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Midnight Releases

Getting Pepped Up2 11/7/2012

Before the release of the game itself, people show up hours before it is even released. Here are some things that might happen starting at 11 p.m.11 p.m.: Every store that has midnight game releases gives out different incen-tives for getting the game at their store, from T-shirts to downloadable con-tent, so recheck your options one final time before deciding on Best Buy. 11:15 p.m.: Pick out some appropriate-ly obscure and referential video game clothing to wear, as it’ll be one of few places that such gear will be appreci-ated. Add a hoodie, and then a coat on top of it. It’s cold out!

11:35 p.m.: Arrive at Best Buy to see that a line of approximately 45 people has already formed outside the store, which will remain closed until mid-night exactly. Debate with your crew about whether you should try another store, and ultimately decide to join the line. Spirits are high. High-fives are exchanged. 11:40 p.m.: Feel slightly superior to the people who arrive after you. Take joy in the crestfallen looks on their faces as they notice how long the line is. Pat yourself on the back for the hoodie/coat combination.

11:43 p.m.: Count the number of girls in line. Including you, there are three. Nod to the other two in solidarity. 11:45 p.m.: Get into a spirited discus-sion about how ridiculous it is that every store offers different incentives, which means you can’t get them all un-less you buy four or five copies of the

game. Decide that all of the stores suck. 11:47 p.m.: Spotted! The same T-shirt expressing the game on two different people! Yahtzee! 11:50 p.m.: Some guys prowl the line with surveys about gaming habits in exchange for sodas and snacks. They are cheesy and use phrases like “What’s up, gamers?” They are ignored. 11:52 p.m.: “Are the doors opening yet? No? It looks like they totally are. There are definitely employees by the door.” 11:54 p.m.: Get into a discussion about Community with the group in front of you, and notice that a guy who came by himself has glommed onto your group. Exchange glances with your friends, silently calculating whether he’s a creep, decide that he’s harmless and just look-ing for someone to hang out with in line. High-five him and compliment his Zelda tattoo. New friends! 11:57 p.m.: Discussion amongst strangers of what video games we’re playing now, and why we’re excited for the game we’re in line for, a discussion that is cut off by THE DOORS FINALLY OPENING! 11:59 p.m.: “Oh my goodness, is that a Best Buy employee dressed as a character from the game? That is unflattering.” 12:03 a.m.: The first person in line exits the store, game in hand. Clap for him (it’s almost definitely a him; see 11:43 above). He takes a bow and then sprints to his car. 12:12 a.m.: Waiting fatigue sets in. The line is moving, but not fast enough, and the people leaving the store before you suddenly all seem like jerks.

12:15 a.m.: Gasps are heard as someone leaves the store with the super deluxe edition of the game, a $300 bundle that includes action figures of the characters, art books, and a special controller. Ap-plaud him, and then make a joke that you will rob him before he makes it to his car. Morale improves. 12:23 a.m.: Get close enough to the store to be able to see inside, and see that it looks like well-organized chaos. Barriers keep shoppers from going any further than 15 feet into the store, and there are stacks and stacks of games that are being handed out as quickly as possible. 12:27 a.m.: Note that the holdup seems to be coming from customers being inde-cisive about picking between two unan-nounced prizes: a foam weapon from the game or a hat with the name of the game on it. Start hotly debating this surprise decision with friends, old and new.

12:36 a.m.: Step your first foot inside the store and get giddy. Enjoy the warmth.

12:44 a.m.: Reach the counter and decide against jokingly asking if you can buy a printer. Decide on the foam weapon.

12:50 a.m.: Exit the store, game in one hand, foam-fighting with the other. Congratulations! Say goodnight to your crew as everyone goes home to play. 1:20 a.m.: Put the game in your con-sole and say goodbye to sleep.

Pre-game for the game

Why Are We Here?A look at why people go to mid-night releases.

Have you ever wanted a game so bad that you couldn’t wait to get it until the night that it comes out? Gamers across the nation go to midnight releases for games that they truly desire and want so bad that they cannot wait to play that specific game the night of its re-lease. Recently I had attended a midnight release for a game and was aston-ished about how many people had shown up for this game so that they could be one of the first people to play this game. Why do we as people got to these midnight releases though? Because certain games are so hot and greatly anticipated that people can’t wait to own that particular game. Sure they could wait until the next day during regular hours like most people, but they are built up with so much suspense that they just cannot bear it until they have it

the minute that it is released. Also they cannot wait to acquire the specific game that they want more than anything because of the other people that are also there to get that game as well. It gives these people a chance converse and min-gle with other people that have the same passion for these games that they do. Some people also come for the merchandise that comes with their purchase of the game that they pre-ordered.

People waiting outside of the store in order to purchase the video game.

As the clock ticks down closer to 12:00 a.m. more people show up at the store to purchase the video game.

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Families waiting outside of the store to purchase their copy of the game.

Gallery4 11/7/2012

A few more pictures of the midnight release that I attended.

People having to sit along side the walls because of the amount of people in the mall.

Young friends hanging outside the store waiting for midnight to purchase their copy of the game.