Quantcast

Ten ways the games industry is shafting you

And how to avoid its filthy, filthy lies

Words: Tyler Wilde, GamesRadar US

When Publisher X said their half-finished game would go gold in two months, what's the chance they really believed it? We'd say pretty low.

While there are occasions when legitimate delays cause release dates to be pushed back, we're pretty confident that much of the time we're just being lied to. Why? A lot of it has to do with inspiring confidence in stock holders, but in the end you're the one being shafted. Your only defenses: try to avoid preorders, and don't assume that "Spring 2008" doesn't actually mean "Fall 2011," as you might just be setting yourself up for disappointment.

Oh, and don't trust the retailers either.

Whether you're being forced to buy a pair of shoes to unlock a new player, or you're paying outright for that unlimited lives cheat, as in Codemasters' scheme, pay-per-cheat scams are complete bull.

"Sorry you're stuck on your Micro Machines game, Johnny, but I don't want to give Chodemasters my credit card number." Johnny is a one-legged orphan, by the way.

Just say no to this ridiculous money grab, and if you absolutely must have that "big head mode," point your TV at one of those neat fun house mirrors.

On the next page: unnecessary peripherals and stripped down junk...

 
TalkRadar 28 – givin’ away games!
360 Feature
Nov 21, 2008
Filling in the Mount & Blade blanks
PC Feature
Nov 21, 2008
22 kickass Animal Crossing patterns
Wii Feature
Nov 21, 2008
EA Sports: Athletes Must Smile On Wii Game Boxes N4G
Wii News from N4G
Nov 22, 2008
New Game Releases for the Week of November 23,... N4G
Wii News from N4G
Nov 22, 2008
Plain White T's Join Ultimate Band on DS and Wii N4G
Wii News from N4G
Nov 22, 2008
Resellers take advantage of World Tour shortages N4G
Wii News from N4G
Nov 22, 2008
Strangest Nintendo Marketing Promotion Ever? N4G
Wii News from N4G
Nov 22, 2008