a franchise title or a brand-new IP, weighing the potential risks and rewards can save you from disappointment and ensure you get the most out of your gaming experience. So next time you're tempted to preorder, take a moment to think about why you're doing it and whether it's truly the right choice for you. Happy gaming, everyone!
