There’s no getting around it, no matter how you like to play, gaming can be expensive. From the pricey consoles (costing well over $500 for the latest generations!) to the hottest new games, which seem to get more and more expensive every year, sometimes it can feel like gaming sets you back more than it might be worth. A recent survey suggested that the average US gamer spends nearly $1000 a year on their hobby, highlighting just how costs can quickly add up. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the ways in which you can maximize your enjoyment when gaming without overstretching your budget.
Consider Gaming Subscriptions
The subscription model has taken the world by storm over the last decade, with many of us ditching up-front costs in favour of paying a monthly fee for access to a wider range of products. Classic examples include Spotify and Netflix, which, for a relatively low price, provide customers with a seemingly unlimited selection of music, TV shows, and movies. Gaming subscriptions are no different, granting gamers access to hundreds of popular releases for a fraction of the cost of a single game.
For PlayStation users, check out PlayStation Plus, which provides a rotating catalogue of great PlayStation releases, including classic games from previous consoles. It is, however, the Xbox Games Pass Ultimate that presents the most value for money. For as little as $19.99 a month, players can get stuck into hundreds of high-quality titles, including the latest blockbuster releases from developers like EA, Bethesda, and Rockstar Games. What’s more, it’s not only for Xbox but for PC and Cloud gaming too. If you haven’t already signed up, finding the right gaming subscription for you is the first step to maximizing your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Hold Out For The Sales
It is well known that the gaming world is home to some of the most impressive seasonal sales out there, with game marketplaces across the board offering huge discounts on both major releases and indie titles. While it can be hard to resist the urge when there is huge hype surrounding a new game, if you can be patient and wait for the sales, you can end up saving a significant amount. Both Xbox and PlayStation have major sales throughout the year, notably on Black Friday and during the festive season, while Steam, the premier PC games platform, continues to generate excitement with its legendary summer and winter sales.
Those who prefer to play on mobile should also be eagle-eyed for any limited-time offers available throughout the year, as although many mobile games are free-to-play, impressive deals are common, offering things like discounted skins and in-game currency. However you like to play, holding out for the sales is a no-brainer.
Make the Most of Bonuses and Freebies
Another great way to elevate your gaming without spending a cent is by taking advantage of the countless bonuses and freebies that are available these days. Across the gaming sector, developers and platforms alike look to attract and retain players through lucrative promotional offers, and as a player, you should be making sure you’re in the loop with the latest offerings. Mobile gamers should be alert for freebies, with free cosmetic items and exclusive additional content often up for grabs as part of promotional deals. Finally, for PC and console players, make sure to check out the Epic Games Store every week to take advantage of their weekly free games, available to download free of charge for a limited time only.
Play the Field When Gaming Online
With the sheer number of online gaming platforms out there, it can be easy to become quickly overwhelmed, playing it safe and reverting to the tried and tested sites you know well. However, to ensure you get the best bang for your buck when online, make sure to play the field, sniffing out the best deals while finding the highest quality gameplay. Using trusted guides is a great way to do this, providing the key information to help find the right platform for you. For example, if you want to know how lucrative the bonus codes available at DraftKings are, a guide such as Casino.org checks for you. Exploring the huge variety of options available is a simple hack for enhancing your online gaming experience while saving pennies in the process.
Tips for Buying the Right Hardware
One of the most expensive elements of gaming is, of course, the device or console that you use to play your favourite games, so making efforts to minimize this cost is a smart way to make savings. There are multiple ways to approach this, depending on what kind of gamer you are and how willing you are to make certain sacrifices. For example, if you’re not bothered about playing the latest releases, then maybe opt for the previous generation of consoles like the PS4 or the Xbox One. These consoles are significantly cheaper than their newer counterparts yet are still powerful enough to run most games well — a great option for the casual gamer.
However, if you take gaming more seriously and still want to make savings on hardware, consider building your own PC rather than buying the expensive high-spec pre-built options. While certainly not easy, this option allows for complete personalization as well as greater value for money. Furthermore, a fun challenge in itself, many will find the process of building their own PC rewarding and enjoyable.
While some of the tips here are certainly easier to implement than others, applying just a few of these will put you on the right track to stretching your money further without sacrificing quality or enjoyment. Remember, gaming should be fun, so allow yourself to spend when you can, and store these tips for when you need them most.
