How Did Pre-Order Bonuses Become So Popular in Gaming?
Over the last decade, one trend that has emerged in the games industry is that of pre-order bonuses. Instead of just getting the base game as-is, publishers and developers will offer some sort of bonus to players who pre-order the game.
These pre-order bonuses help the publishers and developers assess how much interest there is in their game. While discussions on social media are some indication of interest in a game, pre-order figures give companies a better idea of how many people would be willing to pay money for said game. Pre-order figures are, sometimes, tied to the bonuses that a game studio receives.
What Sort of Pre-Order Bonuses Are Offered?
Pre-order bonuses for games often involve additional exclusive in-game content or early access to a game or game feature. That’s the case with action RPG Warhammer: Chaosbane, says PCGamer.com. For pre-ordering the game, players will get beta access (testing the game before it’s released), as well as an experience bonus for their character and four legendary crates that contain cosmetic loot.
Sometimes, games include physical pre-order bonuses, explains GamesRadar.com. Capcom fighting title Street Fighter 4 gave players finger puppets for pre-ordering, while Donkey Kong Country Returns came with a banana Wiimote case.
Why Are Bonuses So Effective?
While some of these bonuses may seem unusual, incentives that get people playing are incredibly effective. It’s why the traditional games industry isn’t the only sector to use them. Bonuses are also widely used in the online casino industry and Casinowings.com lists several sites offering casino bonuses as an incentive to get people to try them out. There are different types of bonuses, according to the site, such as no-deposit bonuses, free spins on slot games when players do make a deposit, and welcome bonuses for new players. The casino industry does this because, like traditional gaming, there is a huge amount of competition.
Another industry that has embrace bonuses is that of technology hardware makers. PhoneArena.com reports that Samsung is offering smart TVs, Samsung Galaxy Watches and Samsung Galaxy Buds as an incentive for pre-ordering its Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphone. It’s unclear how successful these bonuses have been, but it shows that companies are open to considering new ways of getting people interested.
What Will Pre-Order Bonuses Look Like in the Future?
Consumers will likely be faced with even more pre-order bonuses and general bonuses in the future. Slowing smartphone sales mean that other smartphone manufacturers may use pre-order bonuses as a way to get consumers to consider them. The online casino industry is very competitive and bonuses – including VIP programs – are popping up all the time. Pre-order bonuses for traditional games may continue too, with retailer-exclusive pre-order bonuses giving players even more choice when buying.
Bonuses are one of the more inventive ways of getting people to consider a service or product. Variety and bonuses that consumers don’t see every day, will also help brands and retailers to stand out.
