Why Some Gamers Avoid Season Passes Altogether

4 June 2025

Let's be real—season passes are one of those things that divide the gaming community right down the middle. You've got players who swear by them, praising the cost savings and bonus content, and then you've got those who avoid them like their backlog of unplayed games. But why is that? What makes some gamers so turned off by the idea of season passes that they would rather pass on them entirely?

In this article, we’ll dive into the main reasons why some gamers steer clear of season passes, examining the frustrations, mistrust, and personal preferences that shape their decisions. If you’ve ever found yourself on the fence about buying one, or you’ve outright skipped them, this one’s for you.

What Are Season Passes in Video Games?

First things first, let’s set the stage. A season pass is typically a bundle offered by game developers that gives players access to future downloadable content (DLC) or updates for a single, often discounted, upfront price. Think of it like preordering your meals for the week at a restaurant. You don’t know exactly how each dish will taste or what special sauce the chef might whip up, but you’re paying now in hopes it’ll be worth it later.

Season passes often include things like new story chapters, multiplayer maps, skins, weapons, or other extras. On paper, it sounds like a great deal—get everything at a lower cost compared to buying each piece individually. But, like all things in gaming, the reality is a little more complicated.

The Trust Issue: A Gamble on the Unknown

One of the biggest reasons gamers avoid season passes is a simple one: trust. Or, more accurately, a lack of trust.

Think about it—when you buy a season pass, you’re essentially gambling on content that doesn’t even exist yet. You’re handing over your hard-earned cash for the promise of good stuff down the line. But what happens if the DLC turns out to be underwhelming, rushed, or downright unnecessary? That’s money you’ll never get back.

This trust issue has only gotten worse over the years. Some players feel burned by past experiences where season pass content didn’t live up to the hype. For instance, remember when certain games promised “epic expansions” only to deliver two half-baked missions and a few cosmetic items? Yeah, people don’t forget.

It’s kind of like ordering a pizza and getting excited about the “free toppings” deal—only to find out the toppings are just pineapple. (Unless you’re into that, no judgment.)

FOMO vs. Freedom: The Pressure to Commit

Season passes also create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out), and for some gamers, that’s a huge turn-off. Developers often design these passes to make you feel like you have to buy them upfront. They’ll say things like, “Save 25% by purchasing the season pass!” or “Exclusive content only available with the pass!”—and boom, the pressure is on.

But not everyone wants to commit to extra content before they’ve had a chance to see if they even like the base game. Imagine buying movie tickets for a sequel before you’ve seen the first film. What if it’s a flop? For gamers who value their freedom to choose, season passes can feel like an unnecessary chain.

The “Piecing It Out” Problem

Here’s another big gripe: some players feel that season passes encourage publishers to hold back content that should’ve been included in the base game.

Ever had that sneaking suspicion when playing a game that something feels… incomplete? Like a chunk of the story is missing or certain areas are blocked off? For many gamers, it feels as though developers deliberately piece out content to sell later, which can leave a bad taste in their mouths.

It’s especially frustrating when you think about how much games cost these days. You’ve already shelled out $60 (or more) for the base game—so why should you have to keep paying to get the “full” experience? It’s like heading to an all-you-can-eat buffet, only to find out dessert costs extra.

Not All Season Passes Deliver Equal Value

Let’s be honest—season passes vary wildly in quality. Some are genuinely worth the money, offering massive expansions and hours of extra gameplay. Others? Not so much.

Take “cosmetic-only” season passes, for example. If you’re someone who doesn’t care about fancy skins or emotes, spending extra money on a pass might feel like a waste. And then there’s the issue of replayability. Sure, a season pass might give you access to new missions, but if those missions are one-and-done, how valuable are they in the long run?

The inconsistency of what you get for your money is a major reason why some gamers would rather skip season passes altogether. Why risk it when you can just wait and see what actually gets released?

The Culture of Microtransactions

Season passes also feed into a broader trend that many gamers dislike: the rise of microtransactions.

While the two aren’t the same thing, season passes are often seen as another way for publishers to milk more money out of players. In a time when some games are becoming pay-to-win nightmares, it’s no surprise that some players are wary of any additional monetization model.

For these gamers, avoiding season passes is their way of “voting with their wallet.” It’s a statement against what they see as an industry trend that prioritizes profit over player satisfaction.

Waiting for the "Game of the Year" Edition

Another reason gamers avoid season passes? Patience.

Let’s face it—most games releasing these days eventually get a “Game of the Year” or “Complete” edition a year or two down the road. These versions typically bundle the base game with all its DLC at a cheaper price.

For budget-conscious players, it makes way more sense to wait for these definitive editions rather than spending extra money on a season pass. Why buy piecemeal when you can get the whole cake later at a discount?

Too Many Passes, Not Enough Time

Let’s be real—season passes only make sense if you have the time to actually play all that extra content. For gamers with busy lives, enormous backlogs, or a tendency to hop from game to game, a season pass can feel more like a burden than a bonus.

If you’re not absolutely certain you’ll play the DLC when it releases, it’s hard to justify buying a pass. And let’s not forget that some games have multiple season passes. For those players who just want a straightforward gaming experience, all these add-ons can feel overwhelming.

A Personal Choice

At the end of the day, whether or not to buy a season pass is a deeply personal choice. Some gamers love them—they see the value, enjoy the content, and don’t mind taking the gamble. Others? Not so much. And that’s okay.

What’s important is that players feel empowered to make the choice that’s right for them, without feeling pressured or manipulated by developers. After all, gaming is supposed to be fun, right?

Final Thoughts

Season passes might sound like a great idea on paper, but in practice, they’re far from perfect. From trust issues and FOMO to concerns about value and microtransactions, there are plenty of valid reasons why some gamers choose to avoid them altogether.

Whether you’re someone who loves a good deal or you prefer to wait and see, the important thing is to do what feels right for you. At the end of the day, it’s your money and your time—spend them wisely.