While we're avowed defenders of queueing for tech and gaming related products here at HuffPost, it's impossible to ignore that it does lead to some awfully awkward photos.
And nothing is more awkward than a video game launch - a product that is rarely, if ever, subject to shortages (and which these days is usually concurrently released online - making queueing in person somewhat pointless).
We're not sure what the reason for the pictorial awkwardness really is. Maybe it just isn't possible to hold up a video game box in a photogenic way? Maybe there's something about standing in line for three days that dulls the sharp edges of the human soul? Or maybe it's the ersatz grins of the shop clerks, the guffawing games execs and otherwise dishevelled games stores in the background that heighten the tension?
Either way, we sympathise with those who want to queue. In fact, we salute you. But next time it's launch day and you're out in the cold, try and be second in line and not first - as far as we can tell, it's the only way to avoid turning up in a gently mocking HuffPost slideshow.
Awkward Video Game Launch Photos
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2(01 of13)
Open Image ModalErik Cota walks out of the video store with his copy of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 video game, early Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009
Xbox 360(02 of13)
Open Image ModalKevin Sage from south London with his new Xbox 360 on Friday December 2 2005. (credit:PA)
Sony PlayStation 3(03 of13)
Open Image ModalAngel Baredes is the first to purchase the new Sony PlayStation 3 at the Sony Style Plaza in New York at midnight (credit:WireImage)
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm(04 of13)
Open Image ModalBuying 'World of Warcraft: Cataclysm' on December 7, 2010 in Berlin
Call of Duty: Black Ops(05 of13)
Open Image ModalBrendyn Nishimura of Nevada displays his copy of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' on November 9, 2010 in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Call of Duty: Ghosts(06 of13)
Open Image ModalZohaib Ali from London is first in the queue to pick up a copy of Call of Duty Ghosts on 5 November 2013. (credit:PA)
PS Vita(07 of13)
Open Image ModalYes, it's him again. This time in February 2012 for the launch of the PS Vita.
Assassins Creed III.(08 of13)
Open Image ModalAnd again! This time for Assassins Creed III. (credit:PA)
Nintendo Wii(09 of13)
Open Image ModalA man carries Nintendo's new Wii console, 8 December 2006, during a special midnight sale in a Parisian store. (credit:Getty Images)
Grand Theft Auto 5(10 of13)
Open Image ModalTaylor Pelling of Sutton poses with his copy of the console game Grand Theft Auto 5 on September 17, 2013. (credit:Getty Images)
Assassins Creed III(11 of13)
Open Image ModalWayne Adams, from Dagenham, buys a copy of Assassins Creed III. (credit:PA)
Sony PlayStation 2(12 of13)
Open Image ModalPlayStation fans wait in line to purchase the new Sony PlayStation 2 October 25, 2000. (credit:Newsmakers)
Halo 3(13 of13)
Open Image ModalAt the "Halo 3" video game launch in Universal City, Calif. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007.