I think pre ordering won't die but people also won't do it if:

it's a new company with no proof of manufacturing ability.

the numbers aren't limited

you have to pay in full.

Company is not financially sound

I just preordered a $65,000 car with a check for $500 that's refundable. I cringe every time I see people handing over huge checks years early for a pin. That money could be invested wiser. I also think the fear of not getting will subside because so many pins are coming out and I've never seen a case where a pin hasn't become available unless we are talking King Kong / King Pin kind of rare.

Remakes will never live up to the hype. Why? Because nothing about the gameplay, code, art, shots is new. Sure you get a cheaper and newer version of an old classic but there's nothing really new to discuss, other than the flaws or what's "not the same".

Also hype is something that's short lived for all entertainment properties. We live in an add world. Stern is the only one right now that can hype and deliver while you are still excited. Any game that has made people painfully wait for years I can just go grab when it's out. Maybe I pay a grand more. What's more valuable? 2 years of peace and mind, or getting it for a bit cheaper?

Nobody love pre-ordering. People love having something others can't have.

I have to disagree. The Hobbit never came close to reaching LOTR in terms of being a classic movie. JJP's game is all about the movie, not the Hobbit book. Not that it matters but people are not going to keep watching those hobbit films like they will LOTR. Star Wars is a timeless theme but nobody wants an Episode 1 pin, or even any Star Wars pin. I think what's happening here is the pin will be better than the movie it's based on. Which is great! But it's time hobbit fans admit Peter Jackson fucked up and made a 9 hour turd.

I agree. Hobbit will be 2 for 3. Great book and pin, mediocre movie.

Problem with prepay is it lowers the sellers urgency to ship and meet deadlines. I get paid after two weeks of work, not before.