Last time I pre-ordered a game was Diablo 3. I could choose a hard copy for RSP or a digital copy for an extra "convenience fee". As if that wasn't ridiculous enogh, I ordered the hard copy and on release day, they told me that I was on a queue since so many people pre-ordered and they ran out of copies.

I tried to cancel my pre-order and these actual scumbags told me, I couldn't cancel until I received my copy. Pristine customer support, I really felt they did everything to accomodate my needs. So, I contacted Actiblizz to let them know about the practices of their "official reseller" and the next day, my pre-order was canceled and my money was being wired back.

Also the game was trash, but that's besides the point.

[–] Ticktok@lemmy.one 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Diablo 3 was also the last game I pre-ordered. I took the day off work on release day, had the game downloaded, and spent the next 14 hours on an error screen because their servers were overloaded for an always online SINGLE PLAYER GAME!

Fucking bullshit.

[–] JackbyDev@programming.dev 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I may be mistaken but isn't Diablo 4 also force online?

[–] Ticktok@lemmy.one 2 points 1 year ago

It is tragically.

[–] Frostwolf@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

You definitely dodged a bullet, albeit you have to jump through hoops and headaches. Your scenario is one of many why preordering isn’t a good thing, especially with an infinite digital product.

Furthermore, it parallels the recent talk around lemmy how some companies are making it hard to cancel subscriptions.

All of it treads a soft “lock-in” policy that may turn into a hard “lock-in” to some who are not as assertive as you. I know some people would just “let it go” in the spirit of “avoiding confrontation”.

[–] scala@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Worst is, "buying" digital games off a store/launcher doesn't mean you own it.

[–] WarmSoda@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

You can move your games to a different folder, the storefront won't be able to remove them. But that requires you to download all your games and keep them stored somewhere.

I have a few games I do that with.

[–] TheCraiggers@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Technically you didn't own the games you bought on physical media, either.

[–] samus12345@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But you own the physical media it's on, meaning the "license" to own it can be traded, sold, etc.

[–] TheCraiggers@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I said "technically". What more do you want from me?