Learning Ways To Save Money On Video Games In An Underrated Practice

When it comes to gaming, the latest titles can often burn a hole in your wallet. $60 is definitely not a brush-off amount for most people, and with these prices going up to $70 with talks of extraordinary games like Grand Theft Auto 6 speculated to be $100+, the average gamer is left in a precarious situation.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to keep a few bucks left in your pocket — from waiting for sales during the holidays to finding bundles and discount codes at Latest Deals or other similar outlets. Finding the patience to wait is the challenging bit, but once you cross that hurdle, the savings you can accumulate are worth it.

Knowing When To Buy Is The Key Approach To Saving

Though it might require a bit of patience, holding off on buying your next gaming journey until there are significant sales events could save you a sizable chunk of money. Key sales periods in this industry include Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal sales typically held in summer and winter.

You may have experienced or, at least, heard about major events like the Steam Summer Sale or Epic Games’ MEGA Sale; these events often feature discounts on a vast range of games, usually saving you anywhere between 15% and 90%. I remember finally getting my hands on Hollow Knight via the Summer Sale for a solid 40% discount, and it made the overall experience even richer.

There’s also a common perception that pre-ordering games or buying them as soon as they’re released means paying top dollar, but I’m here to tell you this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, games are offered at a discounted rate or as part of a bundle deal when pre-ordered.

Do you save much money by preordering games?
byu/AGentlemanAdventurer inboardgames

This can be especially true for highly anticipated releases. Be warned, though: not all pre-orders offer decent value, so it’s important to do your homework and compare prices before committing.

Of course, whether you’re waiting for a sale or going out of your way to buy the thing before launch, the key is to stay informed. I always suggest keeping an eye on upcoming sales events and game releases and considering subscribing to newsletters from retailers so you don’t miss out on potential savings.

Utilize Storefronts For Their Features And Generosity

On top of online retailers like Steam and Epic Games giving bucketloads of discounts, they also have free-to-keep game giveaways from time to time. They come in a variety of forms and can provide your gaming fix without costing you a dime.

The Epic Games Store, for instance, periodically gives away games completely free of charge. Each offer typically lasts about a week, securing you lifetime access to a variety of games, from indie to AAA titles. Mark your calendar and make sure you check their store regularly to take advantage of these offers.

I know it can feel like a routine that you can skip out on, and that’s completely fine if you’re nearing a busy week. Still, snatching one of these free games takes less than a minute, after which you can look forward to a brand new experience until the next freebie in seven days!

You can also indulge in game-sharing, a common feature among storefronts like Steam that encourage the ever-loving “sharing is caring” expression to save money on gaming. Steam’s Family Sharing lets you have multiple users access the same library of games, allowing them to enjoy the same game you bought.

Of course, game-sharing has a few innate restrictions. As the name suggests, Steam’s “family sharing” only lets you share your library with family members… exclusively the ones in your household. Nonetheless, if you fall within that category, it’s an asset you can check out to stop your sibling or parent from buying the same game you just got.

The Online Communities Continue To Uncover The Best Money-Saving Tactics

In today’s interconnected world, many gamers have formed communities where they share and exchange information about the latest deals, discounts, and price drops. Visiting these online gaming forums can be a well-grounded way to stay informed about potential deals you could take advantage of to save money.

On dedicated gaming forums, subreddits like r/GameDeals, or social media groups, I’ve regularly seen gamers post the latest discounted games they’ve discovered across various platforms. Not only will they find spontaneous deals and discounts through unorthodox yet effective means, but they also provide some additional instructions and tips you might find helpful.

[Steam] Neckbreak (4.79$/70% off)
byu/MGP-Studios inGameDeals

Additionally, you can leverage price comparison websites. These online tools, like PriceRunner or Idealo, allow you to compare prices for specific video games across numerous online retailers at one glance. This can help ensure you’re getting the best value for your money when purchasing a game, as prices may vary significantly from one retailer to another.

Conclusion

While saving money on games may take a little effort, it’s doable and well worth it. After all, the cheaper the games, the more you can play. So, implement these strategies, keep your passion for gaming alive, and remember: a smart gamer is a savvy saver. Now go on and conquer those realms!