Luckily most big name titles come out near the holidays. If it is released in fall, I'll be busy with school and won't really be playing. So, I just hold off and end up getting it as a Christmas gift. Costs me nothing :p
One game for my birthday. And since my brother and I share all our games, his birthday gift is mine too XD
For some games that I'll pickup myself throughout the year though... I am a super shopper. Gift cards, coupons, promotions... I stack it all up and save majorly. Metroid: Other M for twelve-cents? Mass Effect 3 for $25 on launch day? Batman: Arkham Asylum for $19 on launch day? Did it.
It extends to the Christmas and birthday gifts I receive too too. I do the "shopping"... just not the paying lol One the wishlist for my brother and I, I will outline where to buy it, which other retailer to price match, what day to buy, etc. So, my parents end up saving a lot of money too, and I benefit in the end as well. Beatles: Rock Band brander guitar/drums bundle shortly after launch for the same price as Rock Band 2 with just a guitar? Yup, pulled it off :p
As a family unit, so whether I've bought it or if I've worked it out as a gift... I'd say that in the last four years, maybe only 25% of it did we actually end up paying full price for.