Pre-Orders and DLC Packs: What You Should Be Aware Of

28 June 2025

Alright, let's talk about something we gamers love to hate—pre-orders and DLC packs. These twin titans of modern gaming are like those annoying relatives who show up uninvited to a party, eat all the snacks, and then complain about the food. Sure, they serve a "purpose," but are they really the heroes of the gaming world or just clever schemes to siphon extra cash from our wallets? Spoiler alert: it’s probably the latter.

Strap in, because we’re going to break down why the shiny promise of pre-order bonuses and "must-have" DLC packs might not be worth their weight in virtual currency.

A Quick Rundown: What Are Pre-Orders and DLC Packs?

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.

- Pre-Orders: You’re essentially paying for a game before it even exists in your hands—or in many cases, before it’s even finished. It's the gaming industry's equivalent of gambling on a blind date.

- DLC Packs (Downloadable Content): Ah, the good ol' add-ons. Imagine ordering a pizza, but then the delivery guy shows up and tells you that the cheese and pepperoni are locked behind an extra fee. That’s DLC in a nutshell.

Now that we're clear on what we're dealing with, let’s dissect why these concepts are both genius and pure evil at the same time.

The Siren Call of Pre-Orders: Why We Fall for It

Let’s face it, game publishers are master manipulators. They dangle pre-order bonuses in front of us like a carrot on a stick: exclusive skins, early access, limited-edition posters, and sometimes even a freakin’ in-game toaster (looking at you, Sims players). It’s tempting—oh, it’s so tempting. But here’s the thing: pre-ordering is like buying a car without test-driving it first.

The FOMO Trap

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, folks. Publishers know that the words "limited edition" or "exclusive" make people panic like they’re shopping for toilet paper during a crisis. They capitalize on that sensation, convincing you to spend your hard-earned cash before anyone’s even played the game.

Reality Check: Most of the time, the "exclusive" content comes to everyone else a few months down the line. So, congrats, you just paid extra to own something early that’ll eventually cost $3.99 on Steam.

The Downside of Pre-Ordering: You’re Funding Mediocrity

Here’s a harsh truth: pre-orders have made game developers lazy. Back in the day, companies had to create games that were ACTUALLY GOOD to sell them. Now? They just need to build enough hype and release a flashy trailer that’s 90% CGI cutscenes and 10% actual gameplay.

Unfinished Games Are the New Normal

We’ve all seen it happen. A highly-anticipated title drops, and guess what? It’s riddled with bugs, crashes, and that weird NPC that walks through walls like they’re auditioning for Ghostbusters. Why fix the game when you’ve already pocketed millions in pre-order sales?

Cyberpunk 2077, anyone? Don’t even get me started.

DLC Packs: The Good, The Bad, and The Absolute Rip-Off

Now onto our second offender: DLC packs. These started innocently enough—expanding a game’s story, adding new maps, or giving us cool items. Sounds great, right? But somewhere along the way, publishers got greedy.

The Rise of Day-One DLC

Day-One DLC is the gaming equivalent of being sold a hamburger and then finding out you have to pay extra for the bun. Why wasn’t that stuff included in the base game? Oh, that’s right—because publishers realized they could slice up the content, sell it piecemeal, and cash in big time.

Microtransactions Dressed as DLC

Let’s address the elephant in the room—those so-called "optional DLC packs" that are only optional in the sense that oxygen is optional. They lock crucial content, like weapons or playable characters, behind a paywall. If you’re not spending more money on top of the $70 you already shelled out, you’re at a disadvantage.

When Pre-Orders and DLC Go Right (Yes, It Happens)

Okay, I’ll admit it. Not ALL pre-orders and DLC packs are terrible. Sometimes, they can actually enhance the gaming experience—if done correctly.

The Pre-Order Success Stories

Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild actually delivered on their pre-order promise with a phenomenal product. If the game is from a developer with a solid track record, pre-ordering might not be the worst idea. But, you better be sure they’re not pulling a No Man’s Sky on you.

DLC That’s Worth It

Expansions like The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine are how DLC should be done. They add significant value, offering hours of new content and acting as a true extension of the base game. But packs like "2 Extra Hats for Your Character" for $9.99? That’s just insulting.

The Psychology Behind It All: Why Do We Keep Falling for It?

You’d think gamers would learn by now, but nope. The combination of impatience, FOMO, and hype culture is just too strong. It’s like eating fast food—you know it’s not good for you, but it’s so dang convenient that you can’t resist.

Let’s also not ignore the power of marketing. Publishers spend millions on flashy trailers, influencer partnerships, and meme-able moments to get us hooked. By the time a pre-order goes live, we’re practically frothing at the mouth with excitement—logic be damned.

Tips to Outsmart the System

So, how do you avoid falling into the pre-order/DLC trap? It’s not easy, but it’s doable.

1. Wait for Reviews: Seriously, patience is a virtue. Wait for actual gameplay reviews before committing your cash.
2. Research the Developer: Does this studio have a history of delivering polished games, or are they repeat offenders of the "release now, patch later" mentality?
3. Ignore FOMO: Easier said than done, I know, but remember that most "exclusive" content ends up being widely available later.
4. Bundle Deals: If you’re going to buy DLC, wait for a bundle or discount. Spending $30 for a "season pass" is a scam nine times out of ten.
5. Vote with Your Wallet: Publishers create bad habits because we reward them with our money. Don’t be part of the problem.

Final Thoughts: Are Pre-Orders and DLC Packs Really Worth It?

The short answer? Usually, no. The long answer? They can be, but only if you’re careful. The gaming industry thrives on hype, and it’s up to us as consumers to demand better. Stop pre-ordering games that aren’t even finished, and don’t reward shady practices with your hard-earned cash.

Remember, at the end of the day, you’re the one holding the controller. Don’t let publishers are the ones pulling the strings.