The Pre‑Order Trap: Risks, Rewards, and the Psychology of FOMO in Gaming

Written By Ryan Hayden

Introduction

Pre-ordering video games has become one of the most debated practices in modern gaming. Publishers market pre-orders as a way to secure exclusive bonuses, early access, and collector’s editions. At the same time, critics argue that the practice often leads to disappointment when games launch unfinished. The tension between caution and excitement reflects a broader issue in gaming culture: players know the risks, yet many continue to pre-order despite repeated examples of broken releases. To understand this paradox, it is essential to examine both the practical drawbacks of pre-orders and the psychological forces, such as fear of missing out (FOMO), that drive players to commit early.

Why We Shouldn’t Pre-Order

One of the strongest arguments against pre-ordering is that it encourages publishers to release games before they are truly ready. Titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Battlefield 2042 launched with severe bugs, performance issues, and missing features, leaving early buyers frustrated and betrayed. Pre-ordering removes consumer leverage, as publishers already secure revenue before proving the product’s quality. As Tech Overwrite (2025) notes, pre-ordering digital games is essentially a gamble, since players commit money without knowing if the final product will meet expectations.

Another issue is that pre-order marketing often relies on cinematic trailers and promises that do not reflect actual gameplay. This mismatch between marketing and reality has led to widespread skepticism in the gaming community. Moreover, digital games rarely “sell out,” meaning there is little practical reason to commit early. Waiting until reviews are published allows players to make informed decisions and avoid disappointment.

Why People Still Pre-Order

Despite the risks, pre-orders remain popular. The primary reason is hype and anticipation. Publishers build excitement through flashy trailers, influencer reactions, and countdown events that make waiting feel unbearable. Exclusive bonuses also play a significant role. These can include cosmetic skins, weapons, or even early access to new classes. For example, Remnant 2 offered pre-order players immediate access to the Gunslinger archetype, while Borderlands 2 provided exclusive weapons and the Mechromancer class (How‑To Geek, 2025).

Collector’s editions further fuel demand by offering physical items such as figurines, steelbook cases, and art books. These limited bundles create a sense of scarcity, driving fear of missing out (FOMO). As How‑To Geek (2025) explains, physical bonuses often carry extra value for collectors, making them more appealing than digital extras. Community culture also plays a role: being part of launch day conversations on social media or streaming platforms makes waiting feel like missing out on a shared experience.

The Psychology of FOMO

Beyond marketing, the real engine behind pre-orders is psychology. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) taps into deep cognitive biases that influence decision-making. Even when players know pre-ordering is risky, the emotional pull of limited offers and launch‑day hype often overrides rational caution.

Scarcity and Urgency

Psychological research shows that when free choice is limited, people desire it more. Developers exploit this by offering time-limited bonuses or exclusive pre-order rewards. The ticking countdown clock creates urgency, making players feel that waiting means losing something valuable. According to the GameMaker Blog (2025), scarcity elicits urgency and desire, pushing players to act quickly rather than to evaluate whether they need the content rationally.

Loss Aversion

Loss aversion, the idea that losing something feels twice as painful as gaining something of equal value, is another key factor. Players imagine missing out on exclusive items or early access, and that imagined loss drives them to commit money early. As GameMaker Blog (2025) explains, time-limited offers tap into loss aversion, making players more willing to spend to avoid the pain of missing out.

Social Pressure

FOMO is not just about items; it is also about community participation. Launch-day culture, streaming events, and social media buzz create the sense that everyone else is playing and talking about the game. Missing out means exclusion from the conversation. As Springer (2024) highlights, FOMO is strongly linked to gaming disorder and compulsive play, showing how social pressure can reinforce unhealthy behaviors.

Lessons from Recent Games

Recent releases illustrate both the dangers and potential redemption of pre-orders. Cyberpunk 2077 showed how disastrous pre-orders can be when a game is not ready, while No Man’s Sky demonstrated that redemption is possible through years of updates. On the other hand, Elden Ring proved that waiting for reviews can still lead to a confident day-one purchase. These examples suggest that patience often pays off, but hype cycles continue to drive early commitments.

Conclusion

Pre-ordering games is a risky practice that often benefits publishers more than players. Broken launches, misleading marketing, and the lack of scarcity make waiting the more intelligent choice. Yet hype, exclusives, and community culture keep pre-orders alive. FOMO, driven by scarcity, loss aversion, and social pressure, explains why players continue to commit early despite knowing the risks. The best approach is balance: enjoy the excitement of upcoming releases but wait until reviews confirm the game delivers. By resisting the pre-order trap, players can protect themselves from disappointment while still engaging with gaming culture.

References

 

Ryan Hayden
Previous

Cyberpunk 2077 as the Benchmark King: Why Reviewers Rely on Night City
Next

Why I am Excited for Crimson Desert