Learning to Cope with a Delayed Release Date

So, there’s a video game coming out that you really want to play. And you’re waiting for it. Patiently. Or as patiently as possible. And then you find out that the release date has been pushed back another quarter. It’s a painful feeling that hits you: agonizing, nauseating, and depressing. There is little else in this world that hurts gamers as badly as delayed release dates.

We’ve all experienced it at least once. For me, the first time was waiting for Fable. I had been patiently waiting since I first heard of the development of the game, and then I experienced not one, but two delayed release dates. The agony was almost unbearable.

So how do you deal with the pain? A part of you must understand that the delay will benefit you in the long run; after all, the developers are only trying to make the game perfect for you. But you want that game now, not six months from now. And the rage you feel will only grow as time passes if you do not take steps to soothe it.

First, I would recommend retail therapy. Go to Best Buy or GameStop (or some store that has video games) and buy yourself something. If there’s a game that’s already out that appeals to you, and you haven’t played it, buy it. Or maybe some accessory for your console will make you a bit happier. Although your wallet may not thank you, buying something will ease the pain, kind of like a fancy band-aid.

Then, immerse yourself in your new video game. Or spend time playing old games you haven’t played in a long time. The games will capture your attention and get your mind off of the fact that you’re not going to be playing that certain game for a while. Anything to take your mind off of that pain helps. And video games are just an amazing way to do that.

If neither of these things help, I recommend you talk to someone. It doesn’t matter who: a friend, a fellow games enthusiast or even the random guy behind the counter of GameStop (chances are, it hurts him too). Just vent to them, talk yourself through the pain. Although I wouldn’t normally condone whining, it’s perfectly natural in this situation.

Lastly, if it just gets to be too much, indulge in excess. Eat a ton of ice cream, enjoy a gigantic feast, drink a bottle of wine, go overboard with something. And make it something that makes you happy (chocolate is proven to make everyone happier). Indulging in excess is a time honored tradition for dealing with pain and depression, and I hope that it gets you through your difficult situation.

To be honest, nothing can completely rid you of the depression caused by a delayed release. But hopefully, you too can learn to cope with it.