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How to Cure Those Game-delay Blues

How to Cure Those Game-delay Blues

There’s seemingly nothing worse than counting the days until a video game release, then having the rug swept out from under you. Game delays are just part of the video game landscape in this day and age, unfortunately. But as much as it is to be expected, it doesn’t make it hurt any less. I’ve personally suffered this pain thanks to the Vampyr delay. It’s been delayed all the way to spring 2018, and that is a major blow to my release expectations. As soon as I felt the familiar sting, I started to wonder what I’ll do with myself now. It’s going to be a long and cold winter without Vampyr . Nevertheless, here are some things you can do when you find out a game you were really looking forward to has been delayed.

Hoard Pre-Release Merchandise

In some cases, game merchandise will start to release even before the game has. Better yet, conventions often have swag that you can win related to upcoming titles. I personally snagged a Vampyr sweatshirt at E3 2016. It’s the most simple gray pullover I’ve ever seen, it’s two sizes too big for me, but you bet your behind I’m not letting it go. The Vampyr logo slashed across the chest is all I need. No amount of money offered would get me to part with that sweatshirt. The same is true of any other Vampyr merch I might stumble upon between now and the game’s release date.

Play Other Games From The Developer

Another great way to fight delay depression is by playing other games by the same developer. In many cases, their games will all have some similarities. Dontnod Entertainment, creators of Vampyr , already have Remember Me and Life is Strange out in the wild. I’ve been playing Life is Strange already and have been meaning to pick up Remember Me . With the Vampyr delay, I have even more reason to do so. If the game you’ve been pining for is coming from a brand new developer, then you’ll just have to skip to one of the other options.

Pre-Order in Anticipation

I don’t know about all of you, but I feel better when I’m doing something about a problem. Solving issues is much better than struggling, right? So if you’ve been really looking forward to a game and haven’t pre-ordered it yet, a delay is as good of a time as any. Many developers will give extra rewards to fans (especially those who pre-ordered) as an apology when delays happen. Plus, there are almost always some sweet extras for those who put their money where their mouths are.

Drool Over Existing Screenshots and Videos

If you can’t afford to pre-order or want to save your money until you can get that instant gratification on launch, there are other options. Delayed games almost certainly have plenty of assets online for them already. Head over the game’s website and ogle the screenshots and videos that they have posted there. They might not necessarily show the final product, but at least you can drool over them and dream of what’s to come. I totally didn’t do this on the Vampyr website already, by the way…

How to Cure Those Game-delay Blues

Play Similar Games

Probably the most obvious choice for those lamenting a delayed game would be to play titles that are similar. I know, nothing can compare to what you’ve temporarily lost, but it’s something right? Take the genre of your favorite delayed game and look for others. Nothing will compare to my beloved Vampyr , but at the least I could play other dark/supernatural titles. Or I could try other role-playing games to bide my time. There are options brothers and sisters in sorrow!

At the very least, we can take comfort in knowing that the delays of our favorite games could have been so much worse. Imagine suffering with our cousins, the cancellation victims. The horrifying possibility makes my very skin crawl. Delays are awful, but they are fleeting. Your favorite upcoming game will still see the light of day! You just need to find a distraction in the meantime.

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