How long until you can't preorder?

[Quack Up]

There's a game I want to preorder but I want to know when I won't be able to. Is there a standard amount of time before the game is released that you can preorder it or is it just up until the release date?

[ReBoot]

Its up to the release. However, you can still wait for the release (and a couple reviews). Since digital store shelves don't run dry, there's no point in pre-ordering.

[Frank ツ]

Preordering reduces the quality of the game (sometimes)

[Dr.Shadowds 🐉]

Weird question, if you can't pre-order then these may be one of the reasons why you couldn't
- If game get pulled for future sales.
- Game not available for your country, or region.
- Game dev / publisher not doing pre-orders at all for said game.
- When game get release there nothing to pre order as game has already release.

[Quack Up]

Originally posted by ReBoot:

Its up to the release. However, you can still wait for the release (and a couple reviews). Since digital store shelves don't run dry, there's no point in pre-ordering.

It'd be for early access to content in the DLC.

[Lithurge]

As publishers are fully in control of their own store page they could pull it at any point prior to release, but general practice is to leave it until the game is released.

The one exception I can recall is Metro Exodus because they put it up for pre-order on Steam before making it a EGS 1 year exclusive, at which point they pulled it from pre-order with a day or so's notice.Those who had pre-ordered it were able to keep those pre-orders and access it on Steam at the same time it was released on EGS). everybody else had to wait a year to buy it on Steam.

[J4MESOX4D]

It is recommended that publishers/developers list their pre-order availability around 3 months before release and this runs all the way up until the second the game launches. Always best to consult the devs as to what their plan is because it varies between games.

[Yukiko ~Snow Child~]

I wouldn't pre order until the release date is close. Pre ordered Bloodlines 2, devs removed it from pre order, and now the game probably won't come out and I can't get my money back because it's been longer than two weeks since 'purchase.'

[J4MESOX4D]

Originally posted by Yukiko ~Snow Child~:

I wouldn't pre order until the release date is close. Pre ordered Bloodlines 2, devs removed it from pre order, and now the game probably won't come out and I can't get my money back because it's been longer than two weeks since 'purchase.'

You can get a refund on any game that you've pre-purchased. The two hour/two week rules are only enforced after a game is released.

https://store.steampowered.com/steam_refunds/
REFUNDS ON PRE-PURCHASED TITLES
When you pre-purchase a title on Steam (and have paid for the title in advance), you can request a refund at any time prior to release of that title. The standard 14-day/two-hour refund period also applies, starting on the game’s release date.

[Cathulhu]

You are entitled to a refund for any pre-purchase no matter the reason. If the game wasn't released yet and didn't have any playable beta or early access you were able to play, simply request a refund.
If the automated system fails, do it manually.

Manual way:
Support --> A Purchase --> Select purchase --> I have a question about this purchase.

[rawWwRrr]

Originally posted by Yukiko ~Snow Child~:

I wouldn't pre order until the release date is close. Pre ordered Bloodlines 2, devs removed it from pre order, and now the game probably won't come out and I can't get my money back because it's been longer than two weeks since 'purchase.'

Not sure where you heard that. If you're being denied through the refund process, select "I have a question about this purchase" instead and explain that you are wanting a refund for your pre-purchase.

[Yukiko ~Snow Child~]

Thanks!

[Dr.Shadowds 🐉]

Any store can't just take your money, and not provide product you buy as that not any store ever worked that why you always have refund, or credited option at any store that be digial, or not.

[dennismail4]

I purchased a pre-purchase game and got a refund before few days before it release