Over the years gaming has at times had a bad rap but it can actually be quite relaxing and educational whilst also being super fun!
It can help some people expand their imagination and creativity, while for some people it can just be a release from everyday mundane life. Whatever your purpose for gaming if it is something you enjoy then it is something you should continue.
To help you we have come up with some tips to help save you money so you can carry on and enjoy yourself!
Buy Digital Game Keys
Did you know that you can buy game codes at places such as eBay and other online sites? It’s true. If you are a pro gamer then you probably already know what game keys are, but if you are new to the gaming world then don’t worry, we can fill you in!
Gaming keys/codes are unique product codes that can be redeemed on many gaming platforms and allow you full access to digital versions of your game. You can get 100% legitimate working codes for many popular games and subscriptions at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.
You can buy codes for PlayStation Plus, Xbox ultimate game pass, Nintendo Online and Steam download keys from stores like Kinguin. So, if you are in a professional or fanatic gamer and need access to keys, shop around and see what you can find online.
Wait for New Releases to Come Out
A pro tip when buying games is to wait for a new version of the game to come out as the older version will then most likely see a reduction or discount in the price. All you need is a little bit of patience.
While a lot of people can't wait to get a new release straightaway, if you are purchasing a single-player game then you can afford to wait it out and sit back until online stores like Gamivo discount the older version of the game you want.
If you are on a budget and are looking for the latest multiplayer game, again, you do not need to buy the game as soon as it is released, wait it out as these games go through ‘seasons’ of content so you will have time to catch up.
Buy Used Games
Whether you are a PC gamer or a console gamer, gaming can be expensive. This has never been more true when there are new releases every year. Full-price new releases can carry quite a hefty cost but you can pick up used games for a fraction of the cost if you do your research.
Head over to the web and visit some of the obvious places first, such as eBay, Amazon or G2A where you can buy used products. You’re likely to find a ton of used games and you may be surprised at just how cheap some of these are.
Look out for games listed in auctions and wait until the auction is near closing before making your bid. Don’t bid too early! You do need to be patient as you probably won’t be the only person looking for that specific game so these may sell quickly.
Look Out for Deals & Sales
If your budget is tight, work out what game is your priority and head over to online gaming stores like ShopTo to check out their sales. Back in the good old days, you could exchange your used games with players around the world via some dedicated websites.
However, this doesn’t seem to happen as frequently now. A lot of gaming stores online do sell older versions and they are at a fraction of the cost of what they would have cost to buy new. You should also keep your eyes open for any sales or special offers.
Most stores will offer a game at a reduced price if you buy another game at full price. it may seem expensive at the time but if you are likely to want to buy the second game in the future then buying the bundle may be more cost-effective.
Sign Up for Loyalty Programmes
reward schemes in place. They may seem a faff about at the time when you are checking out with your purchases, but by signing up you will find out about sales, new releases and discounts before they are available in the shop.
You may also find that there are loyalty schemes in place whereby with all new purchases you get points or cashback towards future purchases. Don’t forget to look out for discounts on first orders too, at Turtle Beach you can get 10% off your first order. This could cut the cost of any new releases that you are literally sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for.
Most of us are living on a strict budget at the moment following the pandemic and with the cost of everything else rising. Ao signing up for loyalty and reward schemes could help you keep on top of your gaming!
Trade In Your Old Games
If you have shelves and boxes of games that you never use anymore and are not likely to want to use in the future, why are you keeping them? Why not sell them or trade them in?
You can trade in or sell your old games online with places such as Music Magpie, Game, Webuygames and Game Xchange plus many many more. It makes no sense to let your old games sit in a box gathering dust when you could be making money from them and allowing someone else the opportunity to check them out.
So when you are done with the 2015 version of Call of Duty, why not trade it in and get cash to put towards the next version?!
Buy in Bundles
If you really want to save some money and only make a single purchase but want to mix up what games you have, there are sites online like MMOGA where you can buy bundles. We also recommend checking out Humble Bundle or Epic Bundle to see what they have on offer.
It may cost you a little more upfront but you will have access to many games all at once. Currently, the biggest package available on Steam is 23 games in a bundle. So if you are a professional gamer looking for a new challenge, there is plenty for you to choose from.