So in terms of computer games, there’s a thing I’ve noticed about myself in the past 5 or so years. Note, this isn’t a principled decision — I didn’t decide to do this, it just happened in response to the pressures of the situation.

I do not buy new computer games. I do not pre-purchase computer games. I almost never Kickstart computer games unless they may not get made if I don’t.

This is because I sort of assume that the game will be patched several times. It may be re-balanced. It may deliver lots of DLC or none at all. I may want to buy the “season pass” or I may not. The game when it comes out may not be playable, and it will almost certainly be more playable and integrated a year after release. Chances are extremely good it will also be cheaper.

(I mean look at the new Mass Effect fiasco.)

So the choice I end up with is: pay more, get the game in chunks, have it maybe not work or not work well — or wait a year, get a better game, cheaper, and have better reviews and insight if I actually want to get it at all.

So yea… I wait.

And now in TTRPGs there are similar pressures starting. If I wait a year do I get a better game? If I wait until it’s in a bundle of holding do I get a better game at a tenth the price? If I wait a year — or two — before buying a print copy will it have fixed errata?

And considering I have my next two years of games already qued up, I’m not likely to play it before then, so why exactly should I get it now…

I still Kickstart shit these days, but honestly, the only reason I’m doing it is to support specific creators and specific types of games that I want to see. And I do understand that in a volitile demand-driven economy that changes in buying habits can be devastating, and I don’t want to devastate people making games, but…. I’m starting to feel some systemic push to wait until I can buy fixed and final games cheaper.

Note: I have no solutions. I just have worries.