Midnight launches: are they worth attending?

Darryl Linington from ITF Gaming writes: Over the past few years I have attended various midnight launches. Granted, they cater for those who want to get their hands on the latest blockbuster titles early; however are they really worth attending?

[Roccetarius]

Midnight launches are definitely not what they used to be, and i think people realized that. There's less excitement about standing in a line with people not smelling that great, for example.

[ravinash]

Your sure your not standing next the the homeless guy who happens to be sitting next to the shop?

[SirBradders]

There needs to be some incentive which there isn't so that's why i have never done midnight launch.

[0ut1awed]

They handed out golden hammerburst at the Gears of War 2 midnight release. I'm pretty sure that was the only way you could get them. They clearly said "Midnight Launch" and I had to beg them to let me pick up my buddies to get it as well since he had work in the morning. You're right though, they need to do that more often. That's personally the only time I can remember I got anything special at a midnight launch. I mean I got a crappy Pirate of the Carribean PC game at the Halo 3 midnight launch for trivia but I don't think that counts. :P

I've been strictly a PC gamer for the past few years so everything has been digital. I actually kind of miss lining up at midnight for a game that I have been waiting a while for. It's just something about it that will always hold a place in my heart. It becomes kind of lackluster to simply hit "play" on the game in Steam at 12:01am.

I'll be getting a PS4 at midnight launch though so I look forward to that.

[jackanderson1985]

depends sometimes they keep extra stock behind the counters for those who don't pre-order so it's a chance to actually pick up a game if it's pre-orders are sold out

[MilkMan]

Never.

[GmIsOnPt360]

Yeh if the fans arent being rewarded with some sort of giveaway or maybe couple pizzas and drinks its worthless. Like the guy said above go to walmart or kmart theres no line. I have gotten crap for madden, and stuff from marketing folks at kmart, and gamestop is mad stingy and keep for them selves

[shaft0140]

I think my Gamestop has pizza for the Battlefield 3 midnight release. I am still contemplating on going to the Battlefield 4 midnight release though; 6 AM comes quick and I love my sleep.

[Pieman523]

I normally only go in on midnight launches when said game offers multiplayer right away. But I did go pick up GTAV because, well, I love GTA.

[Lighter9]

Unless you're used to working the graveyard shift and you're up anyways, I say no. I usually have mine paid off and just come in after work the next day. I would be too tired to play when I got home anyways.

[megamanX2]

"Midnight launches: are they worth attending?"

yeah is you have no life.

[Nilbog_Juney3]

Games releases are hit and miss. Been to a few. Some were boring and others were like parties. DJ, cosplay, etc etc... But I've never been to a console midnight release, so I will definitely be there for the upcoming gen. I feel like the energy there is going to be ridiculous. And I'm sure there will be plenty of people that's taking the next day off so they can stay up and play the new consoles. So, I think that will be my next midnight release and after that, who knows.

[Sadist3]

No. You have to be a fool if you go to a store at midnight just to wait in line for a game. It's not that important, just wait until the morning and go. Then again, I actually have a life and other things to do unlike other fools that can't wait to play a freaking game.