As a gamer, you know how expensive the latest and greatest gaming titles can be. Sometimes they seem out of reach because of their high price tag, but there are ways to make games more affordable. Whether you’re buying used copies from game stores like blimpsrock price or renting them from online outlets, these tips will help you save money.
1. Know your budget:
Games are expensive, so spend according to what it is that YOU can afford to spend on a game without denying yourself other necessities in life like food and housing.
2. Rent before you buy:
Most gaming stores and online outlets, including some libraries, offer video games for rent. Renting a game can help you determine if it is something that you want to invest in before you buy it. Many places also offer incentives like discounts on games and gift cards for renting instead of purchasing new. However, always check the fine print to make sure there are no hidden fees because sometimes there are.
3. Don’t pay full price:
Although many gaming sites charge full price for games, you should compare prices with sites like Amazon, NewEgg and Best Buy. One of the best ways to save money on a game is to buy it. After the release of new game titles, look for deals from gaming companies or from online discounters like Amazon and Wal-Mart. You can often find hefty discounts after holidays or during back to school sales and holidays such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
4. Buy used:
Used copies of games can be found in gaming stores, online outlets and are sometimes offered by friends and family. While buying used games may seem like a great way to save money, always be aware that there may be a reason why that particular copy is being sold as used. Game discs can become scratched from use or from improper storage, which means you might end up with a game that doesn’t work. Always check the disc thoroughly before you buy it or have it in your possession.
5. Consider online options:
There are many online sources where you can download video games, including major players like Steam and the App Store for iPhone and Android Devices. There are even free online sources like Kongregate, which offer games that you can play online. The benefit of online gaming is that you can try before you buy.
6. Group up with friends:
The newest versions of games can be pricey, so if you have a friend who has the same interests as you do, it may be possible to split the price of one game between two or more people. This is especially good with games that have an online component. Gamers can often be found in the same groups on gaming forums such as Facebook and even gaming groups on popular social media sites such as Twitter. Post up a topic in a group to see if anyone is interested in playing a game and if so, come play a round.
7. Listen to the hype:
Nowadays, we are bombarded with new releases coming out every few months and that is creating an effect where it seems there is always something new to look forward to whether it’s from the latest Call of Duty or shiny Xbox One or PlayStation 4 game titles. Most gamers have a few people they play video games with regularly, so why not purchase the newest titles together? It’s a great way to save money and have fun with friends at the same time. If you’re buying used copies, make sure everyone checks the disc before handing over the cash.
If you’re shopping for new titles, consider attending gaming conventions like PAX and GenCon where there are steep discounts on all kinds of gaming goodies and collectibles, including games themselves. Many gaming companies also offer promotions for anyone who attends these conventions, such as special coupons for future games or other incentives that can save a gamer money.
8. Collect rewards:
Some gaming companies offer rewards programs that include points that you earn from purchasing and playing their games. You can redeem your points for prizes or enter contests where you could win big cash and prizes. Signing up for these rewards programs usually means you have to register an account with the company’s website, but once you do, it is worth it because there are many perks including giveaways on unique and rare collectibles.
Summary:
Always remember that when buying games, you are paying the publishers of the games for their intellectual property and not for the games themselves. If you do go for used copies, always check the disc. If a disc is scratched or damaged, it won’t work and it will be difficult to return if something else gets scratched or dented in shipping. Online gaming can also be expensive because visitors have to pay even if they only want to check out a few games at a time.
