Financially, times are tough. I can’t speak for anyone else, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough money around or in my pockets these days.
I’ll be honest I’ve never had that big of a budget growing up, exacerbated by the fact that I have a horrendous student loan to pay back. Now that Cameron and I have moved in together I really don’t have much spare money to spend on some of the newer games that come out with price points between $39.99 and $59.99. I have made some exceptions, but most of the time I never get a game brand new on the day it releases which has caused me to miss out on quite a few games over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to buy them immediately, but I can’t.
Let’s discuss how you could finagle your way into playing new (or old) games on a budget.
- Trade-ins - Many places that sell video games also offer you credit for your used games and consoles. Some of the more mainstream stores like Best Buy or GameStop will only take newer products. Privately owned establishments will take older items (I’m talking about those old Super Nintendo cartridges under your bed). You can then take this money and apply it towards a new or used game.
- Steam - Steam has many opportunities to save money. The newest games may be full price, but during the annual holiday and summer sales, prices can be cut as deeply as 50 to 75%. Older games are always available for great prices, which are also cut drastically during the annual sales.
- Gamefly - Gamefly is the Netflix of gaming. You can choose between two monthly fees and rent one or two games at a time. If you decide to keep the game, you can at a discounted price. This service would be good if you tend to finish games quickly and do not become attached or have the desire to replay a game.
- Save - What’s that? Saving for something you want? Nonsense! I remember getting an allowance and doing extra work around the house to earn money for the things I wanted when I was younger. It gives you a sense of pride knowing you earned what you pay for. If you’re sure you want to buy a new game when it comes out, save a little here and there instead of spending it on other things. Use an envelope, jar or good old-fashioned piggy bank to store the money and keep it separate from your everyday money.
Please contribute any other ideas you’ve had for purchasing games on a budget.
back when I was doing better I used buy two games a month at least. well on average during the summer months not so much and when he got around the holidays maybe I would get three. I won't go into details about how it happened but needless to say bottom fell out... When I lost my job, my apartment. I had to sell my amost all my stuff my games with tails got nothing for my laptop my PC. oh and what hurts the most is I only got 48 dollars for my PlayStation 3 slim because retailers won't buy it without the original AV cables and all I had was a HDMI cord. anyways I digress sorry I didn't mean to vent even with all this I'm still a Gammer and gaming is a very expensive habit. I saved up for 6 months to buy skyrim and everything I had to go through to save up for it makes me appreciate the game so much more... sorry if I gave of vibe being a downer :) gaming can be done on a budget folks. sorry for the huge wall of text Melissa.
ReplyDeleteThat is a huge bummer to hear about your misfortune, I hope things turn up! Skyrim was definitely worth the save, it has so much content and beauty it could last you a long time. They need to make more games like that but sadly I believe the developers are worried they wouldn't make as much money.
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