Because, for a given person, it will tend to vary from game to game, you can interpret this as what you'd try for ideally (and realistically), or as the median start time after launch of a game.
Voted this for most games across all platforms. However, there are a few games i start playing right at launch (again, across all platforms). If i get a beta invite i'll try as well.
I play on launch day and maybe one or two days after, just for the weeping and gnashing of teeth by players. Then I wait a few weeks or months for things to iron out.
I used to play games at launch. However, now that I'm a little older I tend to wait on feedback, reviews, or just simply for sales on Steam. It's not that I don't get excited for new games anymore, it's just I learned my lesson plus developed a little more patience and discipline when it comes to my game purchases to where I don't buy them on release day. I never was one to rush to end game anyways, so it doesn't really matter that I start playing on day one or not.
After I've done some research on the game, then I decide.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
MMOs cured me of getting a game at release. Since released games are usually beta quality, I'd rather someone else spend their hard-earned cash testing for me, thanks.
For regular games I wait about a year for the GOTY all-DLC-included, bugs all fix version to hit Steam during a sale for about 20 bucks. For MMO's I wait for about 6 months after launch for the hype to die down before I even check to make sure it's not broke or a major cash-grab time-sink AND it's got to have a free trial.
For single player/Steam games often at least a year and sometimes longer or at least until there is a good sale. For instance, I just picked up Shadows of Mordor and hear they are at work or finished on the second one. I rarely play MMOS at launch. I can't see the sense of playing alpha or pre-alpha now. I consider launch the e'arly draft of games and will play maybe a year later. I've only recently started with ESO and love it.
It really depends on the game. Some alphas and betas are fun, some are horrible. Some games I'm not sure about so I wait until I see more reviews and gameplay.
I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been-Wayne Gretzky
Archeage cured me of the hype train. I will wait till after release and then watch game play vids. Then if it looks like it is something I might like, I will give it a try. If I get a beta key, I will do the beta. I will never buy early access ever again. Looking at Black Desert atm.
I put a lot of criteria into my decisions.Obviously waiting too long is not good but jumping in too quick now a days means added BS cost,like you want in early "PAY US".To me that kind of BS almost turns me right off completely,like i won't play your game period if your treating players differently based on how much and how soon they pay you. In other words,i don't like shotty business operations,they look scammy i don't want to support them.
So i guess the answer is 1-3 weeks after launch. after i have time to decipher both the game and the business.
My preferred method and one that ALL games SHOULD be using is a free trial or FREE beta.Seems devs now a days feel their mediocre crap products are worth PAYING to beta test,i do not agree one bit with that nonsense.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
I'll generally wait unless I get caught up in the hype train. It isn't important to me to have any server firsts or anything so I will wait and be behind the initial wave or two of people. It is less crowded that way as well.
For single player games I don't mind buying closer to release, but I am just as likely to wait for a good sale.
It's highly dependent on the game in question... if it's one I'm excited for? Early access pre-order. Otherwise, I don't really care. Likely some Steam sale or similar promotion.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
If the AAA market did not rely on that question being heavily weighted toward 'I paid money before anyone was able to play the game' then they would be a real big trouble
Please do not respond to me, even if I ask you a question, its rhetorical.
If the AAA market did not rely on that question being heavily weighted toward 'I paid money before anyone was able to play the game' then they would be a real big trouble
And kickstarters don't?
I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been-Wayne Gretzky
On PC i do that quite often as well. I dont see myself paying the same price for digital that i pay for physical on my other platforms. There have been some exceptions for me with a couple mmos but they were worth every penny to me.
Comments
I self identify as a monkey.
"If I offended you, you needed it" -Corey Taylor
If i really like the idea and how it looks, i will get it at release. Does not matter if it is MMO or single player.
If the game is just a play it some day then it is always 3-6 months/ on-sale/ trial, before i try it out.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
~~ postlarval ~~
I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been -Wayne Gretzky
I made the mistake of pre-ordering Hellgate London and buying AOC without waiting for reviews, so: never again. Those were too disappointing.
Let's play Fallen Earth (blind, 300 episodes)
Let's play Guild Wars 2 (blind, 45 episodes)
In other words,i don't like shotty business operations,they look scammy i don't want to support them.
So i guess the answer is 1-3 weeks after launch. after i have time to decipher both the game and the business.
My preferred method and one that ALL games SHOULD be using is a free trial or FREE beta.Seems devs now a days feel their mediocre crap products are worth PAYING to beta test,i do not agree one bit with that nonsense.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
For single player games I don't mind buying closer to release, but I am just as likely to wait for a good sale.
My SWTOR referral link for those wanting to give the game a try. (Newbies get a welcome package while returning players get a few account upgrades to help with their preferred status.)
https://www.ashesofcreation.com/ref/Callaron/
Please do not respond to me, even if I ask you a question, its rhetorical.
Please do not respond to me
I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been -Wayne Gretzky
Credit this website for keeping me apprised of what's out there and what's coming, because otherwise I would have no clue.
EQ1, EQ2, SWG, SWTOR, GW, GW2 CoH, CoV, FFXI, WoW, CO, War,TSW and a slew of free trials and beta tests