Budget Gaming

Let’s face it. Having a video game hobby can get extremely pricy. I don’t know about you all, but I sometimes cringe when I buy new games or consoles, just because it can be so expensive!

Today, we are going to look at some tips that can help with finances. Budget gaming is a big part of this family’s life. Whatever money we save on games makes it all the more worthwhile.

• Humble Bundle

This is strictly for PC games. However, the benefits of this site are beyond imaginable. You can create a free account, where you will find collections of different types of games in what are known as tiers. The higher the tier the more money you pay. You have to pay a flat rate, but then the average for bundles is around $5 to $8. For $1, you can get three to four games! There are also dozens more that are less than $20. Typically, the categories refresh weekly so you’re never bored with the same game selection.

What’s really cool about this site is that you can put your money into different funds. You can contribute your money to Humble Bundle, the game’s developers, or a charity of the game’s choice. How great is that?! Games we bought that we like include Beat Hazard, Cave Story, Settlers of Catan (mobile), and Prison Architect.

• Steam

Again, this website is strictly for PC games. It’s basically on online distribution hub. You can attach Humble Bundle to the site for the feature of the library Steam has to offer. You can download a variety of games so long as Steam has the license to do so. Every summer and winter Steam has a huge sale. Their discounts are so big that there are memes for it.

If your friends also have a Steam account, you can see what they are playing and get opinions on the games from them instead of random strangers. You can also buy games and lend them to your friends! There are wish lists, and even relatively new games can be a steal. The Gamer bought Civilization for $10, originally $50 and the full series of Overlord for less than $20.

• Play Station Plus and Xbox Live Gold Memberships

So, for this one you pay a lot up front. For our Play Station Plus membership, we pay $50 a year. However, we are rewarded for that membership immensely. Most games are either 50% off or free. We don’t know much about Xbox Live Gold rewards, but it’s enough for people to spend money upfront and reap the benefits of free and cheap games for a whole year. We received Borderlands 2, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown for free! For the PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One, the membership also covers online play.

• Game Stop Power Up Rewards Card

We like Game Stop. The Gamer worked there for a few years. With the rewards card we automatically get 10% off used games and accessories found in stores. The use of the card also earns you points for cool video game gadgets and memorabilia on the website. You also get a free magazine subscription to Game Informer. The cost for the rewards card is $15, however in discounts, it can more than pay for itself.

• Trade In Old Games

If you’re not a collector and haven’t played a game in years, we recommend trading in your games. You can trade them at GameStop, select Wal-Mart stores, and maybe Best Buy. You can trade games in for cash or, if you’re at GameStop, you can buy other games or pre-order them. However, be aware of the trends of games. If there are dozens of copies of a game being traded in, you’ll receive less money. If it’s a rare game, you can get a lot of money. It’s as simple as that.

• Buy Pre-Owned

I love this idea. It’s a cheaper way to build up your collection. In order for it to be a good deal, make sure the condition of the disc is excellent. If it’s damaged, you can get a different copy at the time of purchase, at least at Game Stop anyway. Newer games can be $5 to $10 cheaper. When you combine it with other discounts, you can save up to $10 or more!

Last Tip

If you think you can wait for a newly released game, do it. For example, The Legend of Korra video game comes out next Wednesday. I’m excited for it, but I am not jumping up and down in my chair. I can wait. Now, if Kingdom Hearts 3 was coming out Wednesday, I’d be running to the store to get a copy... and the PS4 system.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you realize that you can buy games at reasonable prices!

(photo credit: http://www.ariablarg.tv/2012/06/lets-rap-about-scaling-videogame-prices/money-saving-tips-from-classic-video-game-bosses-20100910101701729/ )